Follow in the footsteps of Matteo Pistis, one of our brightest UNIMONT students, on his internship at the Prestello Farm.

Matteo had a unique experience, moving from the Prestine plain to the picturesque alpine pastures of Prato and Varicla. At an altitude of over 1,800 metres, he discovered how passion for the land is transformed into excellent cheeses, experiencing first-hand transhumance and ancient dairy traditions blended with modern techniques.

The internship was not just a period of observation, but a real scientific field mission. With enthusiasm and dedication, Matteo immersed himself in collecting crucial data on the production techniques for the renowned Silter cheese and tasty goat’s cheese.

Armed with notebook and test tubes, he experienced the thrill of being an active researcher, contributing to an innovative project that could revolutionise the mountain dairy sector.

The adventure did not stop at the alpine pastures. The diligently collected samples – from freshly milked milk to ripened cheese, passing through the fresh grass of the pastures – have become the protagonists of state-of-the-art analyses.

Thanks to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, Matteo is entering the microscopic world of aromas, discovering the secrets hidden in each molecule. This experience is allowing him to experience first-hand how modern science can unveil and enhance the richness of traditional production.

The culmination of this adventure will be his Master’s Thesis, an opportunity to make his mark in the world of cheese research.

His work could lay the foundations for a new certification of alpine cheeses, based on solid scientific evidence that he himself helped to gather. Matteo’s thesis will not only enhance centuries of tradition, but also open up new avenues for the future of sustainable mountain agriculture.

Matteo Pistis’ experience is a shining example of what you can expect by choosing the Master’s Degree Valorisation And Sustainable Development Of Mountain Areas.

It is not just a course of study, but an adventure that will take you from the peaks of the Alps to the most advanced laboratories, combining the ancient wisdom of the master cheesemakers with the frontiers of modern science. Like Matteo, you will become part of this exciting mission to preserve and innovate Alpine traditions.