In the history of nougat, one cannot overlook the memorable day when Bianca Maria Visconti married Francesco Sforza. Bianca Maria, the only heir to the prestigious Duchy of Milan, united her fate with Sforza, a bold and ambitious mercenary soldier eager to build his kingdom at her side. Their wedding, celebrated in Cremona, marked the beginning of a new chapter not only for them but also for the history of Italian confectionery. The citizens of Cremona, eager to honor the union, decided to offer the newlyweds an extraordinary gift. From their ingenuity came a creation as delightful as it was unique: nougat, a treat that soon became renowned for its exceptional flavor and cultural significance.
But this confection was not merely a delicious dessert; it also carried profound symbolic meaning. Its design mirrored the Torrazzo, the iconic bell tower of Cremona’s cathedral. The nougat’s form reflected the virtues of the duchy itself—solid, strong, and proud—while its sweetness represented the pure and gentle nature of Bianca Maria. As the story goes, “It seemed crafted to encapsulate the essence of the couple: firm and steadfast at first bite, but soon melting into a rich, velvety sweetness, much like the brave Condottiero and his tender Lady.”
Inspired by this enchanting tale, Numeroquattro developed the packaging for Silvano Scalzini’s Tartufato al cioccolato fondente e Mistrà. This artisanal dessert reimagines tradition by incorporating Mistrà, a classic anise-flavored liqueur from the Marche region. The result is a refined confection that bridges history and innovation, evoking the timeless romance of Bianca Maria and Francesco while offering a modern twist for today’s connoisseurs.