Episode Details

Lorenzo Fiori guides listeners through the Piedmont region, focusing on Vercelli and Vigevano, areas famous for rice production but currently suffering from a severe drought. He reports that a massive "heat dome" sitting over Europe has pushed temperatures to 48°C in Naples, threatening harvests and leading to water shortages in many northern Italianvillages. Despite these challenges, Fiori highlights the historical beauty of Vercelli's cathedral and Vigevano's Renaissance architecture, including the Castello Sforzesco. He concludes with a culinary lesson on preparing Panissa, a traditional rice and red bean dish featuring fresh sausage. To accompany this meal, he recommends Gattinara, a light red wine typical of the Vercelli area. The segment emphasizes the strategic location of these towns near Milan and the importance of supporting tourism away from overcrowded hubs. (4)