Shopping Guide for Tuscany

Wine
When you think about Tuscany, one product that inevitably comes to mind is wine. As you tour the countryside, you will see the rows of vines and stopping at one or two of the vineyards or wine cellars to sample the goods is always recommended. You can also pick up some bargains as the prices are much cheaper than in the shops. But which wine should you buy? There is almost an embarrassment of choice including the Montepulciano DOC, the Morellino di Scansano DOC, the many varieties of Chianti like Classico and Superiore, Brunello of Montalcino, Vernaccia of San Gimignano, and the Italian dessert wine, Vin Santo.

Oil
Olive groves are found everywhere, covering the hillsides and constituting a valuable source of production for the local communities. The Extra Virgin Olive Oil from this region is among the best in Italy, with its intense smoky green colour, and distinctively spicy taste. Varieties to watch out for include Chianti Classico DOP, Terre di Siena DOP and the different variants of Toscano IGP.

Household Linen
In the 18th century, the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo started a programme where the women in the region were taught arts and crafts. This programme led not only to the creation of beautiful embroidered tablecloths, lace and linen, but also to the start of an entrepreneurial spirit and successful industry amongst the local communities. Look out for shops selling the genuine products especially around Pistoia, Prato and Florence, and take home an authentic souvenir of the region.

Handcrafted Wood
Beds, settees, chairs, tables, and desks are all examples of the high quality furniture made by the master craftsmen in Tuscany, favourite purchases of celebrities and VIPs. You can also find handmade wooden bicycles in the area between Prato and Pistoia.

Flowers and Plants
Amongst the greenery of the countryside, visit Pistoia. Known as the ‘green city’, you will find numerous garden centres full of plants to buy. The small commune of Pescia is famous for its flowers, and seeing the