When we think of the Langhe, our thoughts turn immediately to the most prestigious wines. But there is another treasure hidden among these hills. An extraordinary ingredient considered to be one of the finest in the world, thanks to its complex combination of aroma and flavour. Here we use it to elevate our traditional recipes, such as our delicious fresh-egg pasta tajarin and many other dishes.

I’m starting to feel hungry just thinking about it.

I’m talking about the truffle, a gastronomic luxury that perfectly embodies the culinary wealth of this region.

Truffle hunting is an age-old practice that involves the truffle hunters, known as trifulau, and their faithful dogs, which we call tabui.  This activity is like a symbiotic dance between man and nature.

The trifulau use their experience and knowledge of the territory, relying on the tabui‘s superior sense of smell to detect truffles hidden in the ground. The dogs’ ability to sniff out the scent of the truffles is the consequence of careful training. This synergy between the hunter and his four-legged friend is essential to success in the search for truffles. This whole experience is a celebration of the nature of the Langhe, an area rich in tradition and natural beauty. Every walk in the woods, every indication made by the dog, every truffle found is a tribute to the beauty of this unique ecosystem, an immersion in the complexity of the nature of the Langhe and an opportunity to preserve its ancient heritage.

This mushroom, with its unmistakable flavour, is the symbol of a magnificent region which has so much more to offer than pure culinary pleasure. And this is why back in 2008 we set ourselves an ambitious goal: to preserve the region’s biodiversity. To achieve this, we created an experimental truffle reserve right next to our winery.

The experimental truffle reserve is an area dedicated to research and to the conservation of truffles, created with the aim of studying and preserving them along with the ecosystem that is their home. This space allows us to conduct in-depth research into the different species of truffle found in the area, understanding their growth habits, the ideal soil conditions and the environmental factors that influence their propagation.

But this isn’t just a study area, it’s also an essential tool for the conservation of the truffle and its natural habitat. The experimental truffle reserve contributes to the protection of threatened or endangered species.

Our experimental truffle reserve offers more than a place to merely hunt for truffles. We have adopted innovative practices to promote the growth and propagation of truffles, respecting the delicate balance of this ecosystem. As the grape harvest approaches, nature offers us the opportunity to witness the spectacular sight of the white truffle emerging between the roots of the oak trees and the autumn leaves.

The presence of truffles is not limited to a specific season but varies according to type. For example, the white truffle, known as the ‘king of truffles’, makes its appearance at the end of September.

Other types of truffles, such as the black truffle or the summer truffle, however, grow and appear in different seasons. The black truffle is most common in winter, while the summer truffle can be found from June to August. Each type has its ideal growth and harvesting period, which helps create a variety of research opportunities throughout the year in the Langhe.

Truffles are mushrooms which act as an extension of the roots of the plants around them, supplying them with the nutrients they need. This symbiosis creates a positive impact on the local ecosystem, contributing to the health of the soil and plants.

The ancient oak trees that grow in the Langhe have a particularly special relationship with truffles. Truffles help them extract essential nutrients from the soil. This is a remarkable example of cooperation between different life forms which contributes to the health of the oaks and the growth of the truffles. This relationship emphasises the importance of preserving a balance in terms of environmental conservation.

The experimental truffle reserve also involves the local community. This space is regulated and protected, providing the opportunity to share the wonders of the area with visitors who are interested . We are proud to be one of the few places where tourists can actively participate in the search for truffles, observing the different varieties and experiencing the magic of discovering the area from several points of view.

This is our commitment to preserve and enhance the beauty and uniqueness of the Langhe. We are proud to be part of a movement that places sustainability at the centre of everything it does. The truffle is the hidden treasure that represents a strong bond between man and nature, between tradition and innovation, contributing to the beauty of this land that we love. Every smile amongst the oak trees, every truffle found and every glass raised are a tribute to this wonderful territory.