Pan Belmonte, which gives its name to this shop under the mediaeval porticoes of Cuorgné, may be likened to a small gold nougat sprinkled with icing sugar. The name also evokes the Sanctuary of Belmonte, a veritable symbol of identity in the Canavese area. Pan Belmonte is the classic bun for dunking in your breakfast coffee in the morning, though you can also fill it with craftmade confectioner’s custard. It was invented by Pietro Fenoglio who, in 1938, took over the business, established by Pietro Vernetti in 1878. The winter is the season for pralines, chocolate and classic yeasted cakes, for sweet Rivarolo focaccia (winner of a De.Co. award), and soft Castellamonte amaretti, while in the summer the focus moves to iced confectionery, with winter flavours – Pan Belmonte, amaretto, bonet, torroncino, malaga, zabaglione, tiramisù and violet – sometimes replicated in “cold” versions. In addition to the historic headquarters, “Pan Belmonte managed by Elvis Blessent since 2005”, there are another two shops in the Canavese district: one in Castellamonte (the former Tre Re bakery) and in Rivarolo.
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