Prince Albert II of Monaco visiting Monteverde

On a beautiful sunny day the Prince Albert II of Monaco arrives at Monteverde, in Alta Irpiniain a town dressed up for the occasion. The visit, which is part of the royal tour activities, aims to consolidate an ancient bond and formally sanction the relationship between the Grimaldi family and Irpinia, dating back to the first half of the 16th century. The Campania municipality, in fact, belonged to the Grimaldi family from 1532 to 1581.

The Prince Albertwelcomed, with a Monegasque delegation, by the Mayor Antonio Vella and the Governor of Campania Vincenzo De Lucahe had already stopped at other historical sites of the noble family of Genoese origin in Puglia and Basilicata after arriving by plane at Foggia airport aboard his Falcon 8 X.

The meeting with the citizens of Monteverde

Before the official ceremony held in Monteverde Castle, the Prince Albert II discovered the plaque of the Association of Historic Sites and stopped to greet the citizens of Monteverde and the young students.

"The strong link with the Italian historical sites of the Grimaldi family has never been interrupted. We are relaunching this ancient relationship today by focusing on enhancing their historical and cultural heritage and rediscovering their typical products,' he said in his speech, delivered in Italian.

"The visit of the Prince Albert in Monteverde, Alta Irpinia, this morning, in one of the most beautiful and evocative villages in Italy, was an opportunity to reaffirm the ancient link between Campania and the Principality of Monacoto whom we are linked by a deep and sincere friendship,' he says De Luca. "We would like to thank Prince Albert for his commitment to promoting our inland areas, their extraordinary beauty, and their desire to become welcoming lands for eco-sustainable tourism, capable of creating growth and quality employment," he concludes.

Visiting food and wine stands

After the institutional conference with local and regional authorities, held in the halls of the Monteverde Castlethe Monegasque sovereign visited the stands of local products, showing particular appreciation for the food and wine traditions engaging with the producers.

At the stand of the Serrocroce Brewery met the producer of the farmhouse beer Vito Pagnotta who illustrated to the Prince the key points of his brewing project, which are based on the very essence of the land where it originates. The Prince is an admirer of the beer and appreciated its aromatic characteristics and in particular the human value that characterises the project.

Serrocroce Brewery of Vito Pagnotta

He then visited the stand of the Colli Cerentino Winery where he lingered with Rocco Moscariello who had the opportunity to illustrate their wine project in the area.

Colli Cerentino Winery

And also the dairy products stand of Francesco Argentierianother farm in the area.

Francesco Argentieri farm

He then paused to greet the delegation of students from theIISS 'L. Einaudi' of Canosa di Pugliaaccompanied by teachers and the school head teacher Professor Brigida Maria Caporale which took care of organising a convivial moment in the castle.

Professor Brigida Maria Caporale

To conclude with a tasting of 'frécul' proposed by Ilaria Pierno at the stand of the Al Giardino Restaurant. A project to recover an ancient local food tradition with breadcrumbs.

Ilaria Pierno Al Giardino Restaurant

Ilaria Pierno Al Giardino Restaurant

Lunch at Al Giardino Restaurant

The Prince's day then continued with the flavours of the territory and good taste at the Al Giardino Restaurant. Carlo Pagnotta patron and chef welcomed the Prince and the delegation in his retinue, along with Governor De Luca and representatives from the institutions and police forces. In the structure masterfully prepared for the occasion by the meticulously competent staff Sefora Gallo Wedding List & arrangements the chef proposed a sober yet carefully prepared lunch in keeping with local gastronomic traditions.

Al Giardino Restaurant

Chef Carlo Pagnotta

The menu

A menu in the spirit of the day, appreciated and enjoyed by the Prince, in the name of good local traditions.
Appetiser, country chicory soup flavoured with sausage and pork rind served on slices of corn p'zziggr. Firstmaccarunar with mixed meat ragout with r' frecul. According togrilled pork tenderloin served on pepacella velouté accompanied by rosemary potatoes. To conclude cakesponge cake with chantilly cream and berries made by the Pasticceria Russo in Melfi.
Paired with craft beer from Serrocroce Brewery and the Aglianico del Vulture from the Cantina Cerentino Hills.

r Frécul the project of local tradition

The cake

The saòuto and the Prince's homage

The greeting

“The Prince proved to be an exquisite person, he enjoyed our kitchen proposals and in conclusion left me a very welcome gift, a book on the cuisine of the Principality of Monaco demonstrating the right importance given to those who work and work hard in the kitchen to provide a pleasant dining experience' are the words of the Chef Carlo Pagnotta.

The Al Giardino team

At the end of the lunch, the prince left with a promise and an invitation: 'Strengthen relations and meet again in June in the Principality'.