The most photographed was the heaviest: a "jewel" weighing just over half a kilo . The queen among all those on display above the table. A little while ago the first auction of the Cabras bottarga ended, the real, authentic one.
The most valuable piece was won by Cristian Carboni, owner of the Arke restaurant in Quartu , for a total of 300 euros. «I decided to come here to Cabras mainly to forge relationships with the producers of this delicacy, in order to be able to offer a niche product in my restaurant. The one weighing half a kilo, however, will remain at my house».
Today, in a hall of the Peschiera di Mar'e Pontis , the first bag of bottarga was staged, organized by the Promotional Services Center for companies of the Chamber of Commerce of Cagliari and Oristano and financed by the Region. Many restaurateurs have arrived to compete for 12 fine pieces produced by the fishermen of Cabras, some even from abroad . An important event organized to enhance this product worked for centuries in the lagoon of the center of Oristano.
The auction was led by Davide Rampello , historical researcher, as well as author and director of cultural programs and television director. «The bottarga, the one caught and produced here in Cabras with extraordinary dimensions, must tell the story of those who know how to make this unique product in the world - said Rampello - must tell the know-how of the locals».
Bargaining began shortly after twelve. The organizers started from the least heavy roe: 328 grams with an auction base of 82 euros. Up to the last with final applause for those who managed to bring home a piece weighing more than half a kilo.
Nando Faedda , president of the Chamber of Commerce of Oristano and Cagliari, organizer of the event: «For us it is an important first step to make the most of this product which thanks to the auction will go far. After all, it is unique because it was born here. Different from the other botarghe it has everything. In Cabras the mullet eats a specific grass, just as the climatic conditions are unique».