A radiant, temperamental, sun-kissed country that has given the world so many talents, makes you fall in love with yourself from the first time and forever. The birthplace of brilliant painters, famous opera singers and film artists, Italy played a huge role in the development of European art. Here is the “heart” of the Catholic faith, the Vatican, the unique city on the water of Venice, the famous La Scala. The country is also famous for its seaside resorts, beaches, hospitality and developed light industry. The extraordinary generosity of nature, multiplied by the talent and diligence of the Italians, give the world a lot of unique products and various goods. Clothes, shoes, spaghetti, wines, cheeses, olive oil are highly rated on the world market. Arrays of olive groves, endless vineyards, tangerine, orange orchards adorn the fertile land washed by 4 seas.

Pasta

The Italians got the nickname “pasta” because of their favorite national dish. It was Italy that became the world scene for the manufacture of products from dried dough. Today, pasta of various varieties, configurations, colors are available in every corner of the planet. Dishes from them are prepared in almost every family. But pasta products, united by the word “pasta” (dough) have their own raisins. It would be unforgivable, being here, not to buy several types of pasta as a pleasant gift.

Long, short, curly, large, small, stuffed pasta is sold everywhere here. Manufacturers strive to make pasta only from durum wheat grown here. Progress in this area does not stand still. Today, new brands of products with improved health properties are presented.

The stores sell pasta from legumes that are not contraindicated for diabetics, athletes, and vegetarians. Products are packaged in beautiful paper bags, with labels where the manufacturer is indicated in bright letters. Barilla, Molto Bene, Ledi, Divella, Felicetti, Agnesi, Garofalo, La Molisana – this is not a complete list of companies with an ancient history. Today they produce the highest quality pasta with spices, herbs, vegetables, seafood.

Wine

It is interesting to know how the dispute between Dionysius – the Greek God of wine and Bacchus – the wine God of Rome, would have ended if they had found out whose wine is better. But real history testifies that the Greeks at the dawn of our era called Italy Enotria (country of wine). From this we can conclude that wine was highly valued in antiquity. It was Ancient Rome that became the forefather of French, Bulgarian, Hungarian and other vineyards. Modern descendants of the Romans not only kept the secrets of winemaking, but also improved this technology.

Local wines are classified according to quality. Table wines are made from any variety of grapes, they can be of different quality. Strict control is practiced in the manufacture of fine wine – from growing grapes to the completion of the process. Varieties of Tuscan red wine are world famous: Chianti, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc. White wine lovers choose Vermentino, Chardonnay, Trebbiano. Each of the 6 areas producing noble drinks strives to become a leader in quality. Any wine bought in Italy will not disappoint those to whom it is intended.

Coffee

Although coffee production in Italy does not have a long history, today more than 800 companies in the country are engaged in the manufacture of an invigorating drink. Despite the lack of their own coffee plantations, producers successfully compete even with Brazil. Many European states, including Russia, actively import it in large quantities.

Illi cafe in Trieste was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illi, who in 1934 patented a bean packaging system using inert gas. It retained the coffee aroma very well. The invention gave impetus to the development of the company, and today Illy caffe is a famous brand of Italian coffee. The most popular are 14 more brands of packaged coffee. Kimbo, which ranks 2nd, produces blends of Arabica and Robusta Gold Medical and Macinato Fresco. Pellini, one of the top 5 coffee companies, exports its products to 20 countries.

The oldest company Lavazza is famous for producing coffee blends Crema e Gusto and Qualita Oro. Firm Molinari (1911) makes coffee blends of 86 varieties. Italians love the coffee brand Borbon, Vergnano, Hausbrandt. Your loved ones will love your coffee.

Olive oil

On the plantations of the provinces of Tuscany, Umbria, Apulia and in other 9 regions, 400 varieties of olives are grown. Therefore, there are plenty of raw materials for the production of olive oil, as well as first-class craftsmen involved in the production of the “visiting card” of the state. Buying olive oil in any city is not a problem. However, it must be remembered that this useful product has a short shelf life – 1 month after opening the bottle.

When the oil comes into contact with oxygen, oxidation occurs, and it loses its useful qualities. When buying, be sure to look at the date and place of manufacture, as well as the manufacturer. Saturated with antioxidants and vitamins, olive oil is an excellent means of preventing cancer. Even when frying food, dangerous carcinogens are not formed, which cannot be said about other types of oils. To please friends and relatives, it is best to buy several small bottles.

