The allure and brilliance of Made in Italy in the food and wine industry represent an invaluable heritage that captivates and delights palates worldwide. Italy has, for generations, gained a prestigious reputation as the birthplace of gastronomy, crafting top-notch products that enchant even the most discerning connoisseurs. In this exclusive section of the magazine, we delve into the deep roots of this tradition and the unwavering dedication of the artisans who contribute to making Made in Italy a symbol of excellence in the luxury sector.
Capjari Gin: style and sustainability in the world of luxury gin & spirits
TS Spirits, a young company, is quickly establishing itself in the realm of luxury gin & spirits through its passion for botanicals, sustainability, and innovation. Experimentation and research lie at the core of TS Spirits’ philosophy. After a decade of studying botanicals and formulas, the two founders decided to leverage their business acumen and technological expertise to elevate the quality standards of Italian-made spirits. The debut line of Capjari Gin was unveiled in 2021 as a limited edition under the brand name Electra Gin, selected by the Four Seasons in Milan and Florence to accompany the renowned Tanqueray Ten. It is also featured in the catalogue of the esteemed Enoteca Alessi in Florence, a haven for wine and spirits enthusiasts in Italy. Quality and research are pivotal themes for this company, which already collaborates with partners SMEG and UPM Raflatac. Notably, TS Spirits prioritise sustainability and proudly presents Capjari Gin as the world’s first distillate to bear labels made of recycled Ocean Bound plastic sourced from plastics recovered from our oceans. Furthermore, Capjari Gin will be the inaugural gin to utilise ecological plastic labels combined with eco-friendly paper, both produced by UPM Raflatac, the world’s largest paper mill. Capjari Gin offers two variations: Capjari Double Distilled Premium Gin, a Dry Gin ex Electra, created through double distillation, and Capjari Organic Premium Gin, an organic Distilled Gin with a straw-yellow hue that evolves over time due to the maturation of the natural botanicals within the bottle. Taste, quality, luxury, and a profound love for the environment – these qualities and more await in every bottle of Capjari Gin!
Giusti 100, the reserve of Acetaia Giusti
Balsamic vinegar, another emblematic Italian product, continues to be produced in the traditional manner by a select few companies, including Acetaia Giusti. Among their offerings, Giusti 100 deserves special mention. This exceptional reserve is produced in limited quantities each year and is aged for over 100 years in the oldest casks of the Giusti family. It boasts a distinct aromatic bouquet and an unmistakable sweet and sour taste, with pronounced woody and ripe fruit notes. Each bottle is numbered and meticulously finished by hand. It is stored in its own precious individual box, accompanied by a small blown glass pipette. Adorned with labels made of 24-karat gold, printed using the traditional letterpress technique, Giusti 100 is a truly unique product, crafted solely from cooked grape must, without any additional ingredients. The refinement of this extraordinary vinegar continues beyond the P.D.O. Extravecchio 25-year mark, reaching the remarkable century milestone. This special ageing process takes place in the Journey Room of the Giusti Family Museum, where a collection of ancient casks, all still active, imparts their aged flavours and balsamic aromas. Among the barrels in battery A, the small cask A3 stands out due to its distinctive oval shape and remarkable historical value. The most exquisite Giusti extractions originate from this precious cask, yielding the invaluable Reserve 100 – a testament to the family’s history and heritage.
Bastìe Bianco by Tenute Tomasella
In Mansué, located in the province of Treviso but actually straddling the Friuli DOC and Prosecco DOC Treviso regions, lies Tenute Tomasella, the winery that has made its love for the land its guiding principle. Established in 1965, the winery spans 50 hectares of vineyards, with 10 hectares in Friuli and 40 hectares in Veneto. Situated in a borderland, Tenute Tomasella produces wines that perfectly balance the unique qualities of these territories. Starting in 2021, the winery has embarked on transitioning to organic farming, aiming to achieve full conversion by 2024. One of their notable wines is Le Bastie Bianco, crafted from the finest Friulano grapes. This white wine undergoes soft pressing and a 10-hour cryomaceration process. It is then fermented in barriques at a controlled temperature, with complete malolactic fermentation. The wine matures for nine months in tonneaux and barriques, followed by an additional six months in steel and twelve months in the bottle. Le Bastie Bianco exhibits an intense straw yellow colour with golden hues. It offers a delicate and intense aroma on the nose, showcasing excellent persistence and complexity. The fragrance harmoniously combines fruity and spicy sensations, complemented by hints of vanilla and balsamic notes on the finish. On the palate, the wine reveals an elegant character, featuring pleasant notes of hazelnuts and exotic fruits like pineapple. It is well-balanced and leaves a lingering aftertaste. This versatile wine pairs particularly well with intensely flavoured fish dishes, shellfish, baked fish, risottos or pasta with porcini mushrooms, flavorful white meats, and soft mature cheeses. Le Bastie Bianco is a delightful example of Italian craftsmanship – a wine to be discovered and savoured.
