The butter battles may appear to have quieted, but we do have reports. Our friend Christina visited from Rome and stayed for the Christmas holiday. We were lucky to have her bring a sample from Italy’s share of the Alps, the Dolomites. Sounds promising. (Alps butter has a strong reputation. At least that’s what I hear from one of France’s neighbors to the east.)
But no, the Dolomite butter was no match. It was creamy, it was 82% fat, but it didn’t taste cultured. In fact, it tasted as though it were an upscale version of North American butter – extra creamy and smooth but no distinctive flavor. Italy is an olive oil country, so I wouldn’t be too surprised if they don’t have the same obsession with butter that France does.