Heading 1

​

Vine plantation and wine production in the hills around Tortona were developed by monks and nuns throughout the Middle Ages. Some types of wine that are famous today (Timorasso) date from this time. Moreover some typical local products such as Montebore Cheese and Noble Giarolo Salame started being made in monasteries in medieval times.

Common people and peasants lived in a poor way. They ate only soups, vegetables, bread and sometimes eggs and cheese. They lived in huts all together with some animals they bred, their only source of heating was wood fire. Rich people who lived in the Castle could afford richer meals based on game and pork meat; the menu was rich in spices and honey in order to cover up the taste of meat and also to show off as they could afford expensive food.