Raffaelli Oil: a few but exceptional
Nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apuan Alps, Lucchesia is renowned for its rich gastronomic heritage. In this picturesque region, the Raffaelli company is situated amidst hills adorned with Tuscan olive trees, evoking the enchanting tales of Collodi’s Pinocchio. A family enterprise initiated by Marco Raffaelli’s grandfather, the tradition and passion for producing exceptional goods has been passed down through generations. Raffaelli has seamlessly combined technology with tradition throughout the years, propelling the company towards unparalleled quality. While the Raffaelli range boasts various products, their flagship offering remains their exquisite oil – the first to grace the market and a testament to the company’s commitment to quality. After extensive harvesting, selection, and pressing, the oil is diligently preserved in steel containers at a consistent temperature. Bottling occurs just before the oil is introduced to the market to ensure optimal conditions. The outcome is a perfectly balanced oil, delicately blending sweetness with robustness. Its aromatic profile reveals intense fruity notes, while the palate experiences a harmonious, full-bodied flavour that culminates in a delightful, lingering spiciness. This versatile oil effortlessly complements meat, vegetables, and even fish dishes.
Appennino Food: italian truffle delights
Originating as an artisan workshop and now positioned as the third-largest truffle company in Italy, Appennino Food Group S.p.A. is situated in the village of Savigno, nestled within the Bolognese Apennines, in the municipality of Valsamoggia. Luigi Dattilo, the president and founder, established the company driven by his passion for truffles, exporting these culinary gems worldwide. Combining expertise, innovation, and extensive research, Appennino Food Group consistently delivers products of the highest quality. The company proudly proclaims their status as ‘Producers since 1994’ and strongly emphasises artisanal craftsmanship, enhancing the natural attributes of its ingredients to create truly unique offerings. Drawing upon thirty years of knowledge and experience, Appennino has developed an innovative project to cater to discerning palates seeking delicate flavours. Their product range encompasses various lines, encompassing truffles, mushrooms, sauces, and pasta. The latest addition to their repertoire is the Truffles Natural Flavouring Line – an assortment of fifteen products crafted with natural truffle extracts. This diverse collection includes truffle cream, seasonings infused with olive oil, as well as groundbreaking creations such as truffle juice pearls and truffle balsamic vinegar glazes.
NAÏF, the honey piadina
A homemade recipe that Piadinaif, a brand established in 2021, aimed to create by focusing on the lightness of the pastry. This unique piadina is made without lactose and lard, containing approximately 40% less fat than the traditional version while still maintaining a delicious taste. Originating from Romagna, Italy, the piadina has become a popular tradition throughout the country. However, the NAÏF piadina stands apart due to its distinctiveness. It is produced in Italy with a meticulous selection of raw materials and incorporates a precious ingredient from bees – the key element of this recipe: honey. The addition of honey is an absolute novelty in piadina dough, enhancing its flavour and providing a healthy, delicate sweetness that creates an incredible tasting experience. This pudina can be enjoyed on its own or paired with sweet and savoury fillings. Combining honey with cold meats and cheeses creates an unparalleled marriage of flavours. Since its introduction to the market, Piadinaif has received acclaim from both young and old, catering to the growing demand for wellness food. The brand has established its shops across Italy and expanded its reach through large-scale distribution, franchising, and street food ventures. It also actively participates in major global events such as Formula 1, Milan Fashion Week, and furniture fairs. Piadina continues to innovate by introducing new flavours, with their latest offering being the ‘piada snack’ crostini available in turmeric, oregano, rosemary, and fennel variants – a true connoisseur’s delight to accompany other delectable Made in Italy delicacies, complemented by a glass of fine wine.
Article edited by Nadia Toppino
Food, Wine & Hospitality Journalist