We have the best Panettone in Italy!

At the biggest kermesse in Italy for the king of the Christmas leavened cake, 200 participants showed up. The challenge is called "Panettone Day" and was promoted by Csm – Braims from Crema and Gambero Rosso together with the prestigious cooking school Cast Alimenti in Brescia. The jury consists of the greatest pastry chefs in Italy, Iginio Massari from Brescia and Gino Fabbri, both leading figures of the Italian Pastry Academy. Additionally, in the jury are Mara Nocilla and Laura Mantovano from Gambero Rosso.

From 200 participants, the first selection takes place in June-July between Brescia and Rome, where 100 are selected, and the final second round occurs between August and September at the Cast Alimenti center in Brescia. From there, 20 are chosen. The true finalists! Out of these, 5 are further selected.

Well, in first place for the second consecutive year, the panettone by Giovanni Bertolini from Casa del Dolce in Cologna Veneta has emerged. An extraordinary success for the Veneto pastry shop and Veronese confectionery that took its first steps among mandorlato and the ancient Venetian sweet history.

Giovanni Fausto Bertolini began in the '70s with this beautiful family adventure together with his mother and wife Patrizia. Today, he continues his work thanks to the support and passion of his children. Bertolini was born among almonds and sugar in the pure old-fashioned style of the tradition of Cologna Veneta and then got closer to the practice of leavening thanks to the support of his great Veronese friend, Giovanni Rana.

The result at the Panettone Day 2014 is the confirmation of the consolidation of a dream and a long-standing activity of research for the highest quality raw materials and of a technique of the highest level.

Giovanni's Panettone? A delight, a very delicate dough with great softness. Candies that melt in your mouth, super fine almonds that he also uses for his mandorlato. Ah, one piece of advice, if you can… eat it while still warm… it will be an unforgettable experience!