• Food & Wine
    • Mountains

Local specialties in valtellina

A small area of ​​Lombardy with a rich gastronomic tradition

Valtellina is a region rich with high-quality products that are famous all over the world. Their most important products include cheeses (such as Bitto cheese), wine, pizzoccheri pasta, bresaola (dried beef) and bitters.

 

Tradition has it that in the mountain pastures in the summer, the milk is transformed into precious Bitto cheese, while the return of the herds in the valley is linked to the production of the Valtellina Casera once only available in winter, which can now be found throughout the year. Expert shepherds and cheese makers, the Celts, to conserve and transfer the nutritional properties of milk over time, began to produce long-keeping cheeses, and it is likely that the etymology of the name Bitto, deriving from "Bitu", may indicate something that is persistent. Since 1996, these cheeses have been awarded the Protected Designation of Origin: their production technology is defined by the respective disciplines to ensure their unique quality. After they have aged for 70 days, the wheels of cheese are inspected one by one, by the technicians of the Consortium that apply the fire brand of quality.

The first historical evidence attesting to the production of Bresaola dates back to the 15th century. The origin of the name Bresaola can traced to the Germanic word "brasa", meaning embers, since braziers were used in ancient times to heat and dehumidify the air in the aging rooms. The braziers unleashed an aromatic smoke that was obtained by throwing juniper berries and bay leaves on burning coals of fir wood.

Another important delicacy is Pizzoccheri della Valtellina. The earliest origins of this buckwheat pasta can be traced back to 1750 when it was cited in a will. Buckwheat, the main ingredient constituting the heart of the recipe, originally came from Siberia (the cultivation of this crop in Italy is dated around the 15th century, in Teglio). The first crop of furmentun dates back to the 1600s. In terms of red wines, Valtellina is a major producer. The Denomination of Origin (D.O.) of Valtellina boasts 2 DOCG (Sforzato di Valtellina and Valtellina Superiore) 1 DOC (Rosso di Valtellina) and 1 IGT (Terrazze Retiche di Sondrio), with vineyards covering about 800 hectares.

Some of Valtellina's bitters most worthy of mention include braùlio and fruit grappa. Bràulio is a liqueur aperitif, digestive and tonic, with a pleasantly bitter taste and moderate alcohol content (21 %). Its main ingredients are herbs and medicinal plants, fruits, roots and wild berries, collected in the mountains surrounding Bormio, the pristine environment of the Stelvio National Park. Grappa, on the other hand, is made with characteristic flavours including blueberries, wild strawberries and raspberries.

Take me here: Local specialties in valtellina

On the same topic

For Wine Cellars in Lombardy

Rows of vineyards line the countryside, producing some of the finest wines in the world. Exploring Wine Cellars in Lombardy
  • Food & Wine
Vineyards in Sondrio in Valtellina

Wine and Flavor Trail Franciacorta

Among rows of vines with perfect geometries that cross small villages rich in history, traditions, farms, cellars and signs of human activity: discover Franciacorta
  • Food & Wine
Wine and Flavor Trail Franciacorta,

Cotoletta a la Milanese Recipe

His secret? Cutlet, breadcrumbs and... fry in a frying pan with bubbling butter
  • Food & Wine
Cotoletta a la Milanese recipe, a world famous delicacy

Lombard Mostarda Recipe

With a strong taste, the mostrada is prepared with fruit, sugar and mustard essence
  • Food & Wine
Lombard Mostarda recipe, an ancestral flavor

Cremona and the project EastLombardy

Cremona and its sweetness are closer than what you think
  • Food & Wine
Marubini

Bata Lavar

A traditional pasta dish from the town of Canneto Pavese
  • Food & Wine
Bata Lavar

Zuppa Pavese Recipe

The pavese soup, taste of old dishes, those that were born from the few ingredients available
  • Food & Wine
Zuppa Pavese recipe, a soup fit for a king

Miccone

The *miccone* is a traditional bread from Oltrepò Pavese with a crispy crust and a dense yet soft crumb.
  • Food & Wine
Miccone di Stradella

A little bit of Valtellina on the table: sciatt

  • Food & Wine
A little bit of Valtellina on the table: sciatt

Panettone recipe

The secret of the preparation of the panettone: one of the typical sweets of the Milanese tradition
  • Food & Wine
Panettone recipe, a Milanese staple

Bresaola

One of the symbolic products of Valtellina, obtained through the method of preserving meat by salting and drying.
  • Food & Wine
Bresaola

Cremona Nougat Recipe

It is a variation of the traditional sweet that includes the addition of aromas such as vanillin and candied fruit, which make the mixture softer based on sugar, honey and album
  • Food & Wine
Cremona Nougat Recipe, homemade goodness

Bike riding along San Colombano’s Wine Route

Vini e prodotti della Pianura Padana. La Strada del Vino San Colombano è un percorso di eccellenze dalla storia centenaria
  • Food & Wine
Bike riding along San Colombano’s Wine Route

What to eat in Cremona and the surrounding area

Typical dishes you should try in the Cremona area
  • Food & Wine
Cosa mangiare a Cremona e dintorni

8 summer festivals not to be missed

Festivals that reveal a region rich with tradition and plenty of tasty treats!
  • Food & Wine
Sagra di San Giovanni - Ossuccio - Isola Comacina

Typical Cheeses

From the mountain pastures, where the animals graze freely feeding on alpine herbs, one can find unique cheeses such as Bitto, Casera and Scimudin.
  • Food & Wine
Typical Cheeses

At table, from Cremona to Mantua

Lambrusco and squash tortelli. Mustard and roasted meat. Contrasts and harmonies in traditional flavors to taste
  • Food & Wine
At table, from Cremona to Mantua

What to do in franciacorta

Land of wine, nature and history between Bergamo and Brescia. Franciacorta an experience that leaves all your senses satisfied.
  • Food & Wine
What to do In Franciacorta

Polenta e Bruscitt Recipe

Typical dish of Lombardy made with polenta and stewed beef strips
  • Food & Wine
Polenta e Bruscitt recipe, a specialty from Busto Arsizio

Tasting in Lombardy: Five flavoursome experiences

  • Food & Wine
Mete Golose_Franciacorta