A NEW RESTAURANT CONCEPT IN PIEDMONT
Daring combinations are at home in Monferrato: at the historic Mazzetti d’Altavilla distillery, “Materia Prima” was born, where Grappa enters the kitchen, and the Cafeteria for delicious moments, on top of the Altavilla Monferrato hill
Enhance a dish of Carnaroli rice with asparagus, lemon, and toasted almonds with “Incontro,” a grappa di Barolo and Barbaresco aged for a long time in barriques. Or intensify the aromas of a panna cotta with strawberry coulis by tasting a few enticing drops of Grappa di Ruchè. These are just a few ways to delight the palates of patrons at this new restaurant concept born in the heart of the Monferrato hills, at the historic Mazzetti d’Altavilla Its name is “Materia Prima,” and it presents itself as a laboratory of flavors, a place where, starting from culinary traditions and local specialties, we continue to value our roots, while looking confidently to the future.
And what is the originality that propels “Materia Prima” into the future?
Certainly, the study of sensory pairings that can evoke intense emotions in diners through thecombination of gastronomic specialties and Casa Mazzetti distillates. This can be optionally done after enjoying the individual courses, creating combinations that can enhance the specific aromas and flavors of the dishes, or rebalance the palate through a pleasant and natural neutralization achieved with just a few drops of specific distillates. All this while contemplating the tranquility of the UNESCO-listed hills of Monferrato, dotted with towers, castles, and churches, and the relaxing arc of gentle slopes between the Casalese and Asti areas. Bold pairings amaze the palates of those who decide not to rely on old preconceptions but to become more aware of the aromatic and fragrant face of Piedmontese distillates, capable of providing moments of pure emotion, to be experienced atop the hill of Altavilla Monferrato, in the tranquility of the ancient monastery that has become the distillery's hub.
Thus the Mazzetti family looks to a rosy future for distillation in which the highly prized final essence of the distillation cycle continues to be valorised through the new frontiers of responsible consumption: that of culinary pairing throughout the meal (from starters to dessert, including cheeses, meats and first courses) which completes an already extensive range of services for visitors, made available thanks to the possibility of emotional guided tours, sensory tastings (with the pairing of local specialities to provide pleasant aromatic encounters), visits to art and distillation exhibitions, photographic exhibitions of great visual impact and the evocative Votive Chapel “La Rotonda” (1808) located in the ancient Park.
From today you can take part in special lunches (by reservation on 0142 926215 or at eventi@mazzetti.it) or on the occasion of special events.
Piedmontese spirits are now the "kings" of seduction and flavor. And this uniqueness is being discovered by a large and growing international audience, eager to discover which spirit pairs a tasty Zucchini Flower with spring filling on a cream of peas and fried leeks ( Grappa di Arneis is the best) or Piedmontese Beef Cheek ( Grappa di Barbera Invecchiata is the perfect match).
These are examples to be replicated in every season, providing yet another reason to visit Monferrato and discover the gourmet side of spirits.
The new hospitality and pairings don't end here: in the last few weeks the Casa Mazzetti Cafeteria, an evocative space directly connected to the grappa Store , created thirteen years ago in the cellar of the nineteenth-century building which houses the offices and premises of Materia Prima.
At the top of the Altavilla Monferrato hill, the idea of grappa being a simple "after-dinner" drink is now a thing of the past.
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