The White Truffle Fairs in 2015 Alba White Truffle Tuber magnatum Pico Something who tells about a territory, speaking to the future by the language of its own traditions; something who rediscovers colors and scents of a land, changes and it is equal to itself at the same time, in the infinite cycle gifted by Mother Nature: that’s White Truffle. It is still a gem in Piedmont, which seems enchanted and calls worldwide’s attention. Every year, the taste of this product with no equal is discovered. The purpose of this brochure is to make it known to the always growing lovers of cookery, thanks to the multiple fairs where the White Truffle is the actual leading actor of our lands.

Sergio Chiamparino Alberto Valmaggia President of Councillor for Environment and Mountain Regione Piemonte development of Regione Piemonte What is truffle? For those who love it, it is a wonderful scent. Technically, however, a truffle is a “hypogeal” mushroom (not a tuber!) which grows underground and clings to the roots of trees. A humble product of nature and a prestigious status symbol, its charm has seduced us for thousands of years, surrounded by mystery. According to the myth, it was a thunderbolt launched by Zeus himself - the lord of all gods and a great lover - which fertilized the place where a precious pearl would later bloom: truffle. Among the over 120 aromas that it is able to release, researchers have identified the presence of pheromones, thus giving a scientific explanation to its aphrodisiac powers in 1981. here, how and when to W find truffles White truffle, in contrast to black truffle, cannot be cultivated. It grows in autunm and winter, 10- 15 cm deep in the soil, in fresh and wet habitats. As all symbiotic mushrooms, it originates from the mycelium, but it needs a special environment to grow: calcareous soil and the presence of specific trees and shrubs, such as oaks, poplars, willows, lime and hazelnut trees. From a legal point of view, truffles are considered “res nullius”, wich means that belong to whoever find them, except when they grow in controlled and certified cultivation areas. Piedmont is one of the few places where truffles grow in significant quantities. The truffle area covers 4 provinces: from the Langhe- Roero and Monferrato hills to the area. The harvest period goes from September 21st to January 31st. he “trifulau” and T their dogs Many mysteries revolve around truffles, such as the right places and times to find and harvest them. The most skilled “trifulau”, the best truffle hunters, only share the- se secrets with their loyal dog, whose acute sense of smell is trained to recognize the pecu- liar scent of truffles. They form an inseparable team in life and in the many hours spent searching the woods. Their knowledge comes from in- stinct, but also from studying. More than 130 years ago, the first and only university for truffle dogs was created in Roddi, a few miles of Alba! A “trifulau” needs a valid pass, issued by local administration authority, that is valid in the whole italian territory. reserving and cooking Ptruffles Truffles must be kept in a fresh place, between 3 °C and 6 °C, possibly wrapped in pa- per towel and placed inside a glass container. Preserved in this way, a fresh truffle can be kept for about one week. Wrong preservation can acce- lerate deterioration. Some of the things which should ne- ver be done are placing truf- fles in a freezer (they lose all their features), in oil (they fer- ment) or in brine (where they lose their scent and taste). Truffles are ideally eaten raw, cut in very thinny slices on top of simple dishes with few condiments, such as “tajarin” (typical egg tagliatelle) or a humble fried egg. A guaranteed taste Piedmont hosts the most important district of Alba White Truffles, where this extraordinary product reaches the table in perfect conditions thanks to the wi- sdom of hundreds of operators. This heritage of knowledge and traditions is at the service of consumers, to whom we offer simple and useful indications.

At fairs make sure that the price and the truffles species are clearly indicated and, in support of your purchases, trust the “Commission Quality” service.

Restaurants who joined the Truffle Club (www.truffleclub.org) have entered into agreement, by signing a policy document, in order to observe the following conditions: 1. the price of Alba White Truffle will be clearly indicated; 2. the truffle will be sliced directly at your table, and not in the kitchen; 3. Alba White Truffle, according to law, will be offered only during the ripening season, from September 21st to January 31st; 4. at restaurants, customers will be allowed to eat the truffles purchased by their own.

National fairs Moncalvo (AT) - Fiera Mostra Mercato del tartufo Once again, the fair offers exhibitions and the award for best truffle of the year, as well as many side events. During the festival, visitors have the opportunity to meet truffle hunters and their dogs, visit the truffle market and the booths oftypi- cal products and handicrafts, as well as participate in food and wine tasting events. www.comune.moncalvo.at.it

Montechiaro d’Asti (AT) - Fiera nazionale del tartufo bianco del Monferrato Even in the 2015 edition, this picturesque village in Monferrato hosts a market of typical products. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy entertainment events and the best truf- fles are awarded a prize. www.montechiaro.info

