Riso di Baraggia Biellese e Vercellese

Riso di Baraggia Biellese e Vercellese is a PDO rice produced in a defined zone within the Provinces of Biella and Vercelli in north-east Piedmont. The specification covers whole-grain, white, and parboiled rice processed from rough rice grown in the Baraggia area, a territory characterised by clay and iron-rich soils, cool summer temperatures, thermal inversions, and irrigation from Alpine mountain springs.

About this designation

Registered as a PDO on 30 November 2006 under file number PDO-IT-0337 (eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013706), Riso di Baraggia Biellese e Vercellese designates rice produced exclusively within 28 named municipalities in the Provinces of Biella and Vercelli, including Arborio, Gattinara, Santhià, Villarboit, and Salussola, among others. The designation covers rough rice processed into whole-grain, white, and parboiled forms. Seed must be certified by E.N.S.E. to guarantee varietal purity, germination quality, and freedom from fungal parasites. Fungicide and insecticide treatments must be carried out at least 40 days before harvesting. The use of nitrate fertilisers and composts or fertilising mixes containing heavy metals is prohibited. Rough rice in storage or sold for processing must not exceed a moisture content of 14%. White rice must be refined to a level defined as 2nd grade, and refining processes must prevent micro fractures in the grain. Packaging released for consumption must bear the specific variety name, the EU PDO mark, and the designated logo — a circle depicting three grains of white rice with the Monte Rosa massif in the background. Permitted package weights are 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 25.0 kg. The inspection body is the Ente Nazionale Risi, based in Milan. The specification notes that the product has a superior consistency and low glutinosity, characteristics attributed to the particular conditions of the production area.

Source: The register document this entry was written from · retrieved August 26, 2026

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PDO on 30 November 2006 under file number PDO-IT-0337, eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013706.
• The specification prohibits the use of nitrate fertilisers and composts or fertilising mixes containing heavy metals.
• Fungicide and insecticide treatments must be completed at least 40 days before harvesting.
• Rough rice in storage or sold for processing must not have a moisture content of more than 14%.

Tasting notes

Piedmontese rice from Baraggia plateau (Biella-Vercelli provinces), multiple varieties (Arborio, Carnaroli, Baldo, Sant'Andrea, Balilla). Distinctive starch and grain profile, traditional risotto rice.

HoReCa use

Premium risotto rice (Carnaroli especially prized), risotto alla milanese, in Piedmontese classics.

Packaging

• vacuum-pack-1kg
• vacuum-pack-5kg
• foodservice-bag-25kg