In this blog series, we’re featuring our partners and suppliers. Today, we talk with Stefano, who produces the local and traditional Genepi, among other things.
Dear Stefano, can you tell us something about you and your products?
Our liqueurs are inspired by the tradition of the Occitan land. We use only herbs from the Valle Maira, mostly wild herbs that we have picked ourselves (with the exception of Genepy, which we have to buy from local producers because it is a protected plant).
Your products are typical of the Valle Maira: what makes them so special? How long have you been making them?
Our company was founded in 2019. What distinguishes us is a careful selection of raw materials to obtain the best possible quality of the herbs, alcohol, sugar and spring water used. The manufacturing process is kept as simple as possible, without the use of concentrated extracts or other additives.
Sustainability is a central focus of the Locanda Mistral. What does sustainability mean to you? And how does it influence your products?
For us, sustainability means preserving life in the mountains. Therefore, our herbs are harvested at high altitudes in compliance with legal requirements and, above all, for the good of the plants. All this without damaging the stock, so that we can have continuous production over the years. In addition, all raw materials that we cannot obtain directly in the region, are purchased as close as possible to the production site.
What are three things our readers should do in the valley? What do you think they must experience / see / try the next time they visit the Valle Maira?
During your stay in the Valle Maira, you can't miss the walks to admire our beautiful landscapes. Besides that, you can't avoid tasting our typical cuisine and visiting us to see how our liqueurs are made.
What do you wish for the future of the Valle Maira?
We hope that an increasingly conscious tourism can develop from environmentally aware people who seek contact with the unspoiled nature and the ancient traditions of the valley.
photo credit: © Carlos Blanchard
