Castanea: Chestnut Honey

Chestnut Honey is one of the Mediterranean’s most traditional and recognizable honeys. Produced between June and July, it originates from hills and mountains up to 1200 meters above sea level, where chestnut forests flourish in mineral-rich soil.

In Sardinia, production is concentrated on the slopes of the Gennargentu Mountains, where the honey is mainly derived from nectar rather than honeydew. This gives it a higher moisture content, stronger aroma, and more pronounced flavor than honeys from mainland regions.

Depending on the variety of chestnut, microclimate, and seasonal conditions, its color and intensity may vary. A dry summer typically produces a more concentrated, bolder honey, as bees focus exclusively on chestnut blossoms.

Unlike sweet, neutral honeys, chestnut honey appeals to those who appreciate depth, complexity, and a touch of bitterness. It’s not primarily used for sweetening but rather for flavor enhancement — delicious on bread with butter, ricotta, or aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, and excellent in pork-based dishes.

Kräftig und charaktervoll, mit Holz-, Gewürz- und Tanninnoten, die sich in ein herb-würziges Finish verwandeln. Der Nachklang ist lang, aromatisch und erdig.

Empfehlung:

Hervorragend zu Ricotta, Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano oder Schweinefleischgerichten. Auch ideal auf Brot mit Butter oder in würzigen Soßen.

Armie – Nomadic Honey from the Soul of Sardinia

Behind Armie stands Nicola Alpigiano, a devoted Sardinian beekeeper whose life blends craftsmanship, family, and a deep connection with nature. Together with his wife Maria Giovanna, he founded Armie — a name born from love: a combination of their daughter Ariana and the Italian word for honey, “miele.”

Their honey is not merely a product, but a reflection of a way of life. From the wild hills of Nuoro, Nicola moves his hives in harmony with the Sardinian flowering cycle — from Asphodel and Eucalyptus to the prized Strawberry Tree (Corbezzolo) and Wild Lavender. This nomadic rhythm allows each honey to express the authentic essence of its landscape — the dialogue between bees, blossoms, and the caring hands that guide them.

While Maria gives the project its artistic and soulful direction, Nicola embodies the daily devotion — balancing his profession in construction and design with his vocation as a beekeeper. Working often with bare hands, he approaches his bees with empathy and calm: “If you care for them, they feel it. It’s a symbiosis — between nature, the bees, and ourselves.”

This integrity extends to every jar: Armie honeys are annually certified and proudly submitted for evaluation, a testament to the family’s transparency and authenticity. Their dedication has been recognized repeatedly at Gocce d’Oro, one of Italy’s most respected national honey competitions organized by Mielizia and Osservatorio Nazionale Miele.

• Millefiori: Two Drops (Due Gocce) 2024 • One Drop (Una Goccia) 2022 • Two Drops (Due Gocce) 2021
  
• Eucalyptus: Two Drops (Due Gocce) 2024 • Two Drops (Due Gocce) 2023
  
• Strawberry Tree (Corbezzolo): One Drop (Una Goccia) 2025 • Two Drops (Due Gocce) 2023
  
• Wild Lavender: Two Drops (Due Gocce) 2025
  

Each award is more than a recognition — it’s a reflection of a consistent philosophy rooted in respect, patience, and authenticity.

Armie is more than honey — it is Sardinia’s heartbeat, bottled with love, care, and the timeless rhythm of nature.