CLASSICO PORK SALAME

Classico Pork Salame
One 5 oz link
Monti Verdi, VT

This salami reminds us of the mountains, with a pungent flavor of the garlic, the acidity of the wine, and the butteriness from the fat. It is a must try for anyone who wants to taste an authentically traditional salame.

Monti Verdi Farm, founded in 2019 by Ale and Stefano, is a Vermont-based farm dedicated to producing authentic, artisanal salumi using ethical and sustainable practices. Originating from Northern Italy, the founders bring flavors and traditions from their homeland to Vermont, where they prioritize animal welfare, soil health, and traditional salami-making methods. The farm's diverse operations include raising pigs and sheep on pasture using rotational plans, with a focus on compassionate and sustainable practices.

In 2006, Ale embarked on a flavorful journey at the University of Vermont, blending her expertise in psychology with an irresistible passion for cured meats. What began as a quest for authentic flavors quickly transformed into a porcine adventure with three content piggies in a hut in the Vermont woods in 2013. Recognizing the need for sustainable farming, Ale experimented with pig rotations and introduced herbivores in the form of four Icelandic sheep, aptly named Fontina, Ricotta, Guendalina, and Carmela, by 2011. Seeking the secrets of traditional cured meats, Ale ventured back to Italy in 2012 to learn from a nomadic butcher, or “norcino."

The burgeoning pig population led the duo, now joined by agronomist Stefano, to seek a new home in Panton, Vermont, on 60 sprawling acres in 2014. The love story between Stefano, Ale, and the farm blossomed. With a shared commitment to compassionate animal care and sustainable practices, they operated from a small USDA-inspected processing room, crafting fresh meats and occasionally salami.

The farm actively collaborates with a coalition of Vermont farms, ensuring adherence to specific protocols for animal welfare, soil health, and fair treatment of farmworkers. This journey, marked by laughter, pigs' entertaining antics, and a passion for preserving natural resources, solidifies Monti Verdi's place as a purveyor of artisanal delights, blending the best of Vermont's landscapes with the rich flavors of Italian tradition.