Archive for 'Products & Specialities'

Savoury dishes and gelato are what come to mind when people think of Italian food. They are less likely to imagine desserts other than panna cotta and tiramisù but certain regions in Italy are famous for their desserts and pastries. One such area is the beautiful and historic Siena, which is particularly well-known for her pastries. Traditional and made using recipes passed down for generations upon generations, they are a source of pride for the Sienese. A visit to Siena wouldn't be complete without tasting the specialities on offer so read on and take note! In fact, why not find a luxury villa in Siena, sit back, relax and truly enjoy the experience of being in the area?

Lampredotto is a traditional Florentine street food which is considered a fundamental part of Florence's food identity. As is the case with much of typical Tuscan cuisine, it has roots in peasant diets. Typically served as a sandwich and sold at stalls in the streets, it is made from beef tripe, specifically stomach.

The dish is so popular that there is now even an app which can be downloaded to help you locate sellers in the city. While a favourite to locals and passionately backed by food bloggers, critics, chefs and laymen alike, the thought of the contents can put some people off.

Panigacci are a speciality bread from Podenzana in the Lunigiana, an area set within an isolated valley along the border of Liguria and Tuscany. It is a type of round bread, unleavened, cooked in the special traditional ways using special equipment. They can have a soft or crunchy texture and are thin and well cooked. They are then dunked in sauces, mopping them up and served with toppings called salumi, which are cured meats and cheeses. You can now buy pre-packaged panigacci in supermarkets but the best way to eat them is when they've been freshly made in front of you. Typically eaten as a snacking food or street food, they are a very popular local dish that you need to try.

Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine made in vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino in Tuscany, Italy. It is one of the most famous and highly regarded red wines in Italy and was the first to be awarded the first DOCG designation (modelled on the French AOC) back in 1980. Brunello di Montalcino first appeared in the 19th century when Clement Santi made a wine from a selection of Sangiovese Grosso grapes. It wasn't until the 20th century, however, that it became known outside the region. Due to its rich, intense flavour and very long life, it has remained particularly popular. It makes the perfect accompaniment to meat and cheeses and is suited to a range of cuisines internationally.

Chianni is a stunning town in the Pisa province of Tuscany that lies about 35 kilometres outside of Pisa city. It is a little Tuscan gem, tucked into a sea of grape vines, chestnut woods and olive trees. Overlooking the scenic Valdera Valley, Chianni is located close to other towns of interest such as San Gimignano, Volterra and Pisa. It’s a beautifully preserved 12th century town with quaint little streets, well-kept houses and welcoming townsfolk.

Renting a villa in Chianni is easy and offers tourists a beautiful area to explore during their time here.