"I knew that attending the event "Gli stati generali del Riso" in Vigevano would be useful for exploring the subject properly, but I did not expect to meet a producer who is a living witness to the first certain evidence in the history of this ancient grain, which most likely arrived on our peninsula from the East — though its traces are many. I recall reading that it took around 300 years to reach Lombardy. What Mr Claudio Ballone represents is instead the contemporary testimony of the birth of Italian rice farming: the proof signed by Gian Galeazzo Sforza, then Duke of Milan and elder brother of Ludovico known as "il Moro". The exact date is 28 September 1475, and the document is a covering letter accompanying the first 12 sacks of rice grown on his estate in Cassolnovo, destined for the Duchy of Ferrara."

This is what really makes the difference, and not just in historical terms.

The farm produces various types of rice, of course, but their Carnaroli variety is something truly special. Speaking with the chefs at the event, I learnt that they used this very variety, amongst others, on no fewer than three occasions, given the results.

This confirms the statement printed on the new packaging dedicated to the farm.

Giovanni Zullo - 26 January 2026