The hills of the Alta Langa are the natural home to an excellent hazelnut variety belonging to the Corylus Avellana species: the Tonda Gentile Trilobata, which was awarded “Protected Geographical Indication” status in 1993.

The special properties of the Nocciola Piemonte I.G.P. delle Langhe make it quite unique: the shell is thin, showing a spheroidally-shaped, easy to peel fruit with a flavour which is persistent, yet delicate, both before and after roasting. The Tonda Gentile Trilobata also enjoys an excellent shelf life, preserving its nutritional values and tasting properties unchanged over time.

Cascina Fontane – Atelier della Nocciola produces only Nocciola Piemonte I.G.P. delle Langhe, which are the most sought-after by the confectionery industry on account of their distinctive qualities, as well as being universally considered the best in the world.

Protected within its hard outer shell, the highly-prized and tasty hazelnut is historically the bearer of positive values. Symbolizing inner wisdom and a sign of fertility, according to tradition it also possesses predictive and healing qualities: used as divining rods, hazel twigs are said to have the power to locate underground water courses, while academics who have studied their properties say hazelnuts are capable of treating a whole series of disorders, from coughs to baldness.