Truffles thrive in valley floors or in hilly terrain that is not subject to drought. The ideal terrain should be clayey-calcareous with a lighter layer beneath it. Durmast oak, white poplar, willow, linden, and hazel trees grow in this kind of terrain – and those are exactly the trees that create the right environment for truffles. White truffle can grow at altitudes of up to 700 meters (2300 ft), preferably in windy terrains facing north. The cooler microclimate of Serradenari, the highest point of the Barolo, makes its 7 hectares of woods with its population of foxes, wild boars, hares and owls even more appealing. As to the effects of this microclimate on the wines, Giulia Negri has started an interesting experiment isolating the vine rows closest to Serradenari's truffle ground. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the main grape varieties there, along with some Barolo-specific Nebbiolo grapes. The nectar from this limited number of vines is vinified and aged in a separate area of the cellars. Giulia’s experimentation will yield a few hundred bottles that will show if and how the worlds of wine and white truffle meet on this land.

Truffle Fair: www.fieradeltartufo.org
Recipes: www.truffel.com/pages/ricp.asp
National Center for Truffle Studies: www.tuber.it