Grosseto. Closed on three sides, weighing 50 to 70 grams, egg pasta for the casing and ricotta (obviously local) and chopped herbs for the inside. These are some of the peculiarities that characterize the Maremma tortello as defined in the production specifications presented today in Grosseto by Confesercenti and the newly formed Association for the promotion and protection of Tortello Maremma.
Today, the collective geographical brand of tortello Maremma is also being presented, the first step towards the PGI recognition of what is the king of our cuisine.
In Italy there are 70 different types of tortelli, which is also why it is right to defend the typicality of our product.
«In the first instance we turn to pasta makers, producers, restaurateurs – states the director of Confesercenti, Andrea Biondi –. Tourists need to know what they eat, we are an area of festivals, but you can’t always find real Maremma tortelli on the menu.”
The fact that an association holds the brand is proof of an open project, which everyone can join: pasta makers, restaurateurs, farmers…«This is the beginning of a journey that must lead to PGI certification – goes on blonde –, it is a medium-long route. In the meantime there is the collective geographical brand (as is the case for Parma ham, for example). Our objective: the tourist goes to the restaurant and eats the tortello, then looks for it in the supermarket to buy it in a virtuous circle that is good for the economy and involves the producers (including raw materials) up to the final consumer”.
Massimiliano Mei, president of the Association for the promotion and protection of Tortello Maremma, states: «I am honored to be the first president of this association. This product represents Maremma more than wine, because tortello was born here. It was the holiday meal, Christmas, and was made with easily available products that almost all peasant families had. Ours is a poor territory, we must seek our wealth in traditions, and this is a product that we must not let others steal from us. We must work for the future.”
Roberto Dellivice-president of the association, specifies: «I had already started the journey for this brand, I have always believed in this project and I found in Confesercenti the right support to carry it forward. Those who join will be given a window sticker to attach to the door of the restaurant, the same brand that we will stamp on the tortelli sold by large-scale retailers. If we get to the PGI this will bring development for everyone. I believe that suppliers of raw materials and those who make ricotta should participate in the association. It is important to be able to involve producers.”
«Tortello is an iconic product of the Maremma, its various interpretations tell the story and traditions of the different corners of our territory and it is therefore right to protect it with the collective brand project – states the regional councilor for economy and tourism Leonardo Marras -. A path definitely in line with what the Tuscany Region started over twenty years ago with Vetrina Toscana: that is, promoting the territory through the valorisation of agri-food products along the entire supply chain, from the producer to the restaurateur. Likewise, the Maremma tortello brand will be a guarantee of quality and attention to raw materials for consumers and of authenticity for visitors and tourists who will be able to find it in restaurants, shops and supermarkets. Whoever tastes the tortello certified with the brand will taste a bit of Maremma.”
«From this month a new community regulation on PDO and PGI products comes into effect, it is important and limits not only the risk of modification of Italian products from abroad, but gives the possibility of creating those positive supply chains which then create wealth» says PD parliamentarian Marco Simiani.
«We immediately embraced the project both as a municipality and as a southern Tuscany area – he specifies Riccardo Megale, councilor of the Municipality of Grosseto present with the deputy mayor Bruno Ceccherini –, I believe that food and wine is a driving force for tourism, the time has come to codify it. We take our traditions for granted, too often we believe we are unique and that there is no need to say it. Instead, we must codify what we want to advertise.”
Enrico Rabazziprovincial director of the CIA, recalls: «Being the son of sharecroppers, it was a festive lunch for us. An association like this has an important role, especially in an area that has always had little system. We can differentiate ourselves with the raw materials we create and process. When catering manages to enhance these raw materials, everyone benefits. We must be able to make people understand what the scent of the territory is and we will be happy to be part of this association.”
Antonio Catanipresident of the Grosseto chefs association, which joined the association with that of the Silver Coast: «I have often felt alone in this position. Today I feel at home. And I am convinced that it is the beginning of something great and amazing.”
Banca Tema, through its director, Fabio Becherini, has guaranteed its support.
Meanwhile, large-scale restaurants have also expressed interest in the project: «The Conad supermarkets of Grosseto have decided to support the creation of the Association for the protection and promotion of tortello Maremmano – explains Paolo Degli Innocenti, president and partner of Clodia Commerciale, the company that owns the Conad stores in Grosseto -. Our attention to the territory, its companies and its excellent typical productions have led us over the years to support various projects and undertake important collaborations, increasingly expanding the offer of products in our supermarkets that are an expression of this Earth. Tortello Maremma is certainly one of the symbols par excellence of the Maremma and it is right that it should be protected, starting from the registration of the collective geographical trademark which is also important considering the fact that typical products are increasingly becoming a tool for knowledge and promotion. tourism in the area”.
At the end of the presentation it was possible to attend the preparation made by Sandro Signori, chef of the Boccaccio restaurant in Caldana and vice-president of the newly formed Association for the protection of tortello, and enjoy a sample of Maremma tortelli accompanied by wine from the Morellino winery of the Doc Maremma.
