This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Favored by the region’s rich soil and suitable weather, truffle hunting is a beloved tradition in Tuscany, one that continues to captivate locals and visitors alike. And even if I’ve been living in Tuscany for 4 years now, I’d never tried it yet – so I decided it was time to do so.
I wanted to immerse myself in this adventure to the fullest, so I asked my friend Edoardo to set a date and craft a personalized weekend for me. Thanks to his expertise in designing deep culinary escapades across Italy, we managed to rent a trusty old Land Rover car to embark on this unique journey and explore the picturesque countryside. As we drove through the winding roads of Chianti, its distinctive scents filled the air, and the gentle curves of its hills slowly revealed our destination: Fattoria Lavacchio.
This charming estate has been producing biodynamic wines and olive oil for generations. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Tatsuhiko Ozaki, expert winemaker, and his energetic truffle dog, Ginger. We set off into the nearby forest and excitement builds as we follow the dog’s lead, carefully observing every corner of the wood. After a brief walk, while learning so much about truffles and their connection with a landscape, the dog finally stopped, its tail wagging with excitement: we knew we had found a truffle!
With the help of our guide, we carefully unearthed the precious ingredient from the ground, unveiling its pungent earthy aroma. It was a moment of triumph, sealed by the awareness that we had discovered one of nature’s hidden treasures. After a few more catches, we eventually headed back to the farm, where the skilled chefs transformed our freshly harvested truffles into a mouthwatering meal, showcasing the delicate flavors and aromas that make them so highly sought after.
As we savored each bite, we were treated to an exclusive wine-tasting experience: from crisp whites to robust reds, each sip told a story of the land and the people who have nurtured it for centuries. To complete our culinary journey, we indulged in a tasting of the farm’s renowned extra-virgin olive oil. Its golden hue and rich, fruity flavor transported us to the sun-drenched groves surrounding us.
The combination of the old Land Rover adventure, a thrilling real hunt, and the corroborating lunch, created memories that will last a lifetime.
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