A temporary cinema in the Langhe showcases Piedmontese oenologists and gastronomists

The 18th-century rooms of the Real Castello di Verduno, and weather permitting, its lush surrounding gardens, will host the "Cinematografo Artigiano" series. Three evenings, starting on Thursday, June 13, will feature three documentary films dedicated to an exceptional trio of genuine "langhetti." "The Real Castello has been open to guests as a hotel and restaurant since 1953, so it has a long history of hospitality," explains Elisa Burlotto, who, along with her daughter Alessandra Buglioni di Monale, manages the splendid historic residence at the gates of the Langhe. "The idea of hosting a film series dedicated to the figures who have made the history of our region fits into our broader project of promoting the area by showcasing all the Piedmontese excellences: from traditional dishes to our finest wines, along with the presentation of some unpublished artworks that will embellish the three evenings of the 'Cinematografo Artigiano' series."

Alessandra Buglioni di Monale, resident chef of the Castello di Verduno, together with Bruna Colla. In the images, the Piedmontese castle.

An evening for Beppe Colla, a visionary of Langa winemaking

The protagonist of the first screening will be Beppe Colla, a visionary figure in the history of Langa wines. "A Conservative Innovator" – the title of Bruno Murialdo’s film – and heir to a long family winemaking tradition, he revolutionized Langa winemaking by contributing to the drafting of production regulations and pioneering the concept of cru in his wines. But it’s not just about cinema; before the screening, during the aperitif, Beppe Siliprandi and Maurizio Di Dio will present "Le Bulle": artistic pieces, decorated aluminum containers that become ice buckets for the occasion. Following this, dinner by resident chef Alessandra Buglioni di Monale and Bruna Colla will feature a menu rich in Piedmontese flavors, such as toma and fresh ricotta cheese with honey and walnuts, gnocchi with fava bean and pea ragù, rabbit with rose potatoes, and, to finish, a sweet fritter with semolina and amaretti. The highlight of the evening will be the wines from Cantina Poderi Colla: the Alta Langa Extra Brut Pietro Colla 2020, made from Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo, the Riesling Ranera 2020 (Langhe DOC), a fresh and citrusy Rhine Riesling that develops the classic complex notes of the variety, the Barbaresco Roncaglie Riserva Beppe Colla 2015 dedicated to Beppe and produced only in great years in limited quantities, and, to finish, the Vermouth Bonmè, a sweet aromatized wine following the family recipe where Vermouth is in its original 100% Moscato grape must formulation.

A dish offered at the Real Castello di Verduno inspired by Cesare Giaccone, one of the fathers of Langa gastronomy

A film and menu in memory of Cesare Giaccone

During the second evening of the event, scheduled for July 19, "Cesare Giaccone, a Genius," a documentary by Bruno Murialdo focusing on another iconic figure of Langa cuisine, will be featured. Giaccone not only promoted Langhe cuisine beyond regional borders but also attracted Hollywood stars like Robert De Niro to his tiny Albaretto della Torre, a 22 km journey from Alba, to try his iconic dishes such as plin in beef broth and the legendary polenta. To conclude the evening in late July, a dinner designed by the resident chef and Cesare's son, Filippo Giaccone, will offer a menu of melon with cured meats, creamed cod, Cesare’s risotto, summer guinea fowl roulade, and zabaione from the polsonetto with hazelnut cake. Paired with the courses will be wines from Cantina Paolo Saracco and Cantina Olek Bondonio Cascina La Berchialla.

Antico Castello di Verduno garden's

Bruno Murialdo, from the Langhe to South America

The final evening is scheduled for October 10, when Bruno Murialdo himself will be the focus of "Bruno, a Story," a film by James Spellman. This documentary tells the story of a photographer who captured the Langhe of the 1970s and its transformation; who made reports on writers and directors, and who, through his photographs, recounted his experience as an Italian in South America. The dinner that will close the series, "Flavors from South America," will again be created by the chef of the Antico Castello di Verduno, Alessandra Buglioni di Monale, inspired by the flavors of South America.