• 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

Lake Garda, olives and lemon houses

Calm waters and mountains landscapes, olives and lemon houses, an exceptional extra virgin olive oil
  • Food & Wine
Sirmione, Garda lake

Varese Local Products Guide

The typical products with which to prepare the dining table are varied and include all the dishes: from appetizers to desserts
  • Food & Wine
Varese local products guide, essential tips

Bata Lavar

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

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

Taste and relaxation in the vineyards

From hills to wineries, welcoming the autumn on a journey through tasting, culture, and relaxation.
  • Food & Wine
Vigneti in Lombardia@inLombardia

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

A little bit of Valtellina on the table: sciatt

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

What can I eat in Cremona?

The main courses of Cremona’s tradition
  • Food & Wine
What can I eat in Cremona?

Il Polentone di Retorbido

The beautiful spring festival dedicated to the wise farmer Bertoldo
  • Food & Wine
Polentone di Retorbido

Valtellina, a history of grapes and rock.

Discovering a fantastic route between food and wine and nature
  • Food & Wine
Valtellina, a story of grapes and rock - teglioturismo.com

Local specialties in valtellina

A small area of ​​Lombardy with a rich gastronomic tradition
  • Food & Wine
Local specialties in Valtellina

Flavors on the lakes: Como and Varese

Lakes and mountains. Tasty dishes, heritage of rural culture
  • Food & Wine
Flavors on the lakes: Como and Varese

Zucca Bertagnina di Dorno

In Dorno, pumpkin cultivation has an ancient tradition. In particular, a variety of pumpkin called "Bertagnina" was historically grown.
  • Food & Wine
Zucca Bertagnina

The Province of Pavia, Italian Capital of Rice

  • Food & Wine
Risotto

Lodi cheeses

Curiosities and characteristics of cheeses for you to taste in Lodi and surrounding area
  • Food & Wine
Formaggi lodigiani

Garda s olive oil

Recognized by everyone as an exceptional oil, especially when paired with certain dishes. Its freshness and delicacy are increasingly appreciated throughout Europe
  • Food & Wine
Garda’s Olive Oil

Crotti in Valchiavenna

Discovering the natural cellars formed under the boulders of ancient landslides from which the "sorel" blows
  • Food & Wine
Valchiavenna@inLombardia_Adobestock

Andiamo a Tavola

33° Edition - Eating in Cremona and province
  • Food & Wine
Andiamo a Tavola

Eating Lombardy

Lombardy shows its excellence with the unique and traditional flavors of each single territory, but it is also international cuisine
  • Food & Wine
Suggestions for eating in Lombardy: restaurants, international and local dishes

Delicious Bergamo!

  • Food & Wine
Tagliere di salumi bergamaschi