The 328th Chapter of the Autumn Mists celebrates the Langa and its values of excellence, culture, and international solidarity.
At the Tenute di Fontanafredda, a cosmopolitan gathering brought together Delegations from three continents, the prestigious 67 Pall Mall Club, new Knights, and the honorary appointments of Carlo Petrini and Marco Gallo — a prelude to the 26th World Alba White Truffle Auction, a symbol of global culture and solidarity.
he 328th Chapter of the Autumn Mists once again proved to be one of the most anticipated and prestigious events of Alba’s autumn season, serving as a bridge between culture, fine food and wine, and international solidarity.
Hosted in the historic setting of the Tenute di Fontanafredda in Serralunga d’Alba, the event anticipated the 26th World Alba White Truffle Auction — a traditional celebration of the region’s excellence that, each year, transforms the Alba White Truffle into a symbol of sharing and generosity. The proceeds from the Auction are in fact donated to charitable projects in Italy and around the world, giving the initiative a profound humanitarian as well as cultural value.
The gathering, marked by an especially large and cosmopolitan attendance, welcomed an important group of Knights from the Hong Kong Delegation led by Maestro Alan Kwok, several Knights from the Brazilian Delegations, and a distinguished group of representatives from the prestigious London wine club 67 Pall Mall, whose founder will be awarded the title of Honorary Knight during the 6th Chapter of the Singapore Delegation on December 3rd.
During the ceremony, Grand Master Tomaso Zanoletti bestowed the Knight’s Collar upon six new postulants and had the honor of appointing two Honorary Knights: Carlo Petrini, gastronome, writer, and founder of the Slow Food Movement, and Marco Gallo, Regional Councillor of Piedmont for Mountain Affairs and Truffle Cultivation.
For the cultural segment of the Chapter, Carlo Petrini delivered a passionate address entitled “How Does a Land Change? The Transformation of the Langhe from a Land of Misery to International Prestige.”
He offered a profound reflection on the economic, social, and cultural evolution of a territory that, over the course of two centuries, has risen from hardship to global recognition.
“Carlìn Petrini is an international figure of extraordinary intelligence,” commented Grand Master Tomaso Zanoletti, “to whom we owe fundamental initiatives that have fostered the growth of our region. The most revolutionary was the founding of the Slow Food Movement, which transformed our relationship with food and taught us to respect the land and those who work it. He also conceived landmark events such as Cheese in Bra and the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo — two pillars of Piedmont’s cultural identity.”
In his address, Petrini recalled two key moments in the history of the Langhe:
the first, between the 1830s and the late 19th century, when local wines began to triumph at international exhibitions in Paris and London, bringing the name of the Langhe to the world; and the second, in the postwar period, marked by an agricultural and cultural renaissance that restored dignity and hope to a land once afflicted by poverty and depopulation.
“When we speak of malora,” explained Petrini, “young people today may think of something romanticized — but it was not so. Poverty was real, deep. The redemption that followed was political, cultural, and social: and that is the true strength of the Langa.”
The evening continued with a refined aperitif and a six-hands dinner crafted by Michelin-starred chefs Ugo Alciati of Guido Ristorante (Fontanafredda), Massimo Camia of Massimo Camia Ristorante (Novello), and Maurilio Garola of La Ciau del Tornavento (Treiso) — outstanding interpreters of contemporary Piedmontese cuisine.
Among the guests were actors Anna Foglietta, Stefania Rocca, and Andrea Bosca — respectively the founder and supporters of the association Every Child Is My Child, which since 2017 has been committed to educational and reconstruction projects for children in areas affected by conflicts and natural disasters.
Longtime friends of the Order, Caterina Balivo and Enzo Iacchetti, historic auctioneers of the World Alba White Truffle Auction, attended the evening with their customary enthusiasm.
In a delightful surprise, actress Vittoria Puccini and writer and manager Guido Maria Brera were also appointed Knights, while Knight and entrepreneur Guido Borghi received the Award for 10 Years of Loyalty to the Order.
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