At King’s Fine Food, we believe that exceptional food begins with exceptional ingredients and exceptional ingredients begin with producers who care deeply about what they do.
Our relationship with Acquerello is built on that shared philosophy. Produced at the historic Tenuta Colombara in Italy’s Piedmont region, Acquerello is much more than a premium Carnaroli rice. It is the result of decades of dedication, careful cultivation, innovation and respect for tradition.
For King’s Fine Food, it is precisely this combination of heritage and innovation that makes Acquerello a natural addition to our range.
Acquerello at a Glance
Origin: Tenuta Colombara, Livorno Ferraris, Vercelli, Piedmont, Italy
Speciality: Carnaroli rice
Founded: 1991
Producer: The Rondolino family
Unique qualities: Aged rice, gentle processing and patented germ reintegration
Ageing: From 1 year, with selected rice aged for longer periods
Ideal for: Risotto and dishes where texture, consistency and flavour absorption matter
Available from King’s: Acquerello Aged Rice in 250g, 500g, 1kg and 2.5kg sizes
A Heritage Built Around Rice
The story of Acquerello begins at Tenuta Colombara, an historic estate in the heart of Vercelli, a region where rice cultivation has been part of the landscape for centuries.
Rice has been grown at Colombara since 1875, and the estate has remained closely connected to the traditions and culture of Italian rice farming. It was here that Piero Rondolino began developing his vision for a very different kind of rice.
In 1991, Acquerello was born from Piero’s desire to create a rice distinguished by its quality. His ambition was not simply to produce another Carnaroli, but to rethink what was possible when traditional knowledge was combined with modern technology and careful research.
That philosophy continues today, with Acquerello produced exclusively at Tenuta Colombara, maintaining a close connection between the fields, production and finished product.
What Makes Acquerello Different?
There is a reason Acquerello has become so highly regarded by chefs and food lovers around the world.
The difference begins with time.
Acquerello’s Carnaroli rice is aged in controlled conditions before being processed. This carefully managed ageing process helps to stabilise the grain, giving it excellent cooking performance and allowing it to absorb flavour while retaining its characteristic texture.
Acquerello has continued to explore the possibilities of ageing, with its range including rice aged for several years and, more recently, an exclusive eight-year-aged reserve.
But ageing is only part of the story.
Acquerello also uses a particularly gentle method of processing based on the traditional helix system, a technique that dates back to the nineteenth century. The aim is to carefully remove the outer layers while preserving as much of the grain’s character as possible.
Perhaps the most distinctive part of the Acquerello process is what happens next.
The grain’s most valuable part
During the processing of white rice, the germ is normally removed. Acquerello developed a patented process that allows the germ to be preserved and reintegrated into the white rice.
This innovative approach is central to the Acquerello story: combining the culinary qualities and versatility associated with white rice with the nutritional properties found in the germ. The reintegration process was patented internationally in 2012.
It is a perfect example of the philosophy behind Acquerello – respecting what has come before while finding new ways to improve it.
Why King’s Fine Food Chose Acquerello
At King’s Fine Food, we have spent years seeking out producers whose approach to food reflects our own values.
For us, premium does not simply mean expensive. It means provenance, craftsmanship, consistency and a genuine commitment to quality.
That is why Acquerello fits so naturally within the King’s Fine Food family.
Our own philosophy has always been to seek out exceptional products from producers who understand that the details matter. Whether we are selecting caviar, olive oil, chocolate, smoked salmon or a luxury store-cupboard ingredient, we look beyond the finished product to the people, methods and provenance behind it.
Acquerello shares that attention to detail.
From the cultivation of the rice at Tenuta Colombara, through its carefully controlled ageing and unique processing methods, every stage has been considered. There is a clear sense of purpose behind the product – and that is something we value enormously at King’s.
It is this shared commitment to quality and craftsmanship that makes Acquerello more than simply a product we sell. It is a supplier partnership we are proud to have.
From the Rice Fields to the Kitchen
For chefs, an exceptional ingredient must do more than look impressive on a shelf. It needs to perform.
Acquerello’s Carnaroli is particularly valued for its cooking characteristics. Its ability to absorb flavours while maintaining its structure makes it an excellent choice for risotto, where the quality and behaviour of the rice are fundamental to the finished dish.
The result is a grain that gives chefs confidence and consistency, allowing the rice to become part of the dish while still retaining its own character.
And although risotto may be its most famous application, Acquerello can be used creatively across a wide variety of dishes.
At King’s Fine Food, we love products that give chefs the freedom to create while providing the reliability expected from a truly premium ingredient.
Behind the Grain
The story of Acquerello is best understood by seeing where the rice comes from and how it is produced.
Take a closer look at Tenuta Colombara and discover the journey from the rice fields to the finished grain.
From the Rice Fields to the Table
Discover the journey of Acquerello from the fields of Tenuta Colombara through to the finished product.
https://youtu.be/_EbAYs82rMM?si=A2R-O8F42atN9xpiTimelapse
A glimpse behind the scenes at the landscape, cultivation and production that form part of the Acquerello story.
https://youtu.be/YOTOM_uQiHw?si=xOvuMuyAIM10a1y_The Story of a Grain of Rice
Follow the journey of a single grain and discover the care, craftsmanship and innovation behind Acquerello.
https://youtu.be/2X_BhAebNuc?si=_9Jl-pdeJZt-ClmvDiscover Acquerello at King’s Fine Food
For those who appreciate exceptional ingredients, Acquerello is a product where the difference can be experienced in the kitchen.
We are proud to offer Acquerello Aged Rice as part of the King’s Fine Food range, available in a selection of sizes from 250g through to 2.5kg.
Whether you are preparing a classic risotto, experimenting with new flavours or simply looking to elevate an everyday ingredient, Acquerello brings together Italian heritage, careful craftsmanship and innovation in every grain.
Discover Acquerello Aged Rice at King’s Fine Food.
