One of the most famous products of Marche is the white truffle from Acqualagna. This small town is located in the province of Pesaro-Urbino and is known as the “Capital of Truffles”. The white truffle is a rare and extremely expensive delicacy that grows underground in the roots of certain trees, such as oaks and hazelnuts. It is highly prized for its unique flavor and aroma, and it is used sparingly in high-end restaurants and gourmet dishes.
Acqualagna hosts an annual White Truffle Fair, which lasts for several weekends during the months of October and November. This event attracts thousands of visitors from all over Italy and Europe, who come to taste and buy these precious tubers. The fair is a lively and colorful event, with stalls selling truffles, cheeses, cured meats, wines, and other local specialties. There are also cooking shows, truffle hunts, and guided tours of the surrounding countryside.
Apart from white truffles, Marche is famous for its other culinary treasures. One of them is the Verdicchio di Matelica, a white wine made from the verdicchio grape in the town of Matelica. This wine is crisp, dry, and mineral, with floral and fruity notes. It pairs well with seafood, pasta, and white meat dishes.
Another wine that Marche is proud of is the Rosso Conero, a red wine made from the montepulciano grape in the Conero area, near the city of Ancona. This wine is full-bodied, intense, and aromatic, with hints of berries, spices, and leather. It pairs well with red meat, game, and aged cheeses.
Marche is also a land of olive groves, producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The most renowned oil is the Cartoceto DOP, made from the coratina and franchese cultivars in the town of Cartoceto. This oil is fruity, spicy, and robust, with a golden-green color and a velvety texture. It is ideal for bruschetta, salads, and grilled vegetables.
Cheeses are also a strong point of Marche’s gastronomy. The most famous ones are the Pecorino di Fossa and the Casciotta d’Urbino. The Pecorino di Fossa is a sheep’s milk cheese that is aged in pits dug in the ground for several months. It has a sharp, tangy, and pungent taste, with a crumbly consistency. It goes well with honey, jams, and nuts. The Casciotta d’Urbino is a mixed milk cheese that is soft, delicate, and creamy, with a mild flavor and a white color. It is perfect for appetizers, sandwiches, and omelets.
In conclusion, Marche is a land of foodies’ paradise that offers an abundance of flavors and aromas for all tastes. Whether you are a fan of truffles, wines, oils, or cheeses, you will find something to delight your palate in this region. So why not plan a food and wine tour of Marche and savor its culinary treasures? You won’t regret it!