Cristina Brizolari was not born on a farm. She didn’t study agriculture and she wasn’t even interested in food. She built her career between Rome and London, working in finance and real estate. Her diet was chicken and salad from a plastic bag. Then one day her husband’s family came to her with a project. They asked her to renovate the family estate in Piedmont. She fell in love with the wonderful building and the picturesque countryside surrounding it and understood that she needed to give the property a purpose to keep it alive. The area was perfect for rice cultivation, so she challenged herself to grow the best rice you could grow. The rest is history.
Cristina is a wonderful person with high ethics and a beautifully positive attitude, so it was a great pleasure to have a chat with her.
What does rice mean for you?
For me, rice is much more than just food: it’s tradition, passion, and identity. It represents the deep connection between the land and my family, a bridge between the agricultural history of our region and modern innovation, bringing excellence and flavour to the table. I fell in love with the colours of the rice fields and their history as soon as I started the adventure with Riso Buono.
What are your main values in producing rice?
Our core values in rice production are quality, sustainability, and integrated farming. We aim for agriculture that respects nature and harmonizes with the ecosystem, offering a product that reflects our love and commitment to the environment and the people who cultivate and consume it. Our company is fully circular: everything is reused, and nothing goes to waste. For example, broken rice grains, which are unsuitable for risotto are repurposed to make our flours.
You are one of the very few rice producers in Italy who practice crop rotation and, because of this, can still grow the best Carnaroli variety. Can you tell us more about this?
Yes, crop rotation is essential for maintaining soil fertility and preventing resource depletion. This rare method helps us preserve the quality of our Carnaroli rice, maintaining the sensory characteristics that make it so appreciated. Rotation also supports more natural disease and pest management, reducing the need for chemical products. This is especially important for us as we grow the true Carnaroli seed—Carnaroli Classico—not a similar variety.
I’ve heard that some (also well-known) rice producers had to ditch the old pure variety and start planting similar varieties of Carnaroli. Can you tell me more about it? How do you recognize the quality of rice?
Carnaroli is known for its firm texture and ability to absorb flavours, making it a favourite for high-quality risottos. However, cultivating true Carnaroli rice is challenging due to its sensitivity to diseases, pests, and climate variations. Rotation here helps a lot. Over the years, some producers have switched to planting similar varieties (Carnise, Karnak, etc.), which are hybrid varieties for better yield and resistance. These substitutes are often sold under the name “Carnaroli,” as regulations in some regions allow them to be labelled this way.
For purists, this has raised concerns about authenticity. True Carnaroli (from the ancient seed variety) has a distinct texture and cooking profile, which connoisseurs value highly.
Check if the packaging specifies ” Carnaroli Classico ” or mentions the seed variety. Some premium producers proudly indicate the use of traditional seeds.
However, when a producer uses the term “Carnaroli Classico”, this implies a higher guarantee of authenticity, as the rice must be produced using certified original seeds. The term “Classico” indicates that the rice has not been substituted or crossed with hybrid varieties. Typically, this rice comes from cultivation practices that follow traditional methods, making it the ideal choice for those seeking the highest quality and authenticity in risotto preparation.
Also, you want your rice to be stone milled – this way you get an artisanal rice that is not overly polished, because “white” does not mean “good.”
You are not certified organic yet, but your farming and production follow organic and some biodynamic principles. Can you explain more about this?
Although we are not yet certified organic, we follow practices that adhere to organic farming principles, resulting in zero-residue products. We use natural methods to nourish and protect our crops, relying on organic fertilizers such as cow manure, and we employ traditional weeders in the fields, just like in the past. This approach is not only sustainable but also ensures a healthy product with intense, authentic flavours. The additional benefit is that with such farming we managed to get back many birds and frogs.
Everybody knows your Carnaroli rice, but you also produce a beautiful black rice called Artemide, which has not only a stunning look but also amazing nutritional value. Can you share a bit more about it?
Our Artemide rice is fascinating, not only for its intense colour and unique flavour but also for its nutritional properties. It’s rich in antioxidants, minerals, and fibre, offering significant health benefits. Its combination of beauty and nutritional value makes it a special choice, perfect for those seeking something extraordinary and healthy. It’s ideal for rice salads and pairs wonderfully with fish and vegetables.
How does the quality of your rice enhance cooking?
The superior quality of our rice ensures perfect cooking consistency, a velvety texture, and a rich flavour that elevates any recipe, even the simplest ones. Each grain is perfect and uniform, making every dish a success.
How do you like to eat rice? Would you share your favourite rice recipe?
I love enjoying rice in a simple, traditional risotto, like saffron risotto. One of my favourite recipes is this: sauté chopped shallots, toast Carnaroli rice, and deglaze with good white wine. Gradually add hot broth, and near the end of cooking, add saffron dissolved in a bit of broth. Stir in butter and Parmesan for a creamy, delicious result. Or even better, just butter and Parmesan—when the rice is of high quality, its natural flavour is all you need!
