What is Brescia Caviar?

Question

TasteAtlas · Accepted Answer

Caviar from Brescia is one of the most popular regional products, and the entire region has become the center of caviar production in Italy. Sturgeon farming started with white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), but other species and caviars are now farmed and produced.

White sturgeon caviar (Calvisius) is round, large, smooth, and tender, while the flavor is intense and complex, dominated by fruity, briny, and nutty notes. The tradition of farming sturgeons was started in Calvisano by the Tolettini family. They used the water for steel mills and directed it into large fish tanks.

The family first went into eel business, but when it became unprofitable, they turned to white sturgeons, which proved to be a great success. Regional producers now offer a wide range of caviars, and most products are exported, making Italy one of the leading caviar producers and exporters. Read more

Although large-scale industrial caviar production is relatively recent, sturgeons inhabited several Italian rivers before they became extinct. Brescian Caviar tastes the best when it's well-chilled. It can be enjoyed on its own, but it can also be used as a garnish on simple dishes that would not disguise its flavor.

Caviar is best paired with sparkling wines.