Marco d'Oggiono, who was he? Without sin of irreverence, it must be said that the name of this Renaissance painter born in the town of Oggiono, is not so well known to most: yet he was one of the favorite disciples of Leonardo da Vinci and his paintings are kept in large museums.

Just to pay tribute to his most illustrious fellow citizen, the Spreafico family has baptized Marco d'Oggiono his ham factory: and tasting the excellent charcuterie that they produce for more than 70 years, with passion and craftsmanship, we can say that the result is worthy of the master to whom they have dedicated it.

Today to drive the sausage factory are the three brothers Spreafico, Agnese (guest of our studio), Giulia and Dionigi: they were their parents, in 1945, to found the company, focusing on that raw ham that is still their flagship, but which is not at home in Brianza.

Essential, for the perfect natural seasoning, is the position of the ham factory in Lariano triangle, between the two branches of Lake Como. "Here, says Agnese," the fresh air of the hills intersects with that of the lake (the Lario and three minors), it is never very dry or humid, and allows us to use very little salt ". It is no coincidence that the pride of the raw ham Marco d'Oggiono it's the exceptional sweetness, a lot appreciated by emblazoned restaurateurs and chefs, with which the sausage factory mainly works.

But to savor it you can make a visit to the farm, where many excellent salami are sold: like the classic salami Brianza, but prepared with meat from Italian pigs of the raw prosciutto dop dough; the new Celtic Line (see recipes), with a smoke so delicate as to be perceived as a nuance of taste; cold meats to be cooked, including the awarded liver mortadella and the cotechino vaniglia from Brianza, with a spicy fragrance. And then bacon, speck, bologna, cup. A true example of high craftsmanship.

Agnese Spreafico (left) with Chiara Caprettini, blogger and writer, author of the dishes

Texts by Marina Cella
Recipes and preparation of Chiara Caprettini
Video Diego Stadiotti

Raw ham Marco d'Oggiono

Produced only from thighs of heavy pig of the Po Valley, with little sea salt and no preservatives, seasoned naturally in ventilated rooms (16-22 months, up to 30). It is soft and fragrant, very sweet and digestible. Appointed Traditional Food Product (PAT) by the Lombardy Region.

Bresaola the sweet Chianina

Handmade, is prepared with cow's tip of valuable Chianina breed. It has a subtle texture, fine fibers that melt in the mouth and a sweet and slightly spicy taste.

Celtic Lard

It is characterized by one light smoked never intrusive. Prepared with heavy pig, is worked dry and seasoned with tenuous herbal scent aromatic.

knoll

It's a Italian pork belly, rolled up, cooked and slightly smoked. It belongs to the Celtic Line, the same of lard, characterized by a slight taste of smoke.