• 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

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

Bata Lavar

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

Flavours of the Oltrepò Pavese: Autumnal weekends away within a stone’s throw of Milan

Discover Pavese – Enjoy an autumn weekend of tradition, culture and flavour among the most charming villages of the Oltrepò Pavese. Take a look at this list of ideas and get inspired.
  • Food & Wine
 Flavours of the Oltrepò Pavese:  Autumnal weekends away within a stone’s throw of Milan

Brescia Caviar

A surprise in the Po Valley
  • Food & Wine
Brescia caviar, a delicacy of the Po Valley

Wine and Flavor Trail Lombardy

Lombardy was one of the first Italian regions that concretely developed the idea of ​​Wine Roads promoting its realization
  • Food & Wine
Wine and Flavor Trail in Lombardy, authentic tourism

Tasting your way around Monza and Brianza

Wild garlic pesto, pink asparagus from Mezzago, white potatoes from Oreno: discover all the local flavours of Monza e Brianza.
  • Food & Wine
Tasting your way around Monza and Brianza

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

Hunting for truffles, the diamonds of the Lombardy table

From the most prized - the white truffle, to the black summer truffle or Scorzone, the marzuolo, the black Trifola and the black uncinato: also in Lombardy you can find delicious truffles, which are appreciated in restaurants all over the world
  • Food & Wine
Hunting for truffles, the diamonds of the Lombardy table

A little bit of Valtellina on the table: sciatt

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

Culinary Ideas for Winter

Six gastronomic ideas to enjoy the typical traditional flavours of Lombardy, with convivial recipes and delicious tasting experiences
  • Food & Wine
Culinary Ideas for Winter

Cassoeula in Brianza

Typical Lombard dish of peasant origin
  • Food & Wine
Cassoeula in Brianza, history and variations

Lecco culture and flavour

Visiting Lecco? Well, you don’t need to worry about getting lost.
  • Food & Wine
Lecco cultura e sapori

Discover Valtellina: ideal destination for an authentic mountain experience

Discover the winter edition of Valtellina Nascosta
  • Food & Wine
Discover Valtellina: ideal destination for an authentic mountain experience

Risotto e rane

Risotto with frogs, a symbolic dish of the Lomellina tradition
  • Food & Wine
Risotto e rane

Mantua Local Products Guide

Mantua beyond for its historical richness, is famous also for the numerous typical gastronomic products and recipes handed down for generations
  • Food & Wine
Mantua Local Products Guide, the flavor of tradition

Tripe a la Milanese Recipe

It is a second course based on meat and is ideal for lovers of ancient flavors
  • Food & Wine
Tripe a la Milanese recipe, how to prepare it

Bergamo, hunting for flavors

Valleys of extraordinary beauty, like the city that looks at them from the walls. Wines, cheeses, pasta.
  • Food & Wine
Bergamo, hunting for flavors

Carnival sweets in Lombardy

Carts, masks, confetti and fun, Carnival is coming to Lombardy!
  • Food & Wine
@inlombardia - Carnival Sweets in Lombardy

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

Fagiolo Borlotto di Gambolò

The Borlotto bean has been cultivated for centuries in the agricultural area of Gambolò and its immediate surroundings.
  • Food & Wine
Fagioli Borlotto