Festa della Cinta Senese DOP: Flavors of Tuscany

Festa della Cinta Senese DOP: A Tuscan Treasure in the Heart of the Sienese Countryside

Dear friends of Hidden Tuscany, get ready for a gourmet and cultural immersion in the heart of the Sienese countryside! I am delighted to share with you the details of an event that celebrates one of the finest expressions of the Tuscan terroir: the Festa della Cinta Senese DOP. Just imagine: breathtaking landscapes, authentic flavors, and a rich history that can be savored with every bite. That is exactly what this one-of-a-kind festival promises, taking place in the charming villages of Sovicille and Murlo, south of Siena.

For this 2024 edition, the Festa della Cinta Senese DOP opens its doors from November 29 to December 1. It is a golden opportunity to discover not only an exceptional product, but also an entire culture and way of life deeply rooted in this generous land. Far from the usual tourist crowds, this festival is a true hymn to authenticity and tradition.

Cinta Senese DOP: An Ancient Breed with a Unique Taste

But before diving into the mouthwatering program, allow me to introduce you to the star of the event: the Cinta Senese DOP. This pig, recognizable by its dark coat crossed by a white «belt» at the shoulders (hence its name «Cinta»), is an indigenous Tuscan breed whose origins date back to Antiquity, to the Etruscans and the Romans. Its first documented appearance dates back to 1340, in Ambrogio Lorenzetti's fresco, «Effects of Good Government in the Countryside», in the Palazzo Comunale of Siena.

After coming close to extinction in the 1970s, the Cinta Senese was saved thanks to the passion of dedicated breeders and the work of the Consorzio di Tutela. Today, about 4,000 specimens are raised on the farms adhering to the DOP. The secret of its exquisite meat lies in its free-range or semi free-range farming in the Sienese forests. The animals feed on acorns, tubers, roots, cereals and olives, which gives their meat a bright pink color, an intense aroma reminiscent of acorns and hazelnuts, and a soft fat, rich in oleic acid and unsaturated fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. Since 2012, the «Cinta Senese» designation is exclusively reserved for pigs born, raised and slaughtered in Tuscany according to tradition. It is a true symbol of Tuscan cuisine on the international stage.

A Program Rich in Discoveries and Flavors

The Festa della Cinta Senese DOP is not limited to tastings (even though they hold a special place, of course!). It is a complete experience, designed for enthusiasts and professionals alike, highlighting the deep connection between the environment, history and local culture.

• Hikes in the heart of the farms: For nature lovers and the curious, two naturalist hikes are organized on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December, from 10am to 1pm. Accompanied by an expert environmental guide, you will explore the forests and discover the producing farms where this precious animal is raised. It is a unique opportunity to connect with nature and observe the work of the breeders, while admiring the Tuscan landscapes unique in the world. If you love walks in the great outdoors, feel free to check out our articles on Parks & Hikes in Tuscany.
• Masterclasses for gastronomy professionals: Two masterclasses are planned for professional operators and sector media. These sessions, led by experts in production and gastronomy, will focus on enhancing and making optimal use of the certified product. The program will include a presentation of the particularities of the breeding by Nicolò Savigni, president of the Consorzio, a cutting demonstration by professional Mirko Giannella, and culinary ideas from chef Luisanna Messeri. Even the students of the Ricasoli Hospitality Institute of Colle Val d'Elsa will participate, ensuring the transmission of know-how.
• International Ham Cutting Competition: A major novelty of this edition is the prestigious 1st International Competition of Cinta Senese DOP ham cutting. For the first time in Italy, six professional «cortadores» – three Spaniards and three Italians – will compete to demonstrate their art. This competition, organized in collaboration with the Spanish associations ANCJ and Jamón Lovers, will highlight the importance of professional cutting to enhance the organoleptic qualities of the ham, similar to what is done for the famous Iberian Ham «Pata Negra». Mirko Giannella, an international cutting expert, will also share his tips for conscious consumption and optimal serving.

A Commitment to the Culture and Sustainability of the Territory

The Festa della Cinta Senese DOP is much more than a simple food fair. It is an event that celebrates culture, human relationships, sustainability and the identity of a territory. The Consorzio di Tutela of Cinta Senese DOP, in collaboration with the Tuscany Region and the Municipalities of Sovicille and Murlo, is committed to promoting sustainable tourism linked to the gastronomic excellences of this land. This year, the festival is enriched by new collaborations, notably with the Riuscita Sociale cooperative and the association of cutlery makers of Scarperia e San Piero. A portion of the festival's proceeds will even be donated, via the Spanish cortadores, to support the Valencia region.

The territory of Sovicille, with its forests, its oaks, its holm oaks and its chestnut trees, offers an extraordinary environment and ideal conditions for the open-air farming of Cinta Senese. It is an authentic Tuscan landscape, preserved intact for centuries, where hamlets, parish churches and castles follow one another. To discover other gems of the region, feel free to explore the Towns & Villages of Tuscany. And if you are a food lover, our articles on Eat & Drink will guide you to other local delights, such as the Sagra Cinghiale in Capalbio qui célèbre le sanglier.

Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

Si vous êtes en Toscane fin novembre, je ne peux que vous recommander chaleureusement de vous rendre à cette fête. C’est une opportunité fantastique de goûter à l’âme véritable de la région, loin des foules habituelles. Pensez à bien vous équiper pour les randonnées, car les chemins peuvent être un peu boueux en cette saison. N’hésitez pas à discuter avec les producteurs, à poser des questions : ils sont toujours ravis de partager leur passion et leur savoir-faire. C’est aussi une excellente occasion de découvrir les Markets & Crafts locaux et de rapporter des souvenirs uniques.