Sightseeing tours to Italy attract a lot of tourists who, having come to terms with its ancient history, would like to take away not only pleasant impressions, but also some souvenirs. When the question arises of what to bring from Italy, one of the interesting ideas may be alcohol, which is often sold in designer packaging or in the form of gift sets.
Among the many degrees containing drinks, Italian alcohol occupies a special place. In this industry, the country was glorified by exquisite wines, liqueurs and vermouth, which have gained worldwide recognition due to their taste and a stable image.
Grappa
The country symbol is considered grappa. This drink was known to the ancient Romans, and the official name "grappa" began to be used since 1876.
There are several types of grappa that differ in aging time and certain grape varieties. Grappa is made from waste grapes (leftover pulp, grape seed, peel) left over from wine production. The strength of the drink reaches 50 degrees.
Grappa is used slightly chilled at the end of the meal.
The most famous types of grappa are: giovane bianca, affinata, vecchia grappa, stravecchia or rezerva.
Some types of drink are made from a combination of several grape varieties, to which are added fruits, vanilla, various spicy spices.
According to the manufacturing technology and the strength of the grappa, it is not inferior to such famous drinks as Armagnac and Calvados, and even surpasses them in popularity. Grappa is used slightly chilled at the end of the meal, as it helps to improve digestion. The best is grappa made in Veneto and Friuli. The Berta and Di Verdicchio Stravecchia brands, which use the Moscato d'Asti and Nebbiolo grapes in their production, are of high quality.
Vecchia Romagna
Italy is famous for its ancient traditions in the production of the so-called "living water", aquaviti. Of the finest Trebbiano di Romagna grape varieties in the Emilia Romagna region, one of the most popular brandy italyaged in oak barrels up to 5 years. Vecchia Romagna Classic - 40% amber-colored drink - has an excellent taste, freshness and fruity aroma.
Another popular brandy is Vecchia Romagna Etichetta Nera. Its feature is a multifaceted combination of aromas and dry, strong taste. Excellent quality has made this drink popular not only in Italy, but also far beyond its borders.
Brandy is served as a digestif in chilled form up to 16 degrees. It goes well with a variety of meat dishes. Often it is served before meals and as an aperitif, mixing in cocktails.
Valdo
While in Treviso, it is worth paying attention to wines from the famous Valdo winery. This is one of the most popular local brands. Each bottle of a drink that has won the hearts of gourmets, as if reflects the beauty of the Treviso landscapes, caressed by the southern winds of the Adriatic.
While in Treviso, you should pay attention to wines from the famous Valdo winery
One of Valdo's pearls is Marca Oro, a dry, white Italian wine for which grapes are grown in the Valdobiaden region. After harvesting, the grapes are processed under a soft press and fermented at a controlled temperature with carefully selected yeast. Then the wine is aged 3 months in special steel tanks and 2 months in bottles. The unique aroma of Marca Oro is woven from fruit motifs with pleasant shades of acacia, wild apple and honey. The wine has a soft, elegant taste that suits a diverse range of dishes, primarily from seafood and fish. In addition, the drink has proven itself as an aperitif.
Limoncello
An excellent souvenir brought from Italy will be limoncello - one of the most popular local liquors, which are produced in the southern regions of the country (Amalfi coast, the islands of Capri, Ischia, Sicily, Sardinia). Among the liquors, Limoncello di Sorrento and Volare stand out.
A great souvenir brought from Italy will be Limoncello liquor
The production technology of limoncello consists in applying the method of insisting lemon peel in a mixture of alcohol and sugar, which explains the content of a large amount of vitamin C in the drink. Further, the infused liquor in special machines is subjected to emulsification.
Limoncello is used in its pure form as a digestif or dessert, often serves as an ingredient for making cocktails. Chilled Limoncello is drunk from small liquor glasses previously aged in the freezer.
In shops and supermarkets you can buy classic limoncello and a viscous, thick cream liqueur. The drink can be strong enough - up to 40 degrees - but on hot summer days a frosty vitamin drink will allow you to enjoy a whole bunch of pleasures. No wonder in Italy, limoncello is often called "alcoholic lemonade."
Amaretto
Famous amaretto almond liquor Perfect for a souvenir idea. An extraordinary square bottle serves as the hallmark of a true liquor. Rumor has it that the shape of the bottle was invented by glassblowers Murano - the famous masters of Venetian glass. Many types of amaretto are known, but Amaretto di Saronno from the Lombardy region, known today as Disaronno Amaretto Originale, is recognized as the best. Amaretto Paganini, Amaretto Florence, Amaretto San Giorgio and others are also popular.
There is a beautiful and romantic legend about the appearance of this noble drink in 1525. She talks about the great feeling that erupted between the artist Bernandino - a talented student of Leonardo da Vinci - and a model from Saranno, who became the prototype of the Madonna, depicted on one of the frescoes of the convent of Santa Maria Della Grazia. When parting, the young woman created a liquor with the name amaretto, consonant with the word love (amore). The drink was created from a mixture of brandy, apricot kernel and spices, but the exact recipe remained a mystery. Today, liquors insist on natural almonds or are made from synthetic essences with a similar smell.
Amaretto, tasting like marzipan, with its spicy almond aroma, is perfect for coffee, festive desserts and cocktails.
