Now that tartufo bianco season is in, I felt this was a great time to post this piece.

Savini Tartufi

 

 

Above Cristiano Savini holds the 2.13 pound white truffle which sold at auction in 2007 for $330,000.  This find is a symbol of the family’s commitment to providing some of the most exquisite truffles and truffle products on the market.  Known the world over for excellent high quality truffles and as we witnessed first had – – exceptional truffle preparation, our visit was one to remember and truly a once in a lifetime experience.

First and foremost a major thank you to Luca Campinotti for being so informative and professional.  His teaching on truffles and the training of Giotto gave new and special meaning to the art of enjoying and hunting truffles.  From our introduction to our heading back to Livorno, Luca made sure our time at Savini was the best visit one could possibly experience.  And I have to admit, growing up the south totally prepare me for this excursion as being back in nature was truly refreshing and exhilarating.

Upon arriving, we proceeded to turn our attention to the little four legged, tail wagging, happy go luck canine who was enjoying us as much as we were enjoying him.  Playing fetch and a few belly rubs – – his day was made, well almost.  Luca formerly introduced us to “Giotto” who unbeknownst to us, would be our secret weapon to finding that much sought after fungi we all were dying to uncover and devour.  After our truffle lesson we packed up and headed out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were informed that playtime stopped the minute Giotto hit the woods as we no longer would be of concern to him and true to form without missing a beat, we no longer mattered once his feet were back on the ground in the woods.  After a brief overview of what would be taking place once we hit the woods or more like “Giotto” leads, up keep up, we were off.  Imagine trying to keep up with this fast four legged canine – – brutal!!!   As we made our way through mud,  mosquitoes and any other living organism that stood in our way of finding “Black Gold”   Giotto came through several times with what would be transformed into a heavenly lunch – – tartufo nero.  To actually see Giotto go crazy over locating the scent of truffles was astonishing.  Well not so much as I behave the same way “at home” when I get truffles, but not so much in public.  After securing several sizable truffles, we headed back for what was to be one extraordinary lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back form the hunt and all cleaned up, it was time to enjoy the moment we’ve all been awaiting — Lunch!!!!  We started with an exquisite truffle beer and the rest, well here it is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After what can only be described as a gastronomic feast of truffles, we managed to find room for what I’m now enjoying back home – – chocolate truffle candy – yummy!!!

 

 

 

 

This excursion was truly one of my all time favorites.  Luca again, thank you so much for your professionalism and expertise in the fine art of truffle hunting and your amazing knowledge.  A greater appreciation and understanding for this delicacy shall remain with all of us.  We look forward to returning and enjoying another memorable experience.  And a very special thank you to Luciano and Carla – – the magic you worked with the fresh truffles pleased our palates in ways unforeseen.  Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!!!!

 

Up Next: Cannes, France

 

 

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