The Aso Valley is particularly active in the production of wine and fruit. The main crops are peaches, apricots and plums, and in spring the Aso Valley is ablaze with colour. The various hues of pink in the orchards contrast magnificently with the deep green of the surrounding countryside.
Particolarmente rinomata la pesca della Valdaso, frutto che trova qui condizioni ambientali particolari, che ne esaltano le caratteristiche organolettiche e qualitative.
The valley’s microclimate is ideal for achieving the best results, and Valdaso peaches, above all yellow and nectarine varieties, is famous for good reason. In recent years, the Valdaso peach has been granted QM label guaranteeing quality of Marche produce. Selection for QM recognition passes through a rigorous assessment of all aspects of production, quality, and traceability.
Over the years, alongside fruit production, local farms have diversified their activities by developing an increasingly intensive small-scale fruit processing industry. As a result, a vibrant tradition of marmalades, jams, preserves, and fruit juices has emerged.
Montefiore dell’Aso, one of Italy’s most attractive small towns, thus has a vital role to play not only because it is strategically located in a rural landscape characterized in particular by its orchards, but also because it is home to well-established farming concerns producing excellent hand-made jams and preserves, using traditional techniques to capture the flavour and goodness of the territory’s premium-quality fruit.
Thanks to some intriguing experiments by local chefs in recent years, the Valdaso peach is now used in the creation of unique and delicate dishes (peach pizza, peach tiramisu, peach and balsamic vinegar risotto): take the opportunity to try them out in one of the territory’s many typical agritourism facilities and restaurants!
Travel tips
Accommodation
Agriturismo Il poggio del Belvedere
Contrada Aso, 11; 0734939163; info@ilpoggiodelbelvedere.it; www.ilpoggiodelbelvedere.it
Eating out
Agriturismo Il rocchetto
Contrada Aso, 63; 0734938237; ilrocchetto@libero.it; www.ilrocchetto.it
What to see
Polo museale di San Francesco, Piazza San Francesco
September – May 10 am–1 pm; 3 pm–6 pm (Sat–Sun)
June 10 am–1 pm; 3 pm–6 pm (Sat–Sun)
July – August 5 pm–8 pm (Mon–Fri); 10 am–1 pm; 5 pm–8 pm (Sat–Sun)
September 5 pm–8 pm (Tues–Fri); 10 am–1 pm; 5 pm–8 pm (Sat–Sun)
Entrance fee €3.50 (full); €2.50 (reduced); €10.00 (museum network ticket)
What to buy
Agriturismo La Campana – Fruit reserves and jams; natural dyes; agritourism facilities
C.da Menocchia; 0734939012; info@lacampana.it; www.agriturismolacampana.it
La Casetta delle Marche – Production and sale of fruit; agritourism facilities
Contrada Menocchia; 0734938593; www.lacasettadellemarche.it
Azienda agricola Centanni Giacomo – typical and organic wines
C.da Aso 159; 0734938530; info@vinicentanni.it; www.vinicentanni.it
Basili G.& G. snc – wrought iron products
Via Gentile da Montefiore, 95; 0734938504
Falegnameria Incicchitti Fulvio – cabinetwork
Via Marconi,142; 0734938114.
Feliziani Paola – crafted jewellery
L.go Belvedere De Carolis ; 0734939021.
Riganò Saverio – etchings and graphic art
C.da Aso; 0734/939103
Rocchi Olindo – watchmaker
P.zza Fiume
