Stories

Postcard: 25+ year old balsamic vinegar in Modena

The smell hits you first the minute you open the door to the villa. A heady mix of sweet and tangy from wooden barrels that have been aging balsamic vinegar for decades in the region of Emilia Romagna. I visited two traditional balsamic vinegar producers- Acetaia Malpighi and Acetaia Giusti – to learn about the slow and patient process of making and aging the vinegar which are made from grapes. Round bottles denote that they were produced in Modena. Bottles with a yellow cap are at least 12 years old while those with golden caps are at least 25 years old.

Postcard: 25+ year old balsamic vinegar in Modena

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO CHEESE MAKERS GO HIGH-TECH TO PROTECT A VENERABLE BRAND

As all dedicated followers of the finest formaggio (I know you’re out there) know, Parmigiano Reggiano is the king of cheeses. It was a staple of the royal courts of Medieval Europe. It even had a beguiling role in Boccaccio’s 14th Century classic, The Decameron. And now it’s taking center stage in a new tech podcast that my journalist colleagues and I published today. I know, geeking out over amazing cheese — tough assignment!

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO CHEESE MAKERS GO HIGH-TECH TO PROTECT A VENERABLE BRAND

Exploring Reggio Emilia’s Gastronomy

Reggio Emilia is one of the cities that make up the heart of the Emilia Romagna region in Italy. It’s home to a number of interesting sights, and certainly the gastronomy plays an important role in Emilia Romagna’s cuisine as well. I’ve been to the region about eight times, but I’ve never had the opportunity to explore Reggio Emilia until last month.

I’ll have a number of more in-depth posts coming in the next few months on some of the exciting culinary riches of the region, but for now, I want to share some of the best eats and drinks we discovered in Reggio Emilia.

Exploring Reggio Emilia’s Gastronomy

Episode 9: Emilia Romagna’s Treasure Of Foods

Take a culinary journey through the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. The capitol of Emilia Romagna, Bologna, is nicknamed “the fat one” for a reason. Some of the most delicious Italian foods hail from the area. Mouthwatering treats like gelato, prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and pasta Bolognese are all from here.

Episode 9: Emilia Romagna’s Treasure Of Foods

BlogVille - Parmigiano Reggiano

During the BlogVille journey we visited a parmigiano reggiano factory Caseificio Scalabrini and learned how the cheese is made. It is more difficult procedure that you would guess. Read more about the procedure from here...

BlogVille - Parmigiano Reggiano

6 ICONIC ITALIAN DISHES YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE FROM EMILIA-ROMAGNA (AND WHERE TO GET THEM)

If you think you can come to Italy and keep your waistline intact, you are sorely mistaken – for there is no such thing as being on a diet in this country. Between the countless gelatos (it’s hot in Italy, okay?) and the pasta and the wine, well, calories really aren’t much of a concern. Especially in Emilia-Romagna, one of Italy’s most underrated foodie regions.

6 ICONIC ITALIAN DISHES YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE FROM EMILIA-ROMAGNA (AND WHERE TO GET THEM)

What is Lambrusco – Italy’s Secret Wines

When you think of Italian wines, what do you think of? More often it is the Tuscan wines, like Sangiovese, Chianti (which is made from Sangiovese), Barolo, Montepulciano. Maybe you think of Prosecco, or God forbid Santa Margharita Pinot Grigio. But, do you ever think about Lambrusco?

What is Lambrusco – Italy’s Secret Wines