Murisengo (AL) - 48ª Fiera nazionale del tartufo - Trifola d’Or Created in 1967, this is a special occasion to enjoy the wholesome tastes of a land whe- re tradition is still a genuine habit. The fair, that will take place on two sundays, will offer moments of entertainment for kids and touring shows. www..com - www.fieradeltartufo.com Rivalba (TO) - Mostra mercato del Tartufo bianco d’Alba della Regione Piemonte raccolto nelle colline torinesi The fascinating settings of Torino hills, for more than twenty years have been the location of the fine White Truffle’s fairs, which is a typical product in Rivalba territories. The 2015 edition will take place in two weekends, with markets of wine and food products, handi- crafts and the award ceremony of the very best truffle. www.comune.rivalba.to.it (AL) - Mostra mercato del tartufo bianco e nero The exhibition illustrates the production of truffles in the lands of Giarolo, and showca- ses the great wines and typical products of the area. The day also includes a market, the awarding of the “Tartufo d’oro” prize and the event “A tavola con il Tartufo”. Visitors can also participate in the truffle auction. www.comunesansebastianocurone.it R egional fairs

Acqui Terme (AL) - 11ª Mostra regionale del tartufo comune.acquiterme.al.it

Alessandria - 30° Fiera di San Baudolino www.asperia.it

Asti - Fiera del tartufo www.comune.asti.it

Bergamasco (AL) - 17ª Fiera mostra mercato del tartufo www.comune-bergamasco.it

Canelli (AT) - Fiera regionale del tartufo www.comune.canelli.at.it

Castelnuovo Don Bosco (AT) - Fiera regionale del tartufo www.comune.castelnuovodonbosco.at.it

Mombercelli (AT) - Fiera del tartufo 2015 www.comune.mombercelli.at.it R egional fairs

Mondovì (CN) - Peccati di gola 2015 - XVII Fiera regionale del Tartufo www.comune.mondovi.cn.it Montiglio Monferrato (AT) - Fiera del tartufo di Montiglio Monferrato www.comune.montigliomonferrato.at.it

Odalengo Piccolo (AL) - 22ª Fiera Tufo & Tartufo www.comune.odalengopiccolo.al.it

San Damiano d’Asti (AT) - Fiera regionale del tartufo - anno 2015 www.comune.sandamiano.at.it

Trisobbio (AL) - Fiera del Tartufo www. comune..al.it

Vezza d’Alba (CN) - Fiera regionale del tartufo bianco di Vezza d’Alba e dei vini del Roero www.comunevezzadalba.it Montiglio 1 October 4th and 11st Fiera del tartufo di Montiglio Monferrato Monferrato (AT)

From october 10th 85ª Fiera internazionale del Tartufo 2 Alba (CN) to november 15th Bianco d'Alba - Edizione 2015

Odalengo 3 October 10th and 11st 22ª Fiera Tufo & Tartufo Piccolo (AL)

4 Bergamasco (AL) October 10th and 11st 17ª Fiera mostra mercato del tartufo

5 Moncalvo (AT) October 18th and 25th 61ª Fiera Mostra Mercato del tartufo

6 Mombercelli (AT) October 19th Fiera del Tartufo 2015

From october 23rd 7 (AL) 11ª Mostra regionale del tartufo to october 25th

8 Trisobbio (AL) October 25th Fiera del Tartufo

From october 30th to Peccati di Gola 2015 - XVIII Fiera 9 Mondovì (CN) november 1st regionale del tartufo

XXVIII Mostra mercato del tartufo bianco 10 Rivalba (TO) November 1st and 8th d'Alba della Regione Piemonte raccolto nelle colline torinesi 11 November 8th 30ª fiera di San Baudolino

12 Canelli (AT) November 8th Fiera regionale del tartufo

Montechiaro Fiera nazionale del tartufo bianco del 13 November 8th d’Asti (AT) Monferrato

San Damiano 14 November 8th Fiera regionale del Tartufo - anno 2015 d’Asti (AT)

15 Asti November 15th Fiera del tartufo

48ª Fiera nazionale del tartufo - 16 Murisengo (AL) November 15th and 22nd Trifola d’Or

San Sebastiano 32ª Mostra mercato del tartufo bianco 17 November 15th and 22nd Curone (AL) e nero

Fiera regionale del tartufo bianco di 18 Vezza d'Alba (CN) November 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th Vezza d'Alba e dei vini del Roero

Castelnuovo Don 19 November 29th Fiera regionale del tartufo Bosco (AT)

Turin Malpensa Airport Airport 16 3 1 5 n International fair

10 n National fair

Turin railway 11 n Regional fair station 15 Porta Nuova 19 13 14 6

18 4 12 17 7 8

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Cuneo Airport

9 Council for Environment and Mountain development Corso Bolzano, 44 - 10121 Torino -

Design and production by IPLA spa For more information, please visit: www.truffleclub.org

Special thanks for its contribution and cooperation to:

photos: D. Dutto (p. 2,4,5,6) e S. Spadoni (p. 1,3,16) graphics: F. Mensio - IPLA spa / stampa: Artistica Savigliano