Italian cuisine is beloved worldwide for its rich flavors and comforting dishes. A plate of pasta, a chunk of cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil are seemingly simple offerings, but they easily evoke feelings of warmth and well-being. This holiday season, give the gift of that warmth with a basket filled with Italian goodies. A culinary gift naturally encourages friends and family to create meaningful and memorable experiences. And an Italian culinary gift delivers a little extra “amore.”
Pasta Tirrena is a distinctive pasta deeply reflective of its terroir. 100% Tuscan, the wheat is grown on the Frescobaldi estates southwest of Florence. This area is historically suited for the cultivation of durum wheat, thanks to the symbiosis of fresh soils, the mild climate and the marine breezes of the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea. The mineral features of the soil, combined with a natural processing method, gives the pasta unique personality. Pasta Tirrena—available in varied pasta shapes— is the ultimate expression of Tuscany, best enjoyed with one of the Frescobaldi family’s most esteemed products, Laudemio Frescobaldi Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Laudemio Frescobaldi EVOO is a pure, cold pressed Tuscan olive oil made to best express the finest essence of authentic Tuscany. It stands out for its unique emerald green color and authentic aromas of freshly-mown grass and artichoke. On the palate, the oil is harmonious, robust and well-balanced, with a very intense and typically spicy flavor. Laudemio is a great gift for food enthusiasts, home chefs, or anyone who appreciates the finer things in life. It suits a wide variety of culinary preferences and levels of expertise, making it a versatile and universally appreciated gift. The elegant packaging adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen, making it a both practical and beautiful gift.
Rustichella d’Abruzzo offers a diverse selection of pasta, pasta sauces, holiday goods, and more. All of their pastas are still made with the finest quality grains, blended with pure mountain spring water, extruded through bronze dies, and slowly air-dried at low temperatures for a rustic texture that holds sauce beautifully. For the pasta super-fan, this sampler includes eight different bestselling and essential cuts.
Ancient Olive Trees, a renowned purveyor of premium olive oils and artisanal products, brings the essence of quality and tradition to every kitchen. Their Dinner Party Pack is the perfect gift for any gathering. It features a meticulously crafted Extra Virgin Olive Oil that bursts with fresh olive flavor and a subtle peppery finish. This oil pairs beautifully with their barrel-aged Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy, which offers a velvety texture with slightly sweet undertones. For an elegant appetizer, drizzle the balsamic vinegar into a pool of olive oil and serve with chunks of ciabatta. To complete the experience, mix-up a batch of martinis using your favorite gin or vodka, paired with their Dirty Martini Juice.
Monti Trentini Truffle Caciotta Cheese features black summer Italian truffles, and is a standout must-try. In business for nearly a century, Monti Trentini—family run and founded in 1925 in the Trentino Region of Italy—produces a diverse selection of mountain cheeses of unique herb fragrances and a distinctive yellow color, made from the milk of mountain-grazing cows. Yum!
And finally…something that sparkles: Valdo Numero 10 Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Metodo Classico 2021 is a refined expression of Prosecco, crafted with the Metodo Classico (traditional) method. Produced from the finest Glera grapes in Italy’s prized Valdobbiadene region, this sparkling wine is complex and elegant. This vintage offers delicate aromas of white flowers, citrus zest, and green apple, with creamy mousse. On the palate, it balances bright acidity with notes of pear, almond, and brioche, reflecting its extended aging on the lees. It’s ideal for celebrations, or pairing with seafood, aperitifs, and soft cheeses.