Pizzo Tartufo (Bar Dante)
Calabria
The Pizzo Tartufo is a traditional artisanal gelato originating from Pizzo Calabro in Calabria, Italy. It consists of hazelnut ice cream shaped by hand into a semi-spherical form, with a molten dark chocolate center, all dusted with bitter cocoa powder and sugar. This delicacy was invented around 1952 by Giuseppe De Maria, known as "Don Pippo," who creatively crafted it when lacking molds during a wedding event. The dessert draws inspiration from a similarly named chocolate from Turin, but the Pizzo Tartufo has become a unique icon of Calabrian pastry. The original recipe and artisanal production have been preserved through decades, primarily at Gelateria Dante, founded in 1940 by Dante Veronelli. Over time, the gelateria has expanded its offerings to include variations such as pistachio and white chocolate tartufi, maintaining a reputation for quality and tradition. Despite its fame, the Tartufo di Pizzo is not protected by a European Union designation but is recognized nationally as a traditional agricultural product by the Italian Ministry of Agricultural Policies. Visitors to Bar Dante can experience authentic Calabrian gelato craftsmanship and taste this emblematic dessert in its birthplace.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit Bar Dante in Pizzo Calabro during the warmer months when gelato is most refreshing. It's advisable to check opening hours in advance and consider arriving early to avoid crowds. While no official EU protection exists for the Tartufo di Pizzo, purchasing from the original Gelateria Dante ensures authentic quality. Discounts may be available for larger orders or groups, so inquire on-site. Reservations are generally not required but can be helpful during peak tourist seasons.
Interesting facts
- •The Tartufo di Pizzo was invented by chance in 1952 when molds ran out during a wedding event.
- •The dessert is inspired by a similarly named chocolate from Turin but is unique in its gelato form and artisanal production.
- •Despite its international fame, the Tartufo di Pizzo does not hold an EU Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status but is listed as a traditional product by the Italian Ministry of Agricultural Policies.
- •Gelateria Dante, where the Tartufo was born, was originally called Gran Bar Excelsior before being renamed in honor of its founder Dante Veronelli.
- •The original Tartufo consists of hazelnut gelato with a molten dark chocolate center, dusted with bitter cocoa powder and sugar.
History
Gelateria Dante was founded in 1940 by pastry master Dante Veronelli in Pizzo Calabro.
Around 1952, Giuseppe De Maria, a young pastry chef collaborating at the gelateria, invented the Tartufo di Pizzo by hand-shaping hazelnut and chocolate gelato with a molten chocolate center.
After Veronelli's death, De Maria became the sole owner, and later the Di Iorgi brothers took over production and management, expanding the tradition.
Over the decades, the dessert became a symbol of Calabrian culinary heritage, although it never received EU protected status, being instead recognized nationally as a traditional product.
Contact
Phone: 0963 534150
