Riso Buono Artemide Gran Reserva
The Black Rice Reserve
Tasting Notes of the Curator
Artemide Gran Riserva is one of those ingredients that surprises people the moment it hits the pot. Before cooking, the grains are deep black and beautifully elongated. As they simmer, they release an intoxicating aroma reminiscent of freshly baked bread, toasted grains, roasted nuts, and subtle floral notes that fill the kitchen long before the dish reaches the table.
On the palate, Artemide is distinctly different from traditional risotto rice. Rather than becoming creamy, it retains a pleasant firmness and gentle chew that gives every bite texture and substance. The flavor is complex yet approachable, offering earthy, nutty notes alongside a subtle natural sweetness. There is an elegance to its character that pairs beautifully with both delicate and robust ingredients.
Because it is a wholegrain rice, Artemide possesses a depth that many white rice varieties simply cannot achieve. It works equally well as the centerpiece of a dish or as a supporting ingredient, absorbing flavors while maintaining its own identity. Whether paired with seafood, mushrooms, vegetables, or aged cheeses, Artemide Gran Riserva delivers a refined and unmistakably Italian expression of black rice.
Pairings and Suggestions
Artemide Gran Riserva shines in preparations where its striking color and aromatic profile can take center stage.
Some of our favorite ways to enjoy it include:
- Tossed with grilled prawns, olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs.
- Served warm with sautéed wild mushrooms and Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Paired with roasted vegetables such as pumpkin, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Used as a sophisticated base for seared fish or shellfish.
- Mixed into grain salads with citrus, nuts, and fresh herbs.
- Served alongside duck, chicken, or other white meats.
For a simple Italian-inspired dish, cook the rice until tender, then fold through roasted mushrooms, a knob of butter, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and fresh thyme. The rice’s nutty character beautifully complements the earthiness of the mushrooms while maintaining its signature texture. Artemide is particularly celebrated alongside cheese, fish, vegetables, and mushrooms, making it one of the most versatile specialty rices in the Italian pantry.
The Rice Born Between Night and Field
Artemide is a relatively modern Italian rice variety, created through the crossing of Venus rice—known for its dark color—and an Indica rice variety prized for its elongated grains. The result is a rice that combines visual drama with remarkable culinary versatility. Its name evokes Artemis, the ancient goddess associated with the moon and the night, an appropriate tribute for grains that gleam almost black against the plate.
At Riso Buono’s historic estate in Piedmont, rice cultivation is approached with the same philosophy often reserved for fine wine. The family carefully ages select harvests, allowing the grains to mature and develop their best characteristics before reaching the kitchen. This dedication to craftsmanship reflects a broader Italian tradition: understanding that some ingredients become more beautiful not through speed, but through patience.
Artemide Gran Riserva is not merely rice. It is a reminder that even the humblest staple can become extraordinary when heritage, time, and care are allowed to shape it.
Storage Instructions
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Once opened, transfer to an airtight container to preserve freshness and protect the rice from moisture.