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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1906" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-3.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-3-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-3-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-3-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-3-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Source: Vicky Wasik</figcaption></figure>



When one thinks of Italy, rolling hills; Vespas; and heavenly food and wine come to mind. But it’s not just mozzarella, prosciutto di Parma, Prosecco and wines that Italians are known for. Italy&#8217;s liquor production is renowned worldwide, too.



Limoncello – the famous Campan liquor made with lemons from Sorrento – will definitely ring a bell. But that’s just one of Italy’s finest spirits, also known as a “post-meal digestive” or “ammazza caffe” (literally translated “coffee killer”).





<figure class="is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-1 wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="470" height="740" data-id="1923" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Sharon-Kurtz-Lemons-of-Sicily-Lemoncello.jpg" alt="limoncello-italian-liquor-naples" class="wp-image-1923" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Sharon-Kurtz-Lemons-of-Sicily-Lemoncello.jpg 470w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Sharon-Kurtz-Lemons-of-Sicily-Lemoncello-250x394.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Sharon-Kurtz-Lemons-of-Sicily-Lemoncello-120x189.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Source: Sharon Kurtz</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="470" height="740" data-id="1924" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/limoncello-recipe1-694x1024-2.jpg" alt="limoncello-italian-liquor" class="wp-image-1924" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/limoncello-recipe1-694x1024-2.jpg 470w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/limoncello-recipe1-694x1024-2-250x394.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/limoncello-recipe1-694x1024-2-120x189.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Source: Kitchen Swagger</figcaption></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1910" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-2.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-2-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-2-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-2-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20160202-montenegro-vicky-wasik-2-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Source: Vicky Wasik</figcaption></figure>



Another famous Italian liquor is the Amaro Montenegro, named after Princess Elena of Montenegro who married King Victor Emmanuel III. It’s a traditional amaro, or bitter, distilled in Bologna with a blend of 40 different botanicals.



If you find yourself in the Island of Ischia, ordering a Rucolino – Ischia’s traditional liquor – is a must. Its strong taste comes from the “ruchetta selvatica” or wild arucola that is found on the island. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/salvadonica-vin-santo-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1913" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/salvadonica-vin-santo-1.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/salvadonica-vin-santo-1-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/salvadonica-vin-santo-1-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/salvadonica-vin-santo-1-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/salvadonica-vin-santo-1-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Source: Wine Folly</figcaption></figure>



When in Tuscany, the must-order post-dinner drink is Vin Santo, a sweet wine that is usually paired with cantucci – almond biscuits – that are dipped inside the Vin Santo!



Another you cannot miss is the sweet and fruity liquor prepared with sour cherries, red wine, alcohol and sugar known as Ratafia. This fantastic digestive has a purple and red color and can be found in many different variants around the Italian peninsula. The most famous regions that produce it are Piedmont and Abbruzzo. 



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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="470" height="740" data-id="1915" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/FRatafia-1.jpg" alt="Italy's Liquors - fratafia" class="wp-image-1915" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/FRatafia-1.jpg 470w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/FRatafia-1-250x394.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/FRatafia-1-120x189.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Source: Cocco</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="470" height="740" data-id="1916" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/48084999637_fa6df35d69_k.jpg" alt="Italy's Liquors - mirto-sardinia" class="wp-image-1916" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/48084999637_fa6df35d69_k.jpg 470w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/48084999637_fa6df35d69_k-250x394.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/48084999637_fa6df35d69_k-120x189.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Source: Ribes e Cannella</figcaption></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/grappa-di-prosecco-lifestyle-863x633.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1917" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/grappa-di-prosecco-lifestyle-863x633.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/grappa-di-prosecco-lifestyle-863x633-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/grappa-di-prosecco-lifestyle-863x633-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/grappa-di-prosecco-lifestyle-863x633-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/grappa-di-prosecco-lifestyle-863x633-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Source: Pietro Gallo Estate</figcaption></figure>



When you want to go for something a little stronger, Grappa is the way to go. This spirit from the north of Italy is made by distilling the grapes’ peels, seeds and stems that are left over from wine making. 



