SIMPOSIO’S ALBA & LANGHE: PIEDMONT RECIPES, THE LANGHE WINE REGION, AND THE CITY OF ALBA IN A TRAVEL COOKBOOK

Discover the Flavors of Piedmont’s Alba & Langhe Region

Indulge in the heart of Piedmont, Italy with Simposio’s Alba & Langhe Cookbook, a luxurious culinary and travel guide that takes you through the flavors, wines, and traditions of this breathtaking region. Whether you’re an Italophile, a gourmet traveler, or a wine connoisseur, this book is your passport to an authentic, slow travel experience through Alba and the Langhe wine region.

WHY YOU NEED THIS COOKBOOK

• Authentic Piedmontese recipes—From truffle-infused delicacies to hearty, slow-cooked meats.
• A journey through Langhe wines—Including Barolo, Barbaresco, and Dolcetto.
• Cultural insights & seasonal traditions—Learn about Italian Fall rituals, Christmas in Piedmont, and more.

• Stunning photography & storytelling—Feel like you’re wandering through vineyards, medieval towns, and bustling truffle markets.

INSIDE SIMPOSIO’S ALBA & LANGHE COOKBOOK

This beautifully curated book is more than just a recipe collection; it’s an immersive experience featuring:

Iconic Piedmontese Recipes

• Hazelnut Cake

• Brasato al Barolo (Beef Braised in Barolo Wine)

• Barolo Tagliatelle

• Agnolotti del Plin (Stuffed Pasta)

• Bagna Cauda (Garlic & Anchovy Dip)

• Tajarin (Thin Egg Pasta)

• Ragù Langarolo (Langhe-Style Meat Sauce)

• Acciughe al Verde (Anchovies with Green Sauce)

• Chickpea No-Crust Pie

• Rice & Spinach No-Crust Pie

Seasonal Italian Recipes & Festive Traditions

• Hazelnut Oil Cookies

• Ricotta & Grape Crostini

• Stuffed Pumpkin

• Persecche (Traditional Fall Dessert)

• Kale Eggs in Purgatory

• One-Pan Mushroom Pasta

• All-Natural Beet Cough Syrup

• An Italian Charcuterie Board

Langhe Wine Region & Alba’s Gourmet Scene

• The art of wine tasting in Barolo, Barbaresco, and beyond.

• A mini-course on truffles—how to hunt, taste, and cook with them.

• The story of Madame Barolo & legendary local figures.

• Hidden-gem towns like Neive, La Morra, and Pollenzo.

EXPLORE ALBA & LANGHE’S ENCHANTING LANDSCAPES

Where is Alba & How to Get There

Alba is a charming town in Piedmont, Northern Italy, nestled in the UNESCO-listed Langhe hills. The best way to explore the region is by car, allowing you to visit vineyards, castles, and hazelnut groves at your own pace.

Getting there:

• Fly into Turin Airport (1-hour drive to Alba), then rent a car
• Travel from Rome or Milan by train to Turin, then rent a car

Best Time to Visit

The Alba White Truffle Festival (late October to November) is a must-see! Fall is also the perfect season to experience wine tastings, local markets, and autumn foliage.

WHERE TO STAY & EAT IN ALBA

Accommodations: Hotels in Alba can be pricey, so consider charming countryside bed & breakfasts (locande) for a more authentic and scenic stay.

Must-Visit Restaurants:

• Osteria dell’Arco – Alba
• Osteria dei Sognatori – Alba
• Trattoria del Bollito – Alba (highly recommended!)
• La Piola – Alba
• Ca’ del Lupo – Montelupo Albese (don’t miss the truffle egg dish!)
• Osteria del Vignaiolo – La Morra
• Locanda Fontanazza – La Morra (true quality dining)

• Solferino – Torino (a divine farewell meal before leaving)

WHAT TO DO IN ALBA & LANGHE

• Truffle hunting & tasting experiences
• Attend the Alba White Truffle Festival
• Explore medieval villages like Barolo & Neive
• Visit the Slow Food Market on weekends
• Tour famous wineries & sip world-class wines

THE BEST LANGHE WINES TO TRY

Don’t leave without tasting these iconic Piedmontese wines:

• Barolo (the King of Wines)
• Barbaresco (elegant and refined)
• Dolcetto (a local favorite)
• Barbera (versatile and smooth)
• Moscato d’Asti (light, aromatic, and slightly sweet)
• Gattinara (a hidden Nebbiolo gem)

CHOCOLATE & HAZELNUT PARADISE

Did you know Piedmont is Italy’s top chocolate producer? Ferrero, Venchi, and Novi are all based here, but for the best artisanal chocolates, visit Riccardi in Cherasco.

Pro Tip: Alba’s hazelnuts are legendary! Bring home a bag of roasted hazelnuts, hazelnut spreads, and local pastries.

PIEDMONTESE SPECIALTIES YOU MUST TRY

Piedmont has 341 traditional specialties. It is the fifth Italian region with more traditional products. (The first one is Tuscany)

Too many for a trip of a few days, right?

Don’t worry, I selected the unmissable ones for you.

• Piedmontese beef: not only it is autochthonous and delicious, but also an ancient variety with a long, long story.
• Alba’s white truffle: more delicate than the black truffle, so don’t expect a dizzying flavor. You need to concentrate and have a clean palate to really appreciate its taste. It’s pretty impossible to take it back home with you, so feast on it as much as you can while you’re there!
• Hazelnuts: buy a sack at the market (yes, you’ll need an extra suitcase!), try the spreads, the cakes, and the cookies made with hazelnut flour!
• Robiola cheese: a soft-ripened stracchino-like delight. Try it with truffle flakes!
• Agnolotti del Plin: pinched agnolotti stuffed with pork and beef (We’ll make them in the cookbook and savor them in three old-world ways).
• Tajarin: tiny stretches of egg pasta, imagine spaghetti, but way thinner, fresh and eggy (we’ll learn to make them on SIMPOSIO). Try them with white truffles and butter or with beef ragù.
• Paste di Meliga: corn flour cookies so fragrant they’ll melt in your mouth. So you’ll need to taste another one, and another one… and another one!
• Alba’s torrone.