(Südtiroler Markenspeck, Südtiroler Speck)
Lighter in flavor than its heavily smoked Alpine counterparts, but more robust than the delicate Mediterranean prosciuttos, Speck is the most prized food product of the autonomous Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy's northernmost region also known as Südtirol or South Tyrol.
With the region sharing not only a border but also strong cultural connections with the neighboring Austria, this distinctly flavored, smoked and cured ham represents the character of Alto Adige’s cuisine, which is an interesting blend of Northern European and Mediterranean traditions.
Produced in the province of Bolzano, gently smoked over low-resin wood and finally cured in the crisp Alpine air, Speck Alto Adige takes on a mildly smoky flavor yet remains sweet, which brings its tender saltiness to the fore.
Even though Speck is featured in countless traditional recipes of Alto Adige, it is most often sliced as thinly as possible and enjoyed in the most simple way: eaten by hand together with some bread, cheese, and washed down with a glass of hearty red wine.
Part of
Südtiroler Gerstensuppe
Südtiroler gerstensuppe or zuppa d'orzo is a traditional soup originating from South Tyrol. The soup is usually made with a combination of barley, onions, garlic,... Read more
Canederli al grano saraceno
Canederli al grano saraceno are traditional dumplings originating from South Tyrol. The dumplings are typically served as a side dish that displays an inventive way of ... Read more
Canederli al radicchio
Canederli al radicchio are traditional dumplings originating from Trentino-Alto Adige. These dumplings are usually made with a combination of stale bread with the crust ... Read more
Canederli
Canederli are Italian bread dumplings that can only be found in the north-east of the country (Trentino-Alto-Adige, Friuli, and parts of Veneto) and are a slightly different ... Read more
Pairing tips
St. Magdalener
St. Magdalener/Santa Maddalena is one of the subzones in the Alto Adige/Südtirol DOC. It is considered one of the top positions in the region and ... Read more
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco is a DOCG region in Italy that produces premium, high-quality Prosecco. These prized sparkling wines are made with Glera as ... Read more
Lagrein
Lagrein is an ancient Italian red grape mainly cultivated in Trentino-Alto Adige in Northeast Italy. The grape has ancient origins, and though it was once common,... Read more
Serve with
Alta Badia
Alta Badia is a traditional cheese originating from South Tyrol. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's usually left to age for 6 months. Underneath ... Read more
Sedanini
Sedanini is a traditional pasta variety originating from Italy. It's made with a combination of durum wheat and water. This type of pasta is somewhat larger than macaroni ... Read more
Lagrein
Lagrein is a traditional cheese originating from the region of South Tyrol. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it's cured with the local Lagrein ... Read more
Speck Alto Adige festivals
