Winter School – an adventure into the mysterious world of truffles

3 days of full-immersion at the Pollenzo campus and in the woods of Roero. A multidisciplinary journey, designed and led by professors from the University of Gastronomic Sciences and truffle industry experts.

The School is dedicated to the discovery of unexplored aspects of the world of truffles, according to the scientific approach of the Pollenzo University and is enriched by the field experience of Savini Tartufi, a Tuscan company that has been working with respect for nature and people since 1920, creating a culture around the world of truffles, ranging from research, to selection and production of truffle recipes to offer the “diamond of the forest” all year round.

In line with the holistic approach that distinguishes the university, masterclasses and workshops to transfer knowledge and technical skills will alternate with experiential and convivial moments, animated by the protagonists of this unique and rare product, those who hunt it, those who market it, and those who know how to enhance it at the table!

Disciplinary areas involved in the course:

  • History and Anthropology,
  • Botany and Sustainability/Biodiversity,
  • Sensory Analysis and Taste (UNISG),
  • Economics (market numbers, trends and scenarios)
  • Gastronomic Transformation

 

Dates: September 29th – October 1st 2023

Cost: 1,600 + 22% VAT – includes all the training activities (lessons, workshops, visits, tastings, truffle hunt), 2 lunches, 1 dinner and transport during day 3 for the truffle hunt 20% discount for UNISG students and alumni, UNISG Partners and Slow Food members

For further information:  summerschool@unisg.it

Language: English

Application deadline: September 12

Target: enthusiasts who want to cultivate their passion and increase their knowledge about truffles

 

 

Programm

Morning – Welcome, visit to the campus, mission and vision of the university

Lesson:
Botany and habitat of the truffle
Brief lesson on characteristics and varieties to get to know territories, truffle-bearing plants and types of truffles
Cristiano Savini – Luca Campinotti (Truffle Expert)

“The mysterious world of truffles” – Truffle as an intangible heritage
Michele Fontefrancesco (UNISG Professor of Cultural Anthropology)

Lunch 12.30 – Academic Tables

Afternoon – Sensory experience – Comparison tasting of types of truffles

Tests and sensory exercises at the UNISG Sensory Analysis Laboratory

Dinner – Sensory dinner animated by a UNISG gastronome at the Garden Restaurant

Morning – Cooking laboratory at the Pollenzo Food Lab with guest chef

Lunch – Pollenzo Food Lab

Afternoon

The truffle market: between tradition and innovation
Cristiano Savini (Expert)

The internationalization of truffles
Simone Cinotto (UNISG Professor of contemporary history)

Aperitif at the Wine Bank: Savini Tartufi products paired with the wines of the Pollenzo Wine Bank
Visit to the Wine Bank

Dinner  – Osteria Boccon Divino – historic Slow Food osteria

Morning – Transfer to Montà – Roero

Truffle Hunt in the Roero area

Meeting with the “trifolau” for truffle hunt in the Roero woods. The hunt will begin with a recap on the world of truffles in the shade of a precious stone “ciabot” immersed in the greenery and will continue in the woods, with stories about the relationship between the dog and the truffle hunter and traditional hunting techniques. Tasting of products paired with truffles.

End of the course

 

Confirmation Process: Once the minimum required number of participants is reached, you will receive an email from summerschool@unisg.it, confirming the acceptance of your application. This email will include instructions for the payment of a deposit of 150€ plus 22% VAT.

Waiting List: In case the number of applications exceeds the available places, initially unselected candidates will be placed on a waiting list. If places become available, people on the waiting list will be notified.

Final Payment: Subsequently, an email will be sent regarding the second payment of the residual amount, Failure to make this payment by the deadline will result in the loss of the place in favor of a candidate on the waiting list.

 

Refunds and Cancellations

Refunds: In case the course does not reach the minimum number of participants, the deposit (150€ + 22% VAT) will be refunded. Please note that the deposit will not be refunded in any other case.

Cancellations: If you have already made the second payment and wish to cancel your participation, you must communicate this intention by email to summerschool@unisg.it at least 2 weeks before the course. In this case, 50% of the total amount paid will be refunded. After this date, no refunds will be made for cancellations.

Requests: For further questions or clarifications, please contact summerschool@unisg.it.