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Slow Masters - Palènt

Producer of biodynamic herbal liquors

We met this small producer at the Salone del Gusto 2010. We first tasted Genepy, an Alpine herbal liquor of wormwood made in the Piemonte region, on a previous trip to the area. Bringing back a bottle this trip was on our list of things to do, so we were happy to come cross the Palènt stand at the Salone right at the start of our visit.

The young woman at the stand, one of the family, was quite fluent in English, so it was a pleasure to learn more about this digestif. This producer is a certified organic and biodynamic grower. This means that there are stages in the propagation and cultivation of the herbs that are more strict and environmental than regular cultivation, and, in our humble opinion, make for a more exquisite liquor. They produce liquors of genepy, achillea, rose and amaro. The family farm and refuge is situated at a height of 1500m. in the mountains above the Val Maira, in the Cuneo area of Piemonte, while the laboratory is on the road near San Damiano di Macra. The liquors are sold in attractive bottles.

The family also operates a mountain refuge for tourist accommodation.