WHITE TRUFFLE, PIEDMONTESE EXCELLENCE, ON DISPLAY IN ASTI

In Asti it is time to celebrate in all its extraordinary nature His Majesty the White Truffle , the Tuber magnatum Pico - a true symbol of the Monferrato land, known and loved throughout the world - and the ancient tradition of the trifulau (truffle hunters), recognized by UNESCO as an "intangible heritage".

Of all the existing species, the White Truffle of Piedmont is certainly the most appreciated variety. Also known as Trifulé, this irregularly shaped specimen is smooth and velvety to the touch. Its scent is unmistakable: intense, the sweet notes of honey balance with the pungent smell of garlic and the acrid scent of the woods.

From November 15th to December 22nd , for 5 weekends, Asti celebrates its jewels: the white truffle and the local food and wine excellences.

For the third consecutive year, the central Piazza San Secondo hosts “ I Gioielli del Territorio ”, an event organized by the Municipality of Asti in collaboration with ATAM (Associazione Trifulau Astigiani e Monferrini) and the trade associations: ASCOM-Confcommercio Asti, CNA Asti, Coldiretti Asti – Campagna Amica, and Confartigianato Asti.

The streets of the historic center will be the protagonists of a long period of events and appointments to celebrate all the best of the food and wine of the area until Christmas, also thanks to the preparation of the furnishings and Christmas lights and the presence of the houses of "The Magical Christmas Village".

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November in Piazza San Secondo the appointment with the National Truffle Fair is renewed. From 10 to 20 sale of products selected by expert ATAM hunters who will take care of checking and verifying the individual specimens and certifying them guaranteeing the quality and safety of the purchase. At 17.00 on Sunday the award ceremony for the "best plate of truffles" and the "best single truffle" is scheduled, again in collaboration with the ATAM association

“ Thanks to the environmental and climatic conditions of the Monferrato area and its extraordinary biodiversity – recalls Piero Botto, president of ATAM . – the prized White Truffle harvested in this area is highly appreciated for the maximum organoleptic properties that distinguish it. Truffle prices for the 2024 season are rising: the average price at the moment is 3,500/4,000 euros per kilo to the public, slightly higher than a few weeks ago”.

During the National Truffle Fair, on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November, the porticoes of Piazza San Secondo the Market of the Twin Cities of Valence (F) and Biberach (DE) while on Sunday 17 November, from dawn to dusk, in the streets of the historic center there will be about one hundred stalls where you can buy the best agricultural and food products of the area and the fine wines of Langhe Monferrato and Roero. Every weekend , until 22 December, the “Palatartufo” hosts 8 stands dedicated to truffles while the trade associations will propose the local food and wine excellences presented by the producers , true ambassadors of the area. Every moment of the day allows you to taste the best of the Asti table: breakfast and snack with desserts from pastry chefs and master bakers; for those who love traditional dishes, don't miss the Tajarin with truffle and the tastings of cured meats and cheeses, accompanied by a glass of wine or craft beer. From 5pm to 8pm the aperitif appointment is with the Monfrà sandwich, 100% Piedmontese, in a mignon version, paired with vermouth.

Among the new features for 2024 is 4WALKING TOUR - TRUFFLE EDITION : 3 tours (Sunday 17 November, Sunday 8 and Sunday 22 December at 10.30 am) organised in collaboration with ATL Langhe Roero Monferrato to discover Asti. The tour, free for children up to 14 years old and pet friendly, starts from Piazza Alfieri and continues towards Piazza San Secondo up to Piazza Catena, to meet the "trifulao". The tour ends in Piazza San Martino, where we will focus on the Baroque of Asti, and Piazza Statuto and retrace the footsteps of Camillo Benso di Cavour, the great statesman who contributed to promoting wine and truffles as the excellences of our territory.