Usually the oil is packaged in dark glass bottles that protect it from sunlight. Extra virgin oil, obtained mechanically by cold pressing, is especially valued. Sold “liquid gold” in almost all stores. If you have to go on an excursion to a small agricultural company, you can buy the freshest high-quality oil there. Small producers are passionate about making a product in order to survive in the competition.

Cheese

Italy is a record holder among other countries for the production of cheese. 600 varieties of this milk product are produced in the whole country. Some of them have received worldwide recognition and glorified local cheese makers. Parmesan and Mozzarella have conquered gourmets all over the planet with their taste. “Mozzarella” is traditionally brewed from buffalo milk in the province of Campania. Currently, this delicacy cheese in the form of balls for general consumption is made from cow's milk.

Parmesan is unique in that it is made from milk obtained during the green grass season (April-November). The ripening period of the cheese masterpiece is almost 2 years. On the shell of genuine parmesan, inscriptions with the name are embossed and there is a brand mark. Hard cheeses are in great demand: Grana Padano (Parmesan's competitor), Piccante, Aziago, Canestrato Pugliese (from sheep's milk), Pecorino, etc. Of the soft varieties, Scamorza, Taleggio, Fontina, Cachotta D urbino, Crescenza, Mascarpone are considered the best.

Since hard cheeses have a longer shelf life, it is better to buy hard varieties as a gift. As a rule, they are all sold in vacuum packaging, which guarantees the safety of the quality of the product. On the eve of departure, you can buy a unique soft Cachocavallo cheese in the form of a drop with a paraffin shell. Its unusual sweet taste goes well with mushrooms and vegetables. And how not to bring the famous blue cheese Gorgonzola, with noble mold, which has passed the centuries-old test of time?

Balsamic vinegar

An exquisite sweet and sour seasoning for dishes, known in Italy since the 11th century – balsamic vinegar – today is more popular than ever. Real gourmets in their home kitchen try to use this unique ingredient to improve the taste and healthiness of dishes. Balsamic vinegar is prepared from grape must (squeezed grape juice). Syrup is obtained from it by long boiling, which is poured into wooden barrels and kept in them for at least 3 years. The most expensive brands of balsamic can be aged for 100 years.

Barrels of different volumes (from 10 to 100 liters) are made of oak, ash, chestnut, cherry, and mulberry. For the first time, balsamic vinegar began to be prepared in the province of Modena (Emilia-Romagna region). Here, to this day, they are engaged in its production according to family recipes. In the process of fermentation and infusion, the syrup is saturated with the aroma of fruit wood, extracting all useful trace elements from it. For centuries, the use of this unique seasoning was the prerogative of the aristocratic nobility. A barrel of balsamic vinegar was highly regarded as a royal gift.

For some time it was considered a healing balm that helps with many diseases (hence the name). In the 19th century scientific papers appeared on the properties of vinegar to soften meat fibers, disinfect water, etc. Now balsamic vinegar has become widespread throughout the world. It is sold in 100 ml bottles, on the labels of which the word tradizionale is written. They are not cheap: the ripening process is too long and the volume of raw materials is large. But such a gift will be truly royal.

condiments

Today it is already impossible to imagine Russian cuisine without the use of spicy herbs, seasonings and spices. But for many years, except for onions, garlic and pepper, nothing improved the taste of dishes. A lot of aromatic spices came to us from Europe, where they were supplied from South Africa since the time of the Roman Empire. Particular preference was given to fragrant herbs, which began to be actively cultivated in France and Italy. Today, Italians cannot imagine any meal without herbal condiments and spices.

They are offered in great abundance in all grocery stores, sold in markets and pharmacies. On the market stalls, you can see freshly cut herbs: basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, fennel, etc. But not everyone can bring them fresh. As a gift, it is better to buy dried spices packed in bags. There are spices ground into powder, nicely decorated in glass or plastic containers.

The unique aroma of basil will make a meat or vegetable dish, salad more refined. Oregano will be an excellent flavoring addition to the first, second courses and salads. Delightful gentle smell of rosemary will ennoble any product, including dessert. It is worth buying an original seasoning as a delicacy – dried tomatoes. A good gift – cinnamon sticks – cinnamon tree bark rolled into tubes, which can be ground and flavored dough, drinks and desserts.

