Eric has noble beginnings with experience in catering and a passion for artisanal baking. It was his desire to make exceptional panettone accessible to Canadians that pushed Eric to embark on one of the greatest challenges in pastry-making, and to fully commit to it. Eric did not see this challenge as an obstacle, but rather as an obvious path. What began as a personal quest quickly became a mission: to create artisanal panettone here, on par with the best.
Panettone is an Italian pastry renowned as a cross between brioche, cake, and bread. It is known for its complexity, as it requires absolute mastery of sourdough, fermentation, and time. It is a demanding pastry that few artisans choose to pursue long-term, but Eric didn't stop there and entered his signature panettone in the Panettone World Cup in 2021 and 2024.
Today, Eric works with a team of passionate artisans, united by the same rigor and attention to detail. Together, they perpetuate a demanding savoir-faire where nothing is left to chance.
At Viva Panettone, every creation is based on a balance between tradition and innovation. The long hours of fermentation and the precision of the gestures are not constraints, but choices. Here, time is an essential ingredient, revealing an airy texture, a stringy crumb, and deep aromas.
Each panettone is handcrafted by our artisans and reflects both technical expertise and a creative vision.
At the heart of every panettone lies the centuries-old Italian "lievito madre," a living culture of wild yeasts and bacteria, obtained through the natural fermentation of a mixture of flour and water. It dictates the rhythm of production and demands constant attention, giving the product its subtle aromas and incomparable texture.
The making of an artisanal panettone spans 72 hours. During the final step, called "reversal," each panettone is hung upside down to preserve its airy structure. The slight hole visible at the base of the panettone attests to the adherence to this traditional technique.
All fruits are candied on-site, in a process that spans about twenty days. We prioritize seasonal organic fruits from local productions to offer authentic and natural flavors.
Panettone is traditionally associated with holidays, but Viva Panettone reinvents the recipe with seasonal flavors so it can be enjoyed all year round. At Viva Panettone, each panettone is designed to be shared, given as a gift, or simply savored daily. Our mission is to keep the tradition alive throughout the year, with artisanal creations designed for lovers of authentic pastry.
At Viva Panettone, our natural sourdough starter is at the heart of everything we do. It comes from the Morandin family in the Piedmont region of Italy, renowned for their exceptional expertise in artisan panettone. This century-old starter is alive. It is fed and refreshed every day. It is a precious legacy that we cultivate with respect. It is what gives our panettones their light texture, delicate aroma, and unique depth of flavor that requires time and attention.
We won the North American finals of the Coppa del Mondo del Panettone in 2021 and 2024. This recognition places us among the top 30 panettone producers in the world. It is a immense source of pride, especially since our creations are entirely made here in Montreal, with artisanal expertise and carefully selected ingredients. These distinctions attest to our constant high standards and our desire to showcase exceptional panettone.
Do you have questions about our panettone making? Write to us!