While the true essence of the Sardinian spirit is found in the famous Mirto &#8211; obtained from the alcoholic maceration of myrtle berries, a typical shrub of the Macchia Mediterranean.

Drink Like a Local: These are Italy&#8217;s Best Liqueurs

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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="951" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-Jessica-Livak-s.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1753" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-Jessica-Livak-s.jpg 951w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-Jessica-Livak-s-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-Jessica-Livak-s-768x533.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-Jessica-Livak-s-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-Jessica-Livak-s-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 951px) 100vw, 951px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Source: Jessica Livak </figcaption></figure>



Everyone loves a silky cappuccino. While the espresso has a
stronger aroma, the fluffy cream and sweet taste of milk that characterize the
cappuccino make it the go-to coffee drink for coffee and non-coffee lovers
alike. You’d be surprised to hear that’s actually how the first cappuccino was
born. 



Marco D’Aviano, a monk from the Capuchin order, was sent to
Vienna on a mission. One day, he ordered a cup of coffee (way too strong for
his tastes). He randomly asked for a cup of milk to soften the aroma, and
voilà, the perfect combination of milk and coffee was born. It’s no wonder
cappuccino takes its name from the order of the Capuchin monk.



But it wasn’t till the beginning of the 20th
century that cappuccino became an Italian custom. With the arrival of espresso
machines, those cappuccino foams become creamier and creamier. And to taste a
state-of-the-art cappuccino, the Amalfi Coast won’t disappoint. Waking up to a
yummy breakfast paired with a perfectly executed cappuccino is mandatory to
start the day on the right foot. 



The legendary Pasticceria Pansa right on Amalfi’s
picturesque main piazza is a go-to for cappuccino lovers. Grab a seat outside,
enjoy the Italian vibe, and order a cappuccino paired with a delightful homemade
pastry. 



Scenic Positano has its fair share of heavenly cappuccinos
too. Along Viale Pasitea you’ll stumble upon Caffe Positano, the ideal place to
enjoy your morning cappuccino with a side of panoramic views of Spiaggia
Grande.&nbsp; 



While if you’re in Maiori, the acclaimed Pasticceria Napoli deserves a stop.&nbsp; Sit in the outdoor patio and order a cappuccino with one of their standout pastries. But beware; the sfogliatelle will leave you craving for more (don’t say we didn’t warn you)!



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DSCF2500DIBEPPE-s.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1754" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DSCF2500DIBEPPE-s.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DSCF2500DIBEPPE-s-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DSCF2500DIBEPPE-s-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DSCF2500DIBEPPE-s-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DSCF2500DIBEPPE-s-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sfoglatielle Pastry, Photo Source: Nuvo</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-5 wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="470" height="740" data-id="1755" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-Jessica-Livak.jpg" alt="Walls of Capuchin Convent by Jessica Livak" class="wp-image-1755" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-Jessica-Livak.jpg 470w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-Jessica-Livak-250x394.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-Jessica-Livak-120x189.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Capuchin Convent, Photo By: Jessica Livak</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="470" height="740" data-id="1756" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Untitled-Jessica-Livak.jpg" alt="Capuchin Convent by Jessica Livak" class="wp-image-1756" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Untitled-Jessica-Livak.jpg 470w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Untitled-Jessica-Livak-250x394.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Untitled-Jessica-Livak-120x189.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Capuchin Convent, Photo By: Jessica Livak </figcaption></figure>
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Discover the History of the Famous Italian Cappuccino

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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="http://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/243469_a432CzjB-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-582" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/243469_a432CzjB-1.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/243469_a432CzjB-1-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/243469_a432CzjB-1-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/243469_a432CzjB-1-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/243469_a432CzjB-1-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /></figure>



