San Zeno Autumn Promotes Local Food and DOP Chestnut Recognition
In San Zeno di Montagna, the gastronomic autumn was officially launched, a season that will practically last three months, until the end of December. The local restaurants are offering a series of menus based on typical regional products: cheeses, chestnuts, and truffles. The event is organized by «Slow Food» and the «I Ghiottoni» Association, with the patronage of the Comune di San Zeno.
Until October 7th, coinciding with the traditional San Michele Fair — a period marking the end of alpine grazing and livestock sales — the Kus tavern hosted «Far San Michele: the Cheeses», featuring a cheese-focused menu paired with Nuhar, a Sicilian red wine from Rapitalà.
Last Friday, the new book by journalist Angelo Peretti was also presented, dedicated to the fair and the cheese-making traditions of the Monte Baldo area. The volume was funded by the Comune and the European Community, within the framework of the Leader II community initiative programs.
From October 18th to November 25th, attention shifts to the San Zeno chestnut, which is awaiting its Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) status from Brussels, and to chestnuts, which will star in menus offered by the Costabella, Kus, and La Casa degli Spiriti restaurants, paired with Garda wines: the Corvina Lamberti until November 5th, followed by Bardolino Novello I Soli from November 6th.
Events and Promotions of the Period
On November 3rd, during the traditional San Zeno market fair and the awarding of the «Marrone d’Oro 2001» to the best producer, another book by Peretti, entitled «Marroni di San Zeno and Chestnut Growers of the Baldo», will be distributed. This work is also a co-production between Comune and the European Union.
From December 1st to 30th, the focus will turn to black truffle. Giardinetto, Kus, and La Casa degli Spiriti will prepare menus based on this prized tuber, complemented by Valpolicella Le Solane Santi.
Mayor Cipriano Castellani explained the initiative, emphasizing that “as with all mountainous areas, it is essential to maintain a permanent population on the Baldo to preserve the fragile environmental and scenic balances. To promote local products, we have undertaken numerous initiatives. For example, we are part of the Alleanza nelle Alpi, an association founded three years ago that develops projects and experiences on issues of common interest.
“The San Zeno chestnut is also preparing to become the first fruit from Veneto to obtain DOP status: the decree was published in the Gazzetta della Repubblica Italiana, and within six months, it will receive official recognition from Brussels. Additionally, we have joined Tartufo 2000, alongside Alba, Norcia, and Acqualagna — an organization aimed at promoting and enhancing truffle commercialization.”