SANTO STEFANO MAGRA, THE MARKET ALONG THE VIA FRANCIGENA

The Magra area, located at the easternmost tip of Liguria, is a source of numberless suggestions: from the ancient origins of its settlements to the sections of the track of the Via Francigena and the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri.

Santo Stefano Magra provides inspiration to narrate viticulture, olive growing and produce, not to forget about recipes – a treasure trove of rural genius loci. Plenty of opportunities for cultural tourism, such as the parish church of San Michele Arcangelo and the Palazzo Remedi, both situated in the scenic hamlet of Ponzano Superiore (the “capital” of scherpada, a small round vegetable savoury pie baked in blazing hot terracotta vessels). 

 

At the end of July, volunteers and members of the “Casa Torre” association organize an event dedicated to the Middle Ages during which the “pilgrim’s shell” s served – a tasty, crumbly biscuit made of the ingredients available in ancient times (eggs, oat flour, sugar, walnuts an fig compote). 

 

The “cusina d’Sa Steu” focuses on hearty rural dishes. Nature’s gifts include tenches, wildberries, honey and a small détour towards baccalà. Local treats include savoury fritters, tordei, rice pudding with fried lamb, stuffed hens, vegetable fricandò (from French fricandeau), spelt pie, minestrone enriched with pork fat and red wine (toasted bread is a must), pasta and beans, rabbit, shortcrust pastry, chestnut thin pies.

 

Santo Stefano Magra belongs to the DOC Colli di Luni. Vermentino (varietal) from the “Cantina Dell’Ara” are a perfect choice.

As for olive farming, “Lucchi & Guastalli” provide excellent EVO: 10 hectares, mostly devoted to the razzola cultivar, harvest providing a sweet nectar, medium fruity, pleasantly pungent and slightly bitter, with pleasant notes of artichokes and grass.

My English abstract of the article by Umberto Curti as published on Liguria Food  

Luisa Puppo

This is the fascinating world of tastes and crafts that LiguriabyLuisa discloses to foreign markets and buyers (tour operators, travel agencies, organizations, associations, food&wine dealers and import/export professionals....).

Would you like to know more? Contact me and detail your queries.