I’ve spent the last few weeks on a quest to find a selection of typical products from the Marche region to put under the tree. I got plenty of ideas from the many solidarity initiatives providing aid for victims of the earthquake that rocked the area in 2016 – and then, of course, from the region’s long list of temptations that are hard to resist. It’s only right that I share them here with you.
10 Ideas for a Marche-style Christmas
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Panettone with Ascolana olives, vino cotto, cheese from the Sibillini Mountains: the flavors of Le Marche are perfect as a gift – or even to treat yourself.
Tolentino
Panettone from La Mimosa and Enoteca Posillipo
Roberto Cantolacqua Ripani has had his hands full ever since the earthquake. Every year he cranks out products esteemed throughout Italy, and has received well-deserved awards and recognitions for it. He affectionately calls his yeast “Dino,” as a tribute to his grandfather, a baker who instilled hi...
Panettone from Stefano Gregori and Anisetta Rosati
Panettone from Stefano Gregori and Anisetta Rosati
This past Saturday at the local olive oil festival in Città di Castello, Stefano Gregori gave us a taste of “Sixtus,” a panettone developed through the collaboration of his olive oil company and Anisetta Rosati liqueur. With stone-ground ancient grains, anisette, Ascolana olives, and candied lemon, ...
Villa San Filippo
Panettone from Al Bano Petroselli and Didacus
In the town of Villa San Filippo, there’s a small bakery that whips up unbelievable products. It’s called Pregiata Forneria Petroselli and every day it produces sensational delights such as bread, focaccia, grape must-infused loaves, cakes inspired by master pastry chef Iginio Massari and, for a few...
Panettone from Brunelli and Giampaoli
Panettone from Brunelli and Giampaoli
The duo has already rechristened the sweet Christmas pairing. Creating a unique synergy, this panettone wins over hearts and brings together the industrial (Paolo Giampoli) and the artisanal (Paolo Brunelli). It’s called Cuor di Gelato, combining Brunelli’s famous gelato with Giampaoli’s renowned cl...
MC
A Christmas gift box from San Michele Arcangelo
If you’re looking for a delicious gift box, look no further than San Michele Arcangelo, a social cooperative that has been offering young people new incentives and opportunities for years, helping them get back on track and build a sound future. With a wide range of jams, sauces, and canned fruits, ...
Tolentino (MC)
Daje Marche
All of Italy is buzzing about it: in Tolentino, a group of young, talented individuals has created a sort of “Marchigiano” Amazon. Daje Marche was developed to allow local store owners and small businesses affected by the earthquake to sell their goods. From ciauscolo salame to handbags, you can tru...
Cheese from Marco Scolastici
Cheese from Marco Scolastici
We’re in the small town of Pieve Torina located in the Monti Sibillini National Park, which was hit hard by the earthquake. Outside Marco Scolastici’s farmstead there are tents, but business continues as usual. In the two trips I’ve taken up there, I’ve been moved each time. And of course, I couldn’...
FM
Sparkling wine from TerraPremiata
Graziano Massa is a visionary footwear entrepreneur who has always had a passion for wine. While he manages Cantine Rio Maggio together with Simone Santucci, his newest adventure is called TerraPremiata: a Charmat-method sparkling rosé that pairs perfectly with canapés.
Cupramontana
Sparkling wine from Corrado Dottori
Giulietta is a traditional-method sparkling wine produced by a unique, consistent winemaker: this high-end product stays on the lees for seven years and is perfect for ringing in the new year.
Loro Piceno
Vino cotto from Loro Piceno
Loro Piceno is the capital of vino cotto, a type of mulled wine made by bringing grape must to a boil in copper vessels, then letting it sit in wooden barrels for five years. I’m absolutely crazy about it.