Il Poggio: 24-Month Aged Prosciutto Crudo
The ancient Romans — Varro, Polybius, Horace, Plautus, and Juvenal — already described the farmers of the Po Valley who raised large herds of pigs and produced those salted hams destined to become one of the symbols of Italian gastronomic excellence.
THE ORIGIN OF IL POGGIO
The very word prosciutto tells this ancient story, likely derived from the Latin perex suctum (dried out) or from the Parma dialect par siut (seems dry) — a testament to a preservation art refined over centuries, also thanks to the rich salt mines found in nearby areas such as Salsomaggiore.
Our Il Poggio Prosciutto Crudo is the result of a rigorous selection process: only the finest hams from Italian heavy pigs, raised to over 180 kg and fed a specially designed diet to enhance the healthiness and sweetness of the meat. But not all hams are fit to undertake the long 24-month aging journey: we select only the fresh legs that weigh at least 15–16 kg, distinguished by a thick fat cap and light marbling — essential characteristics to support the extended maturation process.
We prefer to present this masterpiece on the bone, believing that the highest quality of prosciutto is expressed in its whole form. When necessary, deboning and tying are done by hand by our skilled artisan, in a gesture that blends technique and deep respect for the raw ingredient.
THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
After twenty-four months of patient waiting in our curing cellars, Il Poggio Prosciutto reaches its finest expression: an intense, signature pink color, a delicate aroma with surprising notes of wild berries, and that perfect flavor balance between sweetness and savoriness that has made it world-renowned.
The versatility of this premium product shines in countless culinary settings: traditionally served raw as an appetizer, sliced more or less thinly according to personal taste. However, it also stars in more elaborate dishes, such as classic tortellini. It shows its best in its natural form, letting the palate savor every nuance, or paired with fresh fruit like figs or melon — a contrast of flavors that enhances its character.
As for wine pairings, our Il Poggio 24-Month Aged Prosciutto Crudo goes perfectly with aromatic white wines, even slightly sparkling, such as Malvasia dei Colli di Parma or Istrian Malvasia. It also pairs well with light, fruity red wines, which complete the tasting experience without overpowering it.
It is the purest expression of our production philosophy: carefully selected pigs from our own farms, time and patience, respect for tradition, and meticulous attention to detail, all brought together in a flavorful masterpiece that tells two thousand years of history in every slice.