Panettone

When you first try a piece of panettone, you will understand how small our world is. The taste of this dessert will remind you of our Easter cake. The only difference is that the Italians bake this confection on Christmas Day. There are, of course, some nuances that distinguish panettone from Easter cakes. For example, in addition to the main ingredients, candied citrus fruits are added to the dough, which give a wonderful aroma and taste to a sweet cake. According to tradition, they are prepared up to 30 cm high.

They look very appetizing, delighting with a ruddy golden crust. Baking beautiful and delicious confectionery for Christmas is an old tradition of the aristocratic circles of Italy. Today they are available to everyone. A culinary masterpiece has its own history and legendary basis. According to legend, the assistant chef of the noble Milanese house of Sforza, whose head was the ruler of Monaco, Ludovico il Moro, contributed to the emergence of panettone.

The cook, preparing a birthday cake for the Christmas banquet, burned it. In order not to incur the wrath of the owner on his boss, Pan de Toni (that was the name of the cook) hastily built a dough from eggs, sugar, candied fruit and raisins and managed to bake it for dessert. The cake was highly appreciated by the owner, and since then they began to cook it at Christmas under the name “Panettone”, improving the recipe. The addition of butter and yeast was borrowed from representatives of the Russian community in Milan. Kulich will be a pleasant surprise for loved ones.

canned truffles

The most famous mushrooms – truffles have long been considered a royal delicacy. They were indeed adored by all the French kings. But Italian truffles are just as famous as their French cousins. Otherwise, here they are called diamond mushrooms, which does not match their appearance. Nondescript tubers of irregular shape have an uneven surface of brown or yellowish color. The dense pulp of white, cream and yellow-brown shades tastes like cheese with a garlic smell.

In Italy, they grow in deciduous forests in loose limestone soil under the lateral roots of oaks, willows, lindens, and poplars. Their main place of growth is the oak forests of Piedmont and areas bordering France. The search for underground mushrooms is a delicate matter, requiring skill and caution, which affects their exorbitant price (up to $ 8 thousand per 1 kg.) Experienced “treasure hunters” are guided by the accumulation of flies under a tree.

Insects smell the specific smell of truffles and flock to this place. White truffles do not grow in colonies, but singly, hiding under the rhizomes. You need to be very dexterous to extract the mushroom delicacy whole. The mass gathering in Piedmont begins in October, and the harvest ends with a truffle fair. Canned truffles are sold in glass and metal jars of small volumes at a price of over 1,000 rubles. They taste just like freshly cooked mushrooms.

Chocolate

Many countries can brag about the quality of their chocolate, but the Italian dessert is in high demand. The country annually exports 45% of the sweet product to the richest European countries, India, China and Australia. Turin has been the chocolate capital of the European Union for many years. Sweet tiles of various brands are made here. Modiko chocolate, produced in the town of the same name in Sicily, is in particular demand. When preparing this type, they are based on the ancient recipe of the Aztecs without heating at high temperatures.

The famous Ferrero sweets, light, airy, with nut filling, have become a favorite delicacy in the world. Chocolate “Bucky Perugino” is a symbol of lovers, an indispensable attribute of a romantic date. The dark chocolate “Amadeus Toscano” and “Toscano”, which received awards from the Academy of Chocolate, won sympathy. The production was founded by a young entrepreneur, in whose company truffles, bars, chocolate paste and bars are made, which have won the recognition of the sweet tooth. If you want to surprise your loved ones with an unusually delicious sweetness, buy one of these brands of chocolate.

Prosciutto and sausages

In a variety of different meat products, Italy is not inferior to Germany. Sausages and ham (prosciutto) have long won the sympathy of foreigners. They are prepared from different types of meat: pork, beef, lamb, goat, donkey, horse meat. Poultry is also used – geese and turkey, from the minced meat of which salami is made.

Everyone can choose a product according to their tastes and religious canons. Prosciutto (cured ham) turns out to be very tasty and nutritious as a result of a long ripening period (300 days). Ham is also prepared by cooking in a steam oven at + 70 ° – prosciutto cotto. Dry-cured ham is stored longer – it is better to buy this type as a gift. Salami sausage is extremely popular, many types of which are on sale.

In addition to pepper, garlic, fennel, nutmeg, juniper fruits, myrtle, and red wine are added to minced meat from high-quality meat. The shops offer various varieties of salami, from tiny sausages weighing 25 grams. up to 5 kg copies. But the manufacturing process of this sausage is equally complex. In addition to salami, bacon “pancetta” or raw smoked ham “speck” will be a good present.

