Alba Truffles

Truffles and Alba are synonymous. Alba truffles, and more particularly the white truffle, are without a shadow of a doubt the world's best truffles. I get asked so many questions about these truffles that I've put together a FAQ section; you'll find it at the bottom of this article. It should answer most, if not all, of your questions about the Alba truffle.

Much like wine, the superior truffle is a perfect harmony between nose and taste. The ideal truffle has a slightly garlicky nose with a hint of honey. Well, so the 'truffle experts' tell me. They all smell much the same to me! But not to others who can tell everything about a truffle with a simple sniff.

True cognoscenti of truffles can tell just from the nose where they have grown. Those having grown near oak trees smell completely different to those found near linden tree groves. To be honest, I can notice little difference, but the experts can. In fact, more than a hundred of the greatest Italian truffle noses (I kid you not) operate from, or in conjunction with, the Alba based National Centre for the Study of Truffles to ensure optimal quality is maintained.

This gives you an idea of just how seriously the people of Alba and indeed all of Italy take their truffles. In ancient times, the truffle was known as the food of the gods, and in Piedmont, it was to be found gracing the tables of the Savoy kings.

When is Truffle Harvest Time

Truffle harvest time begins in autumn or fall. Once the first mists begin to roll across the hills around Alba, you will find men and dogs heading out on the hunt for the elusive Alba truffle. If you would like to be part of it, I would recommend a truffle tour. The tour involves a lot of truffle and wine tasting and even includes an outing with a truffle hunter and his dog. It's a fabulous experience that you will always treasure. Here's more on what it includes. 

Most often, the truffles are found near oak tree forests or near water. Truffles are rarely found above 2000 feet; they love humid areas with rich vegetation and are away from direct sunlight.

Truffle dog by Andre Cairone via Unsplash

The perfect truffle cannot be cultivated, and nowhere on earth are the conditions for the white truffle as perfect as they are in Alba. Resulting in a truffle without rivals. To really experience the truffle, visit Alba during the October International White Truffle Fair (Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba). The festival includes truffle auctions, tastings, and various cultural events, attracting truffle enthusiasts from around the world.

The place to eat Truffles during this period? The Cascinalenuovo - Their seven course meal, based on truffles, is legendary. If you'd like to prepare your own pasta & truffle dishes then this recipe is one we love.

Tagliatelle with Truffles. Click photo for recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alba Truffles