Sangiovese is the only grape permitted in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, where the people of the town make one of Italy’s best wines. But eight years ago, they nearly lost it all… In 2008, a scandal broke in Montalcino. It was said that certain people in this small but highly prestigious DOCG region had […]
Famous worldwide for its white wine and extraordinarily beautiful cathedral, there is much more to the Umbrian town of Orvieto than meets the eye… Any mention of Orvieto will probably bring to mind the popular white wine produced in the area – either that or the magnificence of the cathedral. Before my visit, that was […]
A good panettone can make Christmas in an Italian household. Notoriously difficult to make at home, most are bought ready made. We taste some high street examples… Whether you consider panettone to be a cake or a bread – strictly speaking it’s a sweet bread – the origin of this traditional Christmas and New Year’s […]
Montepulciano D’Abruzzo: Reliable, mass produced and very drinkable, Hannah Bellis says there is life beyond house red for this southern grape… Anyone who has had more than a few glasses of red in their lifetime will have drunk Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. It is a famous name in that it is so widely available – it is […]
The delight of eating at a local trattoria is being among real Italians and eating seasonal, traditional food. Mario Matassa shares his favourite establishment with us, and goes behind the scenes of this Italian Restaurant… The local trattoria in Italy is a theatre, a daily stage show where hundreds of life’s mini dramas are eagerly […]
With a cooking culture that is unequalled in the world, many people take gastronomic holidays in Italy to enjoy and learn more about the country’s cuisine… Ecco La Cucina One of the best ways to truly experience a country as beautiful and diverse as Italy is by taking a culinary tour that fully immerses you […]
They say the best way to a lover’s heart is through their stomach, and with Valentine’s Day less than a week away, we have reviewed the best Italian Chocolates for you to buy for that special someone… In the last 20 years Italy has established itself as one of the leading nations worldwide for the […]
This ‘pasta quiche’ (torta salata con i spaghetti, in Italian!) is a real treat and is so versatile it works for all occasions! ➤ Serves 4 ➤ Preparation 15 minutes ➤ Cooking 35 minutes 200g spaghetti olive oil 1 Italian sausage 1 courgette, finely diced 1 sweet red pepper, finely diced 3 medium free range […]