We were late ...
It is extremely difficult to leave the pleasure of a wine tasting with Giorgio Clai and Dimitri Brecevic. This you will surely understand if you have ever had the opportunity, and why would you leave!! Well we had a very good reason, one that had been facilitated for us by the mysterious Wanda, Toronto’s infamous truffle-supplier, or as I prefer to say, Toronto’s very own truffle-queen. As we left Krasica en route to Buzet, aptly labelled the truffle capital of Istria, we were not aware that not only were we rudely keeping our eager truffle hunting dogs waiting, but also a television crew from ZDF, Germany!!
On arrival at Pietro and Pietro (formerly branded as Natura Tartufi) we were profuse with our apologies! Fortunately these were accepted graciously by the charming Daniella Puh, at her family’s sleek modern tasting room, located under the watchful gaze of Buzet’s beautiful old town. With no further time to waste however, after quick introductions to the visiting TV crew, we booted up (as pseudo-locals we always come prepared for a hunting experience!), collected our two enthusiastic and ready-for-action hunting dogs, and set off on the short walk to the theatre of the afternoon’s spectacle.
The dense and expansive Motovun forest is home to the most precious of the region’s treasures - His Majesty the Istrian truffle. Our visit was intentionally and perfectly timed in October in the heart of the white truffle season, when the potential rewards are arguably the greatest. As we entered the thick of the forest the dogs were unleashed on their mission. We followed in hot pursuit, navigating the forest floor and foliage as adeptly as we could, trying to keep up with the youthful hunters, which was not as easy as it may sound!
Truffle hunting dogs are trained from a young age first to recognize the aroma, and then to seek out and find these hidden gastronomic gems. Unfazed by the cameras rolling they were 100% in execution mode, scouring far and wide, noses regularly plunging into the seemingly impenetrable undergrowth. Daniella was always close at hand, in the event that they unearthed a treasure, so that she could quickly intervene before it was accidentally damaged by the over-zealous scratching and furrowing claws. After a few false alarms, the brief disappointment of uncovering damaged goods, and a healthy dose of both patience and perseverance on the side of the hunters, we finally hit the jackpot!
Bingo! It is not every day that you unearth a majestic white truffle!!
The excitement of the hunt was infectious. With the precious tuber tucked away for safekeeping, and the cameraman content with his coverage, we returned to the tasting room, energized by the success of a mission most certainly accomplished and expectant for the tasting feast that lay ahead of us! And what a feast it was ...
As an “aperitivo” the truffle beer was unexpected and the truffle chips addictive! The appetizer quickly followed in the form of a diverse platter of truffle-laden spreads, meats and cheeses, accompanied by the ever-present gift of Istrian olive oil, this one of course truffle infused! While we took our taste-buds on what was a fascinating journey, work was underway in the open kitchen to whip together a delectable truffle-scrambled egg, topped off with shavings galore of the wonderful white stuff. With our bellies warmed and close-to-replete, the final treat appeared - a beautifully presented, often under-appreciated truffle dessert - yes, you read it correctly, truffle dessert! Pietro and Pietro’s take on this was a unique trio comprised of ice-cream with truffle infused honey (best with a sprinkling of sea salt), truffle infused marmalade, and truffled dark chocolate. Wow ...
The Puh family have made it their life’s work to hunt and harvest the truffle and to provide this gastronomic gift to fortunate and expectant gourmets worldwide. Their passion in their trade is evident. Everything that they do is for the love of truffles, and believe me, truffle love is truly infectious ...