Known as the “green heart of Italy”, Umbria is a spectacular region nestled in between the regions of Tuscany, Lazio and Marche. The region is a breath of fresh air and offers stunning medieval towns perched on top of heavenly hills, a picture-perfect countryside, and a rich cultural and artistic heritage. But that’s not all; Umbria also offers exceptional regional food and wine. From stellar wine estates where you can taste different types of reds and whites, to delicious local cuisine, Umbria is a food lover’s paradise. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="http://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/prosciutto-di-norcia-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-572" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/prosciutto-di-norcia-2.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/prosciutto-di-norcia-2-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/prosciutto-di-norcia-2-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/prosciutto-di-norcia-2-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/prosciutto-di-norcia-2-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prosciutto di Norcia</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/torta-al-testo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-573" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/torta-al-testo.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/torta-al-testo-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/torta-al-testo-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/torta-al-testo-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/torta-al-testo-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Torta al Testo</figcaption></figure>



For the cured meats lovers, the small town of Norcia is renowned for its local butchers and most famous for its prosciutto di Norcia. Unlike other more sweet prosciuttos like Parma and San Daniele, the one from Norcia has a slightly saltier aroma. This prosciutto is best paired with the famous Torta al Testo, an Umbrian focaccia cooked on a cast iron plate, whose recipe dates back to medieval times. While if you’re in Umbria during Easter, a must-try is the traditional Torta di Pasqua, a very soft salted cheese cake served for breakfast and appetizers. But traditional Umbrian cuisine isn’t just cured meats and different types of breads, the pasta and meat dishes are remarkable too.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="1150" height="767" src="http://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/strangozzi-al-tartufo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-574" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/strangozzi-al-tartufo.jpg 1150w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/strangozzi-al-tartufo-250x167.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/strangozzi-al-tartufo-768x512.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/strangozzi-al-tartufo-700x467.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/strangozzi-al-tartufo-120x80.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 1150px) 100vw, 1150px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Strangozzi al Tartufo</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="http://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pappardelle-al-cinghiale-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-576" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pappardelle-al-cinghiale-2.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pappardelle-al-cinghiale-2-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pappardelle-al-cinghiale-2-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pappardelle-al-cinghiale-2-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pappardelle-al-cinghiale-2-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pappardelle al Cinghiale </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Piccione-alla-Ghiotta.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-584" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Piccione-alla-Ghiotta.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Piccione-alla-Ghiotta-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Piccione-alla-Ghiotta-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Piccione-alla-Ghiotta-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Piccione-alla-Ghiotta-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piccione alla Ghiotta</figcaption></figure>



Truffles are surely one of the undisputed protagonists of Umbrian cuisine, with seven different varieties present in the territory, both black and white. They’re used in appetizers, first and second courses, but are most famously used as a sauce for pasta dishes like &nbsp;strangozzi al tartufo, a handmade long ribbon pasta served with truffle sauce. 



Umbria is also known for being a hunting region, especially populated by wild boar and deer. Among the most traditional Umbrian dishes you’ll find the pappardelle al cinghiale, a flat long ribbon pasta with boar ragout that is just to die for. For the second courses, don’t miss out on the piccione alla ghiotta, a stuffed pigeon roasted on a split served with a delightful sauce. An explosion of flavors. 



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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="471" height="740" data-id="577" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Montefalco.jpg" alt="umbria-italy-red-wine-montefalco" class="wp-image-577" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Montefalco.jpg 471w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Montefalco-250x393.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Montefalco-120x189.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="470" height="740" data-id="578" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wine-tasting-1952074_960_720.jpg" alt="umbria-best-wine-tasting" class="wp-image-578" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wine-tasting-1952074_960_720.jpg 470w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wine-tasting-1952074_960_720-250x394.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wine-tasting-1952074_960_720-120x189.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /></figure>
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But no dining experience is complete without the perfect
glass of wine. And Umbria sure delivers with its wine production. Among the
typical Umbrian red wines, the Sagrantino,
the Rosso di Montelfaco and the Passito di Sagrantino are considered the
most prestigious. While for the white wines, the Grechetto and the Trebbiano
are the most renowned.

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Federica Rustico

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