From the darkness of the earth to the light of the table: the 327th Chapter of the Order celebrates the White Truffle, Alba’s designation as Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2027, and the honorary knighthood of Mayor Gatto
At the Castle of Grinzane Cavour, amid international guests and new Knights, Grand Master Zanoletti announces a future in which art, culture, and tradition complete the touristic identity of the Langhe and Roero regions.
Grinzane Cavour, Saturday, October 18, 2025
In the evocative setting of the Castle of Grinzane Cavour, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 327th Chapter of the Ordine dei Cavalieri del Tartufo e dei Vini d’Alba was held on Saturday, October 18. This gathering celebrates the fruits of the recently concluded harvest and the Tuber magnatum Pico, the prized White Truffle of Alba, which rises from the darkness of the earth to the light of the season, from autumn through the end of January.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the three Brazilian Delegations – Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and São Paulo – and several Knights from the Chicago Delegation, led by Master Georgia Marsh, together with Thomas Botzios, former Consul General of Italy in Chicago and now Director of the Adriatic and Balkans Unit at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
During the ceremony, Grand Master Tomaso Zanoletti presented the collar to ten new Knights, including Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT – the Italian National Tourism Agency. He also conferred the title of Honorary Knight of the Order upon the Mayor of Alba, Alberto Gatto, in recognition of his commitment to promoting the city as it embarks on a new chapter in its history: its designation as Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2027.
“A recognition,” stated Grand Master Tomaso Zanoletti, “that will undoubtedly inspire new initiatives in the fields of art and culture and that, following the UNESCO recognitions of our vineyard landscapes and the Truffle as intangible heritage, will allow us to complete our region’s touristic offering through culture.”
Representing regional institutions was Marina Chiarelli, Councillor for Tourism, Culture, and Sport of the Piedmont Region, who extended her greetings and the Administration’s support for the activities of the Order.
“The constant presence of national and international institutions enriches the Order and supports its initiatives aimed at enhancing the food, wine, and cultural heritage of our region. For us, this is of great importance and part of our tradition: one of the enduring strengths of our territory has always been the close collaboration among institutions to achieve shared goals — from the time of Fenoglio’s malora to today, and it will continue to be so in the future,” added Grand Master Zanoletti.
The cultural segment of the Chapter featured a passionate conversation between Master Luciano Bertello and Chef Maurizio Albarello, owner, together with his sisters Stefania and Paola, of Trattoria Antica Torre in Barbaresco. The discussion focused on one of the most emblematic dishes of Langhe’s culinary tradition: Tajarìn — once a humble countryside pasta, now celebrated across the world, from New York to Tokyo, even inspiring dedicated restaurants. Born in the simplicity of farm kitchens with everyday pairings, Tajarìn today are elevated by refined flavors and crowned by the White Truffle of Alba.
“I learned by watching my father,” recounted Chef Albarello, “always from a respectful distance. He was a silent man and never gave me the recipe — just watching him at work sparked my passion. He used to say: ‘When you touch the dough, it should feel like velvet under your fingers — that’s how you know it’s ready to be cut.’”
The day concluded, as tradition dictates, at the table — with Chef Albarello’s Tajarìn and the dishes crafted by resident Chef Alessandro Mecca, paired with the wines awarded at the 50th Selection of the Order.
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