The Art of Crafting the Perfect Milanese Panettone
The Vergani family story is a classic tale of Italian entrepreneurial success, built on sacrifice, perseverance, passion, and love. From a small artisan bakery to a production of over 600,000 panettones annually, Vergani has upheld the highest quality standards while preserving its traditional recipes.
It all began in 1944 in a small pastry shop on Viale Monza in Milan. Angelo Vergani, a young and enterprising man with a passion for pastry and his hometown, started his own business. Despite the challenges of post-war Milan, including the constant threat of bombings, Vergani's determination and love for his craft prevailed. The authenticity of his ingredients and his relentless pursuit of quality quickly earned him recognition among locals, establishing him as a specialist in the production of genuine Milanese panettone.
Seven decades later, the company has grown exponentially, producing 600,000 panettones annually from a location just a few hundred meters from where it all began. Each panettone is crafted with the same care and attention to detail as the very first, adhering to the original recipe handed down from Angelo. The secret to Vergani's exceptional panettone? The ingredients, of course.
The History of Milanese Panettone: A Symbol of Italy
The Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco, the Galleria... and the Panettone. Milan is known worldwide for its iconic landmarks, and the panettone is undoubtedly one of them. The connection between the city of Milan and the panettone dates back centuries, to the Middle Ages, and there are many tales that accompany the birth of this famous sweet treat.
Romantic and poetic stories feature noble knights, charitable nuns, and kitchen staff from the court of the city's lords. Legend and reality intertwine, but what is certain is that a decree from 1395 allowed all Milanese bakeries to bake the so-called "Pan del ton" (bread of tone, of value) at Christmas. This was a white bread made solely from wheat, which even the poor could afford to eat on this special occasion.
In Milan, on Christmas Eve, families would gather around the fireplace, sharing a pan del ton. This tradition evolved over time, and the panettone became a beloved holiday treat throughout Italy, from the North to the South. Today, countless producers across the country create their own unique versions of this classic dessert.
At Magnifico, you can find the classic Vergani Milanese panettone in an elegant blue box, as well as vegan and gluten-free options.
There's a panettone for everyone. Check out the Vergani Collection.
