At the 329th Chapter of the Alba White Truffle, Enzo Iacchetti presents his book “25 minuti di felicità” and entrepreneur Matterino Dogliani is appointed Honorary Knight.
At the Castle of Grinzane Cavour, Knights and international Delegations celebrate the Tuber magnatum Pico and the new investitures, embracing culture, enterprise, and gastronomic tradition.
On Sunday, 23 November, within the evocative setting of the Castle of Grinzane Cavour, the 329th Chapter of the Order of the Knights of the White Truffle and the Wines of Alba took place. This annual gathering brings together Knights and international Delegations to celebrate the Tuber magnatum Pico, an undisputed symbol of the Alba territory. Among the attendees was a large group from the Austrian Delegation, led by Maestro Markus Pernusch, who took part in a ceremony dedicated to local excellence and to the values of friendship and culture upheld by the Order.
Guest of Honour of the Chapter was Enzo Iacchetti, long-standing auctioneer of the World Alba White Truffle Auction and Knight of the Order, who presented his new book “25 minuti di felicità”. The audience listened with great engagement as the artist shared the deeper meaning behind the title:
“This book, which I dedicate to my father, is an autobiography, but I like to think of it as a love story because, even in the most difficult moments, my life has always been filled with love. The title is inspired by a beautiful speech by Piero Angela, in which he said that compared to the life of the Earth, which lasts for centuries and centuries, our life lasts half an hour. So I made a mathematical proportion: if the average human life of 85 years corresponds to 30 minutes, as Piero Angela said, then the 72 years I had when I began writing the book correspond to X. And from this X I discovered that I have already lived 25 minutes of that half hour, so I have 5 left. Twenty-five minutes are 73 years, and I like this thought because it means my life so far has been long and very happy, even in dramatic moments. I have understood that even if you cannot always win, you must always fight to be happy and live a dignified, honest life.”
One of the most significant moments of the day was the appointment of Dr Matterino Dogliani as Honorary Knight. A leading figure in Langhe entrepreneurship and founder of the Boscareto Resort—considered one of the most prestigious hospitality establishments in the area—Dogliani was introduced to the audience by Grand Master Tomaso Zanoletti, who highlighted his essential contribution to the development of the region:
“A very important person for the Langhe, who has achieved great things, including creating the renowned Boscareto Resort, a top-level hospitality structure that also houses the restaurant ‘La Rei Natura,’ which last week received its third Michelin Star—a crowning achievement of a remarkable story and an equally great and bright future.”
During the Chapter, the Collars of Knight were also presented to twelve new Postulants, including two from New York and one from the Netherlands, confirming the growing international interest in Piedmontese excellence.
The day concluded with an aperitif and lunch in the historic halls of the Castle, featuring a menu crafted by Chef Alessandro Mecca, who interpreted the Alba White Truffle with balance, modernity, and respect for tradition.
The next appointment of the Order is scheduled for Saturday, 6 December, when the Castle will host the Christmas Concert by the group Alterati in Chiave, the central event of the traditional Festa dell’Amicizia that closes the year’s activities.
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