The area

The territory is the main ingredient in the creation of this miracle of nature that is Parmigiano Reggiano.

The territory is the main ingredient in Parmigiano Reggiano  creation, a real  miracle from Mother Nature.

The perfect mix between a well-balanced fertile land and the ancient cheesemakers knowledge have given life to the King of cheeses.

The seatFontanellato

Fontanellato is a village in Parma area whose name comes from the Latin “Fontana Lata” or “extended source” referred to the many and typical fontanile spread throughout this land where Caseificio Boselli, produces its own Parmigiano Reggiano

Around the year 1000, after a land reclamation by the Cistercian monks from the Abbey of Fontevivo, this area became an elected area for cattle breeding farms and for the production of high-quality milk; this is thanks to a fertile soil, rich in water, able to provide the farmers with fresh fodder from polyphitic meadows with a high presence of alfalfa and clover grass. For this reason, this area is also well known for producing “maggengo”, a prized quality of Fontanellato, which took its name from the first cut hay – picked during the month of May – still recognised today as higher quality fodder.

FontanellatoThe “Rocca”

Rocca Sanvitale or Castle of Fontanellato stands in this area as symbol of this territory.. Since 1124 this historical monument belonged to the Pallavicinos, a northern Italy feudal family. The Pallavicino Family built the first defensive tower of the village. Later, in 1386, after many feudal dominations, this territory became property of Sanvitale family, who expanded the defensive structure of the village building the actual “Rocca Sanvitale”.

Later, in 1386, after many feudal dominations, this territory became property of Sanvitale family, who expanded the defensive structure of the village building the actual “Rocca Sanvitale”.

After several family events – in 1611, the castle was taken away from the Sanvitale family because they were accused of taking part in a conspiracy against Duke Ranuccio I Farnese – the “Rocca” returned to the Sanvitale family, who held it until 1948, when it was sold to the Municipality.

In fact, it’s precisely Rocca Sanvitale, to seal the link with the territory in which the happy symbiosis that allows the production of this natural miracle continues.