MARIO BIANCO
[Caluso, Italy]

...................."Bees make the honey....

All we do is lead them to the flowers."


Mario Bianco
Mario Bianco performs his artistry with his crew of bees in the town of Caluso, located in the northwestern part of the Piedmont, approximately 45 minutes north of Turin. From that vantage point in the Alpine foothills, Bianco and his team of flying assistants follow the flowering patterns of the local flora to produce an extraordinary variety of honeys.


Neal, tasting the 2000 honeys (see glasses on right)
with Andrea, Graziella & Lorenzo
Each honey will tantalize the palate and precisely reflect not only the particular flavors of each flower but the characteristics of each year's growing season.

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Miele di Castagno "Chestnut" 2006, 500gr.............................. $15.75

cFrom the Valle d'Aosta; collected from chestnut trees growing at 500 to 900 meters above sea level a the base of the mountains near Pont St. Martin; very typical with assertive bitterness to the finish; dark color; robust flavor with unmistakable perfume; outstanding in game marinades and married to richly flavored cheeses.

Acacia Honey 2006, 500gr.................$15.75

collected in mid-Spring from the lower Alpine slopes in Piedmont; this year specifically from the "Sottini" fields at the Castello di Massino; sweet, floral, intense, and elegant; a pale gold liquid (the color of sunshine) with sprightly acidity and fresh taste; the most versatile of all honeys.

Miele di Agrumi "Citrus Blossom" 2006, 500gr.................$15.75

Primarily from the blossoms of clementine and mandarin oranges; beautiful texture with a slight crystallization; thick and smooth and, surprisingly, not too sweet.

Miele di Tiglio "Lime Blossom" 2006, 500gr................. $15.75

Very distinct flavor that has a sap-like quality; strong character with slight bitterness; deep golden color; wonderful addition to herbal teas and as an accompaniment to goat cheeses.

Miele di Eucalipto "Eucalyptus" 2006, 500gr.............. $15.75

Strong and powerful both in flavor and nose; sensual texture that is smooth and thick; unique in its mint-like qualities.

     

Miele di Rododendro "Rhododendron" 2006, 500gr.............. $15.75

from the hillsides of Ronco in northwestern Piedmont; particularly fine this year with bright acidity; slightly spicy in flavor with a subtle bitterness to its very long finish.

   

Miele di Timo "Thyme Honey"2006, 500 gr...................... $21.00

This Thyme Honey is the very best there is. It has crystallized evenly thereby entrapping the very essence of the thyme fragrance. It brings you to the reason why the bees love thyme so much. Do not miss this one.

Miele di Rododendro (Rhododendron) 2000, 500gr.................$15.00

from the hillsides of Ronco in northwestern Piedmont; particularly fine this year with bright acidity; slightly spicy in flavor with a subtle bitterness to its very long finish.

Miele di Rododendro (Rhododendron) 2003, 500gr.................$18.00

from the hillsides of Ronco in northwestern Piedmont; particularly fine this year with bright acidity; slightly spicy in flavor with a subtle bitterness to its very long finish.

Miele di Alta Montagna "Ceresole" 2000, 500 gr................. $15.00

From the high mountains of the Valle d'Aosta in the national park of Gran Paradiso (1700 meters above sea level); mostly composed of Rhododendron; less fine than the Ronco honey described above with a powerful, robust flavor and thickness.

Miele di Alta Montagna "Pian Prato" 2000, 500 gr.............. $15.00

Again from Gran Paradiso but at a higher elevation (1800 meters); deeper color than the Ceresole and more rustic in flavor; notes of wild flowers and earth give added complexity.


Andrea and Lorenzo in 1983


Andrea and Lorenzo tasting with Neal in 2001

Miele di Alta Montagna "Pian Prato" 2003, 500 gr.............. $15.00

Again from Gran Paradiso but at a higher elevation (1800 meters); deeper color than the Ceresole and more rustic in flavor; notes of wild flowers and earth give added complexity.

Polline Multiflorale (Bee Pollen Crystals) 500gr................. $18.00
Temporarily out of stock 		 

Miele di Agrumi (Citrus Blossom) 2004, 500 gr.................. $18.00

Primarily from the blossoms of clementine and mandarin oranges; beautiful texture with a slight crystallization; thick and smooth and, surprisingly, not too sweet.

Miele di Tiglio (Lime Blossom) 2004, 500 gr..................... $18.00

Very distinct flavor that has a sap-like quality; strong character with slight bitterness; deep golden color; wonderful addition to herbal teas and as an accompaniment to goat cheeses.

Miele di Eucalipto (Eucalyptus) 2004, 500 gr..................... $18.00

Strong and powerful both in flavor and nose; sensual texture that is smooth and thick; unique in its mint-like qualities.

 
 


Neal with Andrea Bianco		 Much of the bee's work is done in the national park of Gran Paradiso that straddles the border of Piedmont and the Vallee d'Aosta. In this zone, one finds acacia on the lower slopes and then rhododendron and chestnut trees as one proceeds to higher altitudes. In addition, Mario Bianco collaborates with a colleague in Sicily to produce a wondrous array of honeys from the fruits and herbs that blossom on the volcanic slopes of Etna and Iblei.
Welcome to the artisan's world of honey: the most natural product possible, never heat-treated or blended. Use these honeys in a multitude of ways: as a simple spread on toast or in a marinade for game or married to a plate of cheeses or decadently spooned over ice cream. Consult our site for recipes. Sadly, Mario Bianco, our dear friend, guide and spiritual counselor, died in a tragic automobile accident this year. His work is carried on, with equal fervor, by his wife, Graziella, and their two sons, Lorenzo and Andrea.