Limoncello

Already by the name it is easy to determine that this is something related to lemon. Yes, it is an alcoholic drink made with lemon peel. The recipe for making lemon liqueur, at first glance, is very simple: lemon zest is poured with alcohol, insisted for several days, then water and sugar are added in a certain proportion. The mixture is filtered, emulsified and bottled. The method of infusion allows you to save all the vitamins, useful trace elements and extract the essential oils contained in the zest.

The better the lemons, the better the zest, which gives an amazing flavor to the liquor. The liqueur is made all over Italy, but its most famous variety is produced in Sorrento. Lemons grown on volcanic soil are distinguished by their large size and fragrant zest. Liquor Villa Massa, Liquore di limoni – elite brands made according to old recipes. The liqueur produced in Trentino, Bertaqnolli, has earned recognition. Popular among the people, Palinni is an inexpensive but good-tasting drink. The choice of limoncello is rich, it is not a problem to buy it.

Carnival masks

Remember Strauss' brilliant witty operetta Die Fledermaus, where a wife hidden under a carnival mask makes her husband fall in love with her all over again? The tradition of wearing masks appeared in Venice with the advent of the Commedia dell'Arto – street performances. Gradually, they became an indispensable attribute of the Venetian carnivals, and the tradition spread throughout Europe. Craftsmen made them light, using papier-mâché technology and all kinds of decorations.

After a long neglect due to the cancellation of carnivals, masks have lost popularity. The craft of their manufacture was revived in the country in the last century (1979) along with the resumption of festive carnivals. Nowadays, carnival masks are sold not only in Venice, but also in other cities and online stores. Many of them are real artistic masterpieces. The typical del art characters are still popular: Columbine, Harlequin, Pierrot, Brighella.

Classic masks are in demand: Bauta, Cat, Volto, Plague Doctor, Venetian lady, etc. Each of them has its own interpretation and history. Bauta – a black or white mask – a kind of Russian Babai, a funny scarecrow for children. The appearance of the Cat is due to a Chinese who visited Venice with a cat who caught a lot of mice. The mask you have purchased is an extravagant rare gift.

Murano glass

The invention of the ancient Egyptians, which became indispensable for human existence, acquired unique features in Italy in the form of Murano glass. It is made on the Venetian island of Murano according to an ancient technology that is kept in strict confidence. For its disclosure, the death penalty threatened, the craftsmen and members of their families were forbidden to leave the island. Colored Murano glass is brewed from Venetian silicate sand by hand, adding chemical elements to give different shades. There are 6 categories of Murano glass, differing in individual nuances.

Items numerous in form, purpose and color are on sale: dishes, decorative vases, decorations, lamps, Christmas decorations, clocks. Murano glass is used in sculptural art. Exclusive samples of products are actively acquired by collectors. Genuine copies must have the signature of the glass blower, the inscription in gold “Murano Glass”, and not just a pasted stamp. In stores there is always a catalog of products, you can navigate through it when buying some thing. Murano glass jewelry or figurine is a unique gift.

Scarves and ties

It's no secret how much Italian-made shoes and many other goods are valued all over the world. Stylish accessories that complement clothes are also in great demand: scarves, stoles, shawls. The Como region is the world capital of the production of men's mufflers, ties, women's scarves and shawls. 18 factories united in a consortium are leaders in the production of high-quality silk products. There is a huge selection of ties for every taste, neckerchiefs with various symbols and without it.

Men's and women's cashmere scarves are famous, soft, gentle and warm. The kaleidoscopic multicolor of various scarves and scarves on store shelves is striking. Solid, bright, discreet, checkered, with ornaments, with embroidery – the eyes run wide from the enchanting spectacle. The range of prices for cute little things is also great. In haute couture boutiques, all this is expensive, and in a small souvenir shop you can buy a very decent scarf or tie quite cheaply. If a friend or relative is a football fan, he will be delighted with a scarf with the symbols of the clubs Juventus, Inter, Milan, etc.

Moleskine diary

If in the middle of the 20th century it was difficult to imagine a creative person without a notebook or notepad, today, in the age of gadgets, you can do without them. But this does not apply to Moleskino diaries, which are still in demand. The presence of an exclusive notebook immediately raises the status of its owner. After all, these diaries are truly legendary items, cult values. In different eras, they were used by the greats of this world, from Van Gogh to Ernest Hemingway.

For many years, they trusted Moleskine diaries for the beginnings and theses of future masterpieces. The famous notebooks got their name from the moleskin fabric (moleskin) used as a binding. The legendary history of moleskins ended in 1986, when the last French family firm producing notebooks closed down. However, enterprising Italians from a small publishing house saved the “legend” by registering the trademark “Moleskino” in Milan. Now, under this logo, more than 20 types of products are produced for people of various professions.

Telephone and address directories, sketchbooks, calendars, notebooks of various formats and contents, laptop cases, etc. You can buy the right option in any bookstore in different cities.

Jewelry

Knowing the history of world art, one should not be surprised that the descendants of the great creators Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo are the best masters of jewelry. Their products are true masterpieces made of precious metals and stones. The jewelry art of Italy began to emerge in the Great Rome and was developed in the Renaissance. Today, jewelers set the tone for the whole world, creating new trends in this delicate art. Elegance, noble luxury, perfection of lines and textures are the hallmarks of their jewelry.

In many areas of the country, virtuoso craftsmen work, turning cold metal into a creation that plays with life. Amazing decorations of many famous Italian brands have won the hearts of world celebrities. The venerable communities of jewelers in Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneta, Lombardy are trendsetters in the European Union. Some of them create extra-class jewelry (Luca Carati, Fani Gioielli), some work only with silver or diamonds. Among the huge assortment of jewelry, everyone can choose the right version of the product.

Leather products

Even at the dawn of mankind, our distant ancestors kept warm by wrapping themselves in animal skins. The instinct of self-preservation told them that it was the skin and wool that would best protect them from the cold. Over the past millennia, this natural material is more relevant than ever. In the heyday of synthetic substitutes, leather is still at the peak of fashion and popularity. Leather products are in great demand all over the world. Excellent leather dressing, style, elegance of form, the general entourage of leather jackets, bags, wallets, purses, belts cause sympathy in all countries.

Connoisseurs of leather things prefer the well-known company Barbarina, which produces various accessories. A wallet or purse under this logo is a luxurious gift for family and friends. The highest chic is to have a leather jacket, bag and accessories from Pierotucci. For 40 years, the company has been manufacturing leather products of the finest workmanship, and at the same time very durable. A wide range and a rich color range of goods will allow you to become the owner of an exquisite item.

Perfume

Although the country concedes the world palm in the production of perfumes to France, this does not mean that the quality of Italian perfumes is inferior to French counterparts. Even in prehistoric times, they actively experimented with the creation of various flavoring liquids, incense and ointments. The first shops selling “scented water” appeared in Venice in the 16th century. Even then, there was a competition between the 2 countries, which continues to this day. Today, local perfume, along with French perfume, is in high demand in the world.

It is impossible to list all modern perfume companies that produce exclusive perfumes, fragrant with divine aromas. Fruity, woody, citrus, berry, floral notes have subtle expression, temperamental expressiveness and tenderness. Perfumes from G. Armani, Prada, Bulgari, Gucci and others deserve universal appreciation. Business active ladies appreciated Si toilet water, released by Armani in 2016. Valentino compositions are ideal for romantic dates. In the colossal assortment of perfumes, both women's and men's, there is a rich choice.

Cosmetics

In recent years, much has been done to produce natural cosmetics from organic materials. It is important that the prices for it are lower than in Russia, so you should definitely buy a couple of jars of cream or mask. The word “naturale” is printed on the packaging of such products, meaning that it contains 95% natural ingredients. 3 brands of organic cosmetics are widely known in Europe.

The Ligurian company I Provenziali, founded in 1965 by the soap maker Ginasso, produces creams and balms for the face and body, shampoos and shower gels, weight loss and makeup removers, scrubs, soaps, liquid and solid shea butter. Manufacturers use rose petals, almonds, aloe vera, algae, argan oil, etc. as ingredients. Consumers have appreciated creams and masks for the face, body and hair of L Erboristica.

The basis of the composition of all cosmetics is oils: coconut, almond, argan, baobab, shea. Perfectly moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin anti-aging cream, argan oil smoothes wrinkles. Guam anti-cellulite creams are good. Natural cosmetics are sold in special erbosteria stores, pharmacies, and Inyerspar supermarkets.