Marche: the ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ of truffles

Whilst Piedmont has its epicentre in Alba, the Marche region is no less impressive, responding with a quartet of aces that the whole world envies, transforming itself in autumn into the undisputed home of the *Tuber magnatum pico*. Here, autumn takes on the colour of the ancient stone of the medieval villages and the heady scent that rises from the rivers Metauro and Cesano. The calendar of events is a Rossinian crescendo spanning the months of October and November. It begins with the renowned Pergola White Truffle Fair, an event that combines the beauty of the famous ‘Bronzi Dorati’ with the region’s culinary and wine specialities. This is followed by the National White Truffle Fair in Sant’Angelo in Vado (from 10 October to 1 November), a veritable temple to the truffle in the heart of the upper Metauro valley, and the world-famous International White Truffle Fair in Acqualagna (25 and 31 October, and 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 November), the undisputed capital of the truffle world, where international chefs and enthusiasts gather for world-class auctions and top-tier cooking demonstrations. Rounding off the Marche region’s offerings is the “Diamanti a Tavola” festival in Amandola (from 31 October to 8 November), set against the breathtaking scenery of the Sibillini Mountains.