A 645-GRAM WHITE TRUFFLE VALUED AT 3.000 EUROS HAS BEEN CROWNED "ROYAL TRUFFLE 2016" AT THE "ALBA FAIR". WINENEWS HAS THE UPDATED PRICES (BULK) BY THE NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER: 3.500 EURO PER KILO. ROAD MAP OF THE MARKETS

A 645-gram Tuber Magnum Pico valued at 3.000 euros is the "Royal Truffle 2016", crowned at the "International White Truffle Fair in Alba" (edition 86, until November 27th). The annual award is given for the best truffle found in the hills of Langhe, Monferrato and Roero (the hunter, from San Marzano Oliveto, was David Curzietti, selector of Le Trifole of Curzietti David).
Not bad for a season, despite the rains truffle hunters eagerly awaited in one of the top territories in Italy, which is not shining for the most valuable Made in Italy product. Quantity is not abundant so prices in Alba, two weeks after the opening of the market (at 2.800 euros per kilo), rocketed to 4.500 euros per kilo for an average weight (20 grams), to plummet to the current 3.500 euros per kilo as the National Truffle Research Center updated for WineNews, and thus in line with 2015. Lower prices are also coming from the Crete Senesi in Tuscany, at a round 2.500 euros per kilo (up to 3.500 euros per kilo for larger sizes), as well as from "Price Observatory" of the Truffle Stock Exchange in Acqualagna, at around 2.200 euros per kilo (up to 2.800 euros per kilo).
Andrea Pierotti, mayor of Acqualagna, home to the white truffle of Le Marche region, recently launched the proposal that the Cities of Truffles all over Italy supported, to postpone the date of harvesting, and evaluate year-on-year in the light of climate change and weather variability, bridging the discrepancy that has been recorded in the last few years, including market demand – considering the risk of non-Italian truffles invading the market - and the preservation of the quality Made in Italy truffles.
The 86th edition of the "International World Market White Truffle Fair in Alba" opened on October 8th and will be held for two more weeks until November 27th (www.fieradeltartufo.org). Another highly anticipated event in Italy and in the world is the World White Truffle of Alba Auction, which will take place on November 13th at Grinzane Cavour Castle. From one truffle territory to another, in Tuscany in San Giovanni d'Asso, the Crete Senesi white truffle is the star of the " Crete Senesi White Truffle Market", in its 31st edition from November 12-20th, (www.mostradeltartufobianco.it), where there will also be a special guest for the first time, but to become a regular: Brunello di Montalcino, to seal the merger, following the recent referendum, between the towns of the two excellence products, with a wedding ceremony where the famous red and the prized "king" of the tubers will be "lawfully married".
Another event in Tuscany is the "National Exhibition of the White Truffle of San Miniato", edition 46, scheduled November 13th to December 4th(www.sanminiatopromozione.it). In the Marche the "National White Truffle of Acqualagna Fair " is scheduled from October 30th to November 13th (www.acqualagna.com). Finally, the 37th edition of the "White Truffle" at Città di Castello in Umbria, from October 28th to November 21st (www.iltartufobianco.it).