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Alessandro Stocci
Alessandro Stocci, born in 1988, hails from the heart of the Parmigiano Reggiano production area. Growing up in an agricultural setting, he developed a profound interest in the Eno gastronomical processes. His passion for this unique craft led him to learn from seasoned experts, who have been teaching him the production process of Parmigiano Reggiano since 2014. With their guidance, Alessandro has earned the title “battitori” within the Consortium of Parmigiano-Reggiano, this group consists of carefully selected individuals totalling only 25 people.
One of Alessandro’s main roles is quality checking wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano, once a Parmigiano-Reggiano wheel reaches the age of 12 months, they undergo a strict quality checking process using a distinctive hammer. By tapping the wheels and listening to the resulting sound, the “battitore” decides which wheels are of a high enough quality to be classified as Parmigiano Reggiano.
Alessandro holds the positions of both a taster and a teacher within the Parmigiano Reggiano Professional Taster Association (APR). Since 2006, APR has been working on the development and education of Parmigiano Reggiano tasting culture. Alessandro’s provides invaluable expertise within the APR and the Parmigiano Reggiano consortium.