Rich in Langhe herbs, the bitter Toccasana is now a staple of the area's tradition
Not only wine comes from the Langhe. But also an herbal elixir (37) that with all its perfumes perfectly tells a territory, that of Asti. And it has been doing this for over 50 years, having now become the bitter Langhe par excellence. In short, a real cure-all, in name and in fact.
The story of a liqueur born from a deep passion (and knowledge)
It was 1970 when Teodoro Negro created the original recipe of what would later become a symbol of the area. And what an area, always chosen, chosen and visited above all for the well-known wine production. But Teodoro was the right person to leave a mark on history and territory. In fact, always fond of herbs, which he collected and cataloged himself, he was among the first to graduate in herbal medicine at the University of Pavia, in 1940. Over time he continued to deepen his knowledge of herbal properties, in particular their therapeutic powers, until the opening first of his herbal medicine and then of an adjacent specialized factory. It was here that he developed his herbal liqueur, exactly the same that his nephew continues to prepare today Valter Porro.
Characteristics of the Toccasana bitter
Over the years the recipe has not changed: it has remained the same created by grandfather Teodoro. It is an infusion made up of well 37 herbs, mostly from the area, including Melissa, Peppermint Achillea Moscata, Green Anise, Basil and many others. These are collected during the respective seasons in the mountains, in the countryside or in the Langhe hills. This liqueur is perfect for opening and closing moments of conviviality at the table, both at the end of the meal, drunk straight or hot with a lemon zest, ideal for its digestive properties, and as an excellent aperitif, with the addition of soda and others liqueurs such as vermouth. In fact, with its low alcohol content (only 21 degrees for a liqueur) it has a nice attitude to be drunk mixed, thus enriching with its bittering notes even the most classic cocktails. Those who taste it are entranced by its intensely aromatic and balanced taste, which alternates warm sensations with a pleasant bitter aftertaste, excellent both in summer and in winter.
The intertwining with the Casa Toso family
If today this bitter is still among us, however, we must thank the Toso family, who brought it back into vogue. Its history has been intertwined for over 100 years with the Piedmontese tradition of wine, with an approach that is always attentive to experimentation and the search for new challenges. The Toso company, based in Cossano Belbo, in the heart of the Langhe, has now reached its fourth generation with the two brothers Gianfranco and Pietro and his cousin Massimo, who have always been very close to the territory and to products such as Moscato d'Asti or l Asti Spumante. They are also responsible for the launch of sarune, the first Asti Dry DOCG with no added sulphites. Casa Toso also offers a wide range of local wines, including Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo, or Vermouth Gamondi, historic and prestigious brand, champion of the most authentic tradition of Turin Vermouth, prepared according to the traditional nineteenth century recipe. In short, yet another demonstration of a family capable of faithfully guarding the good things this area has to offer.
Photos from Toccasana's Facebook page.
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