“Gigo, Search! Search!”
It is Tale’s voice that echoes among the trees of Garda’s backcountry. He urges his dog Gigo, a three years old Lagotto in the search of the precious Mount Baldo truffle.
They have gone into the woods just now and are happy and cheerful. Gigo is an affectionate dog and Tale, his master, as well. Several times a week they explore together the wonderful area of San Zeno di Montagna in search of truffles.
Tale is retired, has a white beard and always wears a worn out dark sleeveless jacket full of pockets and small pockets. These ones are filled with a few pieces of mortadella to give as a reward to his loving dog. They look like they are just taking a stroll and as you can see they go out, into the woods, for pleasure and not with the aim of finding a product to sell. Tale always has a smile on his face while Gigo continuously turns around to look at his master and cheerfully moves his behind as if he is dancing. They have just left for their journey, an adventurous journey in search of the black treasure: the tasty Baldo truffle.
Mount Baldo is not well known for its good truffle. Its woods mostly have the “tuber aestivum”, a black and rustic truffle also known as bark. Its delicate and almost sweet scent with pleasant flavour is reminiscent of porcini mushrooms. Very often it is found near oak, beech and hazel. But there are many other varieties that can be found on Baldo. Among these one in particular stands out, which is the prized “tuber melanosporum”, also known as the black sweet truffle. It has an aromatic scent, almost fruity, a delicate and exquisite taste, and can reach the size of a large apple.
At our agritourism, the truffle is especially used on autumn weekends and served with homemade potato gnocchi. When Tale and Gigo collect a good harvest, it is also possible to taste it freshly grated on a nice dish of raw carne “salada” during the summer.
Upon returning from the long walk, Gigo and Tale are tired but happy of their journey and of their fragrant harvest. They are confident that they will meet again side by side for another search for Mount Baldo’s Black Truffle.
For more information regarding our truffles, there is a small publication available on the Monte Baldo Truffle edited by the Baldo Mountain Union and the Association of Veronesi Expert Truffle Hunters Baldo – Lessinia.
