When you think of truffles, what comes to mind? Expensive, decadent meals at Michelin-star restaurants? If that’s your association with truffles, you’re not alone. But truffles can be quite affordable and can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways. We’ll explore the culinary delights that are truffles from Piedmont, including when the best time is to enjoy them, the different types of truffles found in Piedmont, how truffles are hunted and found, and what sorts of wines pair well with truffles. So, if you’re looking for a gastronomic adventure, look no further than truffles from Piedmont!

What are Truffles?

Truffles are a type of fungus that grow underground, typically in alkaline, calcareous soils. They can be found in many different parts of the world, but the most famous and sought-after truffles come from Piedmont, Italy, where their collection is strictly controlled. Truffles from Piedmont are typically harvested between October and December, though they can be found as early as September and as late as February. There are many different types of truffles found in Piedmont, but the most prized truffle is the white truffle (Tuber magnatum).

Truffles are typically hunted with the help of dogs, since the traditional truffle pig was thought to cause too much damage to the wider ecosystem. The animals are trained to sniff out the truffles, which are then dug up by the truffle hunters.

Once the truffles are unearthed, they are carefully brushed and cleaned before being sold.

White Truffles vs. Black Truffles

Let’s compare the two most popular types of truffles: white truffles and black truffles. White truffles from Piedmont are the most sought after and the most expensive. They have a pungent aroma, with a delicate, earthy flavour with hints of garlic and onion. Black truffles are more affordable but are not considered to have as good a flavour. Are white truffles worth the extra expense?

The answer to this question is subjective. Some people believe that white truffles are worth the extra expense because of their unique flavour. Others believe that black truffles are just as good, if not better, than white truffles. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience, white truffles from Piedmont are definitely worth trying. But if you’re on a budget, black truffles are a great option as well.

When choosing truffles, it is important to select those that are firm and have a strong aroma. Avoid any that are soft or have a weak smell. Truffles are one of the most pungent and flavour-packed foods you can buy – so if there’s no aroma, there’s no point!

So, what sorts of foods can be made with truffles? Truffles can be used in a variety of different dishes, both savoury and sweet. They can be shaved over pasta or risotto, added to omelettes or scrambled eggs, used in stuffings or sauces, or even baked into breads and desserts.

Pairing Truffles with Wines from Piedmont

Now that we’ve explored white and black truffles, let’s talk about pairing them with wine.

Wines from Piedmont are the perfect choice for pairing with foods prepared with truffles. The rich, earthy, yet juicy flavours of the wines have evolved over hundreds of years of culinary experimentation to match perfectly with the intense savoury flavour of the white truffles, and the classically pronounced tannins in Piedmont wines will help to balance out the pungent flavours of the truffle.

When it comes to choosing a wine to pair with truffles, there are no hard and fast rules. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and what sorts of flavours you want to bring out in the dish – but here are a few of our favourite matches:

The Classic: Scrambled Eggs with Grated Truffle

There’s nothing simpler yet more delicious than grating some truffle over a plate of scrambled eggs and serving it up with a bottle of Gavi di Gavi Fignini from La Chiara. The creaminess of the lees-aged Gavi will perfectly balance the richness of the dish, but the delicate flavours of the wine won’t overwhelm.

Be sure to use top quality butter and the best free-range eggs you can find, as a classic dish like this depends on the quality of its ingredients. Don’t overcook it! The eggs should remain slightly runny as they come out of the pan – and be sparing with your grate of truffle. A little goes a long way.

The Unusual: Piedmont Truffle-Infused Cheese

If a whole white truffle is a little beyond your Tuesday night budget, a great option is to try one of the incredible truffle-infused cheeses that come from Piedmont. Jeroboams sells a fabulous example in its Holland Park shop – and you can pick up a bottle of Barbera d’Alba Fisetta at the same time. Its spicy cherry and sour plum notes matched with its fine acidity will serve as the perfect counterpoint to the pungency and earthiness of the cheese.

The Decadent: Brasato al Barolo

If you’re after the ultimate gastronomic experience of Piedmont, then the king of truffles should be matched with the king of wines. Pick up a white truffle during the season from October to December and use it to infuse the ultimate hit of savoury power to a Brasato al Barolo – a typical beef stew from Piedmont.

The richness of this meaty dish with perfectly partner the deep flavours of a top-quality Barolo, which will need at least five years’ ageing for its characteristic tannins to melt into balance, so we’d recommend trying the 2017 Barolo from Luca Bosio.

The Piedmont Food and Wine Adventure Starts:

If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, truffles from Piedmont are the perfect place to start. With their rich flavour and versatility, truffles are sure to please any palate. And with the wide variety of wines from Piedmont to pair with them, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your next meal.

Saluti!