OUR
TYPICAL PRODUCTS
The scent and taste of simple flavours to be savoured surrounded by the beauty of Vigoleno: you really cannot miss the opportunity to taste our typical local products.
VIN SANTO OF VIGOLENO
Vin Santo di Vigoleno is made from raisin grapes: depending on ageing, it may be golden or amberin colour, and be delicate or intense to the nose; in the mouth, it is always pleasantly sweet, harmonious, full-bodied, velvety and very persistent.
Vin Santo di Vigoleno is a Colli Piacentini DOC regulated by rather strict production regulations, especially as regards grapes: Santa Maria and Melara (minimum 40%), Bervedino and Trebbiano Romagnolo, for the remainder. Since 2009, the Vin Santo di Vigoleno DOC Association has been protecting the particular characteristics that make this wine unique. The 6 member wineries share visions and attitudes: together they follow certain processing steps, monitored by the official oenologist, and produce around 1,200 bottles per year, a small and precious treasure.
The Association maintains a wine shop in the village of Vigoleno where you can taste all the Vin Santos made by its member producers: some are very small wineries and the wine shop is the only place to find them, an opportunity for a unique tasting experience. To book a tasting session and find out the opening hours of the wine shop visit the Association’s Facebook page.
In May and November, the village hosts Vinoleno, a festival dedicated precisely to Vin Santo in Vigoleno, organised in collaboration with the Proloco. The formula is that of tasting stalls with forums, guided tasting sessions in the village and small side events. For event dates and schedule, follow our social channels or consult our calendar.
COLLI PIACENTINI DOC WINES
The entire Piacenza hills area is considered to be a land of wines. Among the reds, the most famous is Gutturnio, both sparkling and still. It derives from Barbera (55-70%) and Croatina (30-45%), which is called Bonarda here. It has a ruby red colour tending towards violet, and is a well-structured wine. If sparkling, it is drunk chilled to accompany snacks, hors d’oeuvres of cured meats and pasta dishes. When still, it is served at room temperature and is suitable for the whole meal, with roasts, braised meats, mature cheeses, mushrooms and black truffles.
On the subject of white wines, the Piacenza area is the land of choice for Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, which is vinified still and sparkling, sweet and dry, and Ortrugo, a dry and pleasant sparkling white wine.
It is precisely from Malvasia and Ortrugo – as well as other white grape varieties in Alta Val d’Arda that Monterosso Val d’Arda comes from, with its name taken from a hill behind nearby Castell’Arquato. It is a light wine with a delicate bouquet, ideal for a snack, an aperitif or at the end of a meal.
PIACENZA'S PDO CURED MEATS
One cannot talk about Vernasca without mentioning the cured meats from Piacenza, including coppa, salami and pancetta. These products, made with artisan care according to centuries-old traditions, are a true symbol of rural culture, perfect for enjoying during a rustic aperitif or accompanied by a good glass of sparkling Ortrugo or Gutturnio.
Per saperne di più:
HONEY
Beekeeping and its products, such as honey , have also become part of the village’s typical produce in recent years. You will find local products for sale in the shops: the goodness and quality of these products is also linked to the low level of human settlement in the area.
POTATOES, CHESTNUTS, MUSHROOMS AND TRUFFLES
Unpopulated hillsides and natural methods produce the excellent Vezzolacca potatoes, the secret of goodness of the much-loved Vezzolacca potato cake: in August there is even a festival dedicated to it.
The Bionda di Vezzolacca chestnut, produced using traditional techniques from the ancient chestnut groves that make the landscape so beautiful, comes from the woods; it is listed among the PAT, traditional food products of Emilia Romagna.
There are also: mushrooms, black truffles, table grapes. The products of our region are a real temptation for the palate and give rise to mouth-watering dishes that you can enjoy in the area’s trattorias and restaurants.
BROWSE PHOTO GALLERY:
EVENTS IN VIGOLENO
WE ARE IN THE UPPER VAL D'ARDA
The Alta Val d’Arda is the easternmost Apennine part of the valley in the province of Piacenza, bordering on the province of Parma.
It has the irresistible charm of a land waiting to be discovered: a treasure chest of history, art, nature and flavours, for those who love to travel far from mass tourism.
