Valchiavenna Goat Violino

Made from the legs or shoulders of goats, this unusual cured meat is actually shaped like a violin, the mass of muscle tapering down to the hoof like the neck of the musical instrument. It is typical throughout the Valchiavenna, once a crossroads for travellers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Traditionally the violinos were aged in “crotti”, caves carved out of the rocky valley walls. Though the custom of salting and aging meat to preserve it dates back here to time immemorial, today very few artisans are still making this goat ham following the ancient technique. The size is fairly small, ranging from around 2 kilos for the front shoulder to 3 and a half kilos for the back leg. The most flavorful and fragrant violinos are aged slowly and naturally in an airy environment.

Season

Produced year-round