Preparing a good risotto requires the right technique, but choosing the most suitable variety of rice is also essential for the success of the dish. The grain must in fact release starch, contributing to the creaminess, without losing consistency during cooking.
Among the most popular varieties for this preparation is Carnaroli, but which are the best to buy?
To answer this question, Gambero Rosso compared 12 artisanally produced Carnaroli, subjecting them to a blind tasting. The panel of experts evaluated their appearance, aromas, flavor and consistency after cooking, assigning the selected products a recognition of one to three Prawns (the best).
The ranking therefore allows you to discover which rices stood out when tasted, keeping in mind that the comparison concerns artisanal productions and not all the brands available in supermarkets.
Let’s discover the results, with the characteristics of the individual products and their prices.
Carnaroli rice, the ranking of the 12 best artisanal ones
1. Riserva San Massimo – 13 euros per kg – 3 prawns
In first place we find the Carnaroli di Riserva San Massimo, grown in the Ticino valley. It stands out for its rich aromatic profile, persistent sweetness and above all for its excellent cooking properties.
2. Meracinque – 9.50 euros per kg – 3 prawns
This classic Carnaroli, aged 12 months, was born from the project of five sisters who focus on innovative agricultural techniques. Experts appreciate the delicate aromas, sweetness and full consistency of the bean.
3. Cascina Oschiena – 9.50 euros per kg – 3 prawns
Produced in the Vercelli area, this rice has notes reminiscent of milk, puffed rice and popcorn. It convinces with its robust structure and ability to maintain a good consistency during cooking.
4. Cascina Alberona – 7.90 euros per kg – 3 prawns
Aged 24 months, the Carnaroli of Cascina Alberona offers a varied aromatic profile, with references to cereal, fruit and vegetal notes. The grain remains consistent, but requires slightly shorter cooking times than indicated.
5. Falasco rice – 4 euros for 500 g – 2 prawns
A rice with a delicate flavour, with vegetal hints and notes reminiscent of cereal. Among its strengths are its body and good resistance to cooking.
6. Good rice – 8.50 euros per kg – 2 prawns
This classic Carnaroli reserve, aged for one year, stands out for its aromas that recall straw, grass and hazelnut. The taste is balanced, even if the grain is slightly less crunchy than other samples.
7. Cascina Belvedere – 7 euros for 500 g – 2 prawns
Cascina Belvedere’s Carnaroli has notes of hay and cereal, accompanied by a delicate sweetness. Experts especially appreciate its resistance to cooking and the balanced release of starch.
8. Watercolor – 6 euros for 250 g – 2 prawns
Aged at least one year and sold in cans, Acquerello is characterized by a taste with vegetal notes, a slight bitter component and a strong and full-bodied consistency.
9. Zaccaria – 5 euros for 500 g – 2 prawns
Grown organically and integrated in the Baraggia area of Biella and Vercelli, this Carnaroli presents vegetal and lactic aromas. The bean maintains a good consistency and a balanced taste.
10. Gli Aironi – 4 euros for 400 g – 1 shrimp
This Carnaroli, subjected to gentle drying and aging, has a sober aromatic profile. It is appreciated for its crunchy consistency and its ability to remain well shelled on the plate.
11. Vignola 1880 rice – 6 euros for 500 g – 1 prawns
Rice is distinguished by its bright grains and aromas that recall the vegetal world, with lactic and dried fruit notes. On the palate the taste is rather delicate and the hold of the grain is satisfactory.
12. Passiu rice – 3 euros for 500 g – 1 prawns
Produced in Oristano, Passiu Rice Carnaroli has delicate aromas of cereal and dried vegetation. Despite showing some imperfections in the appearance of the beans, it maintains good integrity during cooking and is the cheapest of the selection.
