The White Alba Truffle season is buzzing and, thanks to the cooler weather finally arriving in Alba, the quality of these wonderful treasures keeps getting better each week. From October 11th to December 8th, you can experience the excitement of the Alba Truffle Fair, where the truffles will be the star of the show. But no worries if you can’t make it all the way to Alba—don’t despair! You can still enjoy certified White Alba Truffles every week through Abrate & Sons.
So, what exactly is the White Alba Truffle? Its scientific name is Tuber Magnatum pico. While white truffles grow in several parts of Italy, only those from the Alba region truly earn the name Alba Truffle. Why? Because the unique climate and soil here give these truffles their special flavours and characteristics. Think of it like calling a Nebbiolo produced in the Marche region “Nebbiolo d’Alba”—it’s all about the terroir!
These truffles are quite rare and come with a hefty price tag. They grow wild—meaning they can’t be cultivated—and have a short season from October to January. Plus, they need just the right growing conditions and specific host trees, which happen to thrive in the hills around Alba.
Finding these truffles isn’t easy. Expert trifulau (truffle hunters) work hard with trained dogs to dig up these precious delicacies from the woods of the Langhe. And the flavour? It’s truly unforgettable—rich, sweet, complex. Each truffle has a slightly different scent depending on the roots it grows on and soil, but you can always expect a strong, earthy aroma with hints of musk, garlic, shallots, cheese, and sometimes a touch of honey or hazelnuts.
The White Alba Truffle really is the crown jewel of the Langhe!
