Italian

American Distillers Are Rethinking Grappa’s Classic Roots

American Distillers Are Rethinking Grappa’s Classic Roots

The Italian spirit everyone loves to hate is getting a fresh twist—thanks to American distillers. Grappa, that fiery, often polarizing digestif made from grape pomace, has long been a divisive favorite. But as its traditional roots face scrutiny for intensity and complexity, a new wave of American craft distillers is redefining the category. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and refined flavor, these producers are crafting grappa that’s less about the burn and more about balance. The result? A category that’s evolving beyond its Italian origins. Grappa’s story is one of ingenuity. For centuries, it’s been made from the leftover…
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Italian Desserts: A Symphony of Bold Flavors and Layered Delights

Italian Desserts: A Symphony of Bold Flavors and Layered Delights

Real talk: Italian desserts aren’t about restraint. They’re about unleashing the full spectrum of flavor, texture, and aroma—think almond extract’s creamy nuttiness, lemon zest’s zesty punch, and espresso’s dark, brooding allure. These desserts are maximalist in every sense, layering ingredients like a painter’s palette to create sensory fireworks. From the first bite of a crostata to the final swirl of a boozy glaze, they’re a love letter to indulgence. Almond extract is the unsung hero here, weaving through doughs, fillings, and glazes with a richness that feels both familiar and surprising. Take the crostata: its crisp crust, made with blitzed…
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8 Southern Italy Red Wines That’ll Surprise You

8 Southern Italy Red Wines That’ll Surprise You

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—here’s your secret weapon. Southern Italy’s red wines are rarely spotlighted, yet they’re packed with depth, character, and a wildness that defies expectation. From volcanic soils to ancient vines, this region’s hidden gems offer a thrilling contrast to the usual Tuscan or Barolo crowd. These wines are the underdogs of the Italian wine world, and once you taste them, you’ll wonder why they’re not more celebrated. Aglianico is the king of Southern Italy’s dark horse roster. Found in Campania and Basilicata, it’s a grape that thrives in volcanic earth, delivering earthy, smoky notes with a…
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Looking for Italian Espresso Mastery? Here’s How to Find It

Looking for Italian Espresso Mastery? Here’s How to Find It

Here’s what you need to know: If you’re chasing the bold, smoky punch of Naples-style espresso, you’re probably scrolling through YouTube hoping to stumble on a video of an Italian pulling a shot with the same urgency they’d apply to a late-night pasta fix. But what you’ll find is a sea of light roasts, precision timers, and gear that looks like it belongs in a lab. The real magic? It’s not in the gear—it’s in the grit. Italians don’t preen over their espresso. They grind, tamp, and pour with the same reckless efficiency they bring to a crowded pizzeria at…
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Etna’s Volcanic Edge: How Sicily’s Volcanic Wines Are Redefining Italian Elegance

Etna’s Volcanic Edge: How Sicily’s Volcanic Wines Are Redefining Italian Elegance

Time to spill: The volcanic slopes of Etna are rewriting Italy’s wine narrative. In a country long associated with bold, opulent wines, Sicily’s Etna region stands apart—its wines are linear, mineral-driven, and fiercely restrained. But is this a regional anomaly or the vanguard of a broader Italian shift? The answer lies in the interplay of terroir, ambition, and a generation of winemakers who’ve chosen clarity over excess. Etna’s vineyards, nestled around the world’s most active volcano, are a patchwork of microclimates shaped by lava flows, altitude, and exposure. These conditions create wines that feel alive, almost electric—think of Carricante whites…
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