Close your eyes and savor the territory. In Garda Trentino, this isn’t just a metaphor—it’s a real experience. Here, where the mild climate of the lake embraces the majestic rocks of the Dolomites, a unique mosaic of flavors is born, the result of centuries-old traditions and nature’s generosity.
Staying at Palazzo Riccamboni means immersing yourself completely in this richness. We invite you on a sensory journey to discover the products that make our land an unforgettable destination for every gourmet traveler.
The Cornerstones of Peasant Tradition
Carne Salada: The Cured Queen
The undisputed queen of our gastronomy. Carne Salada is beef rump delicately flavored with salt, garlic, bay leaf, and pepper, and massaged according to an ancient, precise recipe. Enjoy it raw, in very thin slices with a drizzle of our local olive oil, or just seared on the griddle. It’s a pure, savory flavor that tells the story of these valleys.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Garda Trentino: Northern Green Gold
This is the green gold of the 46th parallel, the northernmost in the world where olives are successfully grown. Thanks to the exceptional microclimate of the lake, our olives yield a delicate, fruity DOP oil with elegant notes of almond and a slightly spicy aftertaste. It is perfect for finishing any dish raw, enhancing flavors without overpowering them.
Lake Fish: The Freshness of the Waters
The clear, deep waters of Lake Garda offer delicious, healthy prey such as trout, char, whitefish, and perch. Whether grilled, lightly fried, or prepared in refined regional recipes like “in saor“, lake fish brings the pure freshness of our environment directly to your table.
From the Garden and the Forest: Local Excellence
Broccoli of Torbole: The Winter Sweetness
A true miracle of winter! This unique ecotype, a Slow Food Presidium, grows exclusively in the Torbole plain, caressed by the Pelèr, the characteristic lake wind. Lacking the bitter notes typical of most broccoli, it offers an unexpected sweetness and crunchiness that make it a one-of-a-kind vegetable.
Polenta di Storo: The Red Gold
This is far from just any polenta. It’s produced with yellow flour obtained from the “Marano” wheat, grown exclusively in the valley of Storo. Its distinctive reddish color and intensely rustic flavor make it the ideal, hearty accompaniment to meats, local cheeses, and even fish.
The “Maroni” of Drena and Nago: Taste of Autumn
In autumn, the woods surrounding the lake turn golden and gift us with chestnuts, particularly the delicious large “maroni.” Whether roasted over a fire as traditional castagne, or used in rich soups and desserts, they capture the warming flavor of the cold season.
Bleggio Walnut: The Delicate Kernel
Moving slightly inland, you discover another prized Slow Food Presidium: the Bleggio walnuts. With their light kernel and delicate, low-tannin flavor, they are perfect to enjoy on their own or as a special, elegant ingredient in desserts and homemade bread.
The Flavors of the Cellar and the Oven
Molche Bread: A Flavorful Tradition
This is a “recycled” bread with an unforgettable flavor. The “molche” are the residual solids that remain after the first cold pressing of olives. This richly flavored residue is added to the bread dough, creating a dark, incredibly aromatic, and unique product that speaks to the region’s resourceful spirit.
Garda Wines: A Mediterranean Touch
The microclimate of Garda Trentino is naturally ideal for high-quality viticulture. Excellent wines are born here: fresh and aromatic whites such as Nosiola (the indigenous grape par excellence), Müller Thurgau, and Chardonnay, alongside elegant, full-bodied reds like Merlot and Cabernet.
Vino Santo Trentino DOC: The Oenological Jewel
The crowning oenological pearl of the territory. This unique sweet raisin wine is made from carefully selected Nosiola grapes, which are left to dry for months on traditional racks (“arèle“) until Holy Week—hence the name Vino Santo (Holy Wine). It’s complex, with intense, honeyed aromas, perfect for a contemplative end to a meal.
Grappa: The Spirit of Trentino
The art of distillation is deeply rooted in Trentino culture. From the pomace of our finest vines, highly refined grappas are obtained, both single-varietal and aromatic, perfect for ending a meal with character and warmth.
Your Culinary Journey Starts at Palazzo Riccamboni
Discovering these local products is an essential, integral part of the experience of a holiday here.
We are delighted to be your guide. Ask us for advice on where to taste them: we will be happy to show you the best restaurants, the most authentic taverns, and the farmers’ markets where you can meet the producers and take home a delicious piece of our wonderful Garda Trentino.
We also remind you that autumn in Garda Trentino is truly “tasty!” From the end of September and throughout the month of October, the rich food and wine heritage of Garda Trentino is the protagonist in festivals, fairs, guided tours, and themed menus.
Don’t miss out! Discover all the events of Mese del Gusto, the premier review of local flavors in Garda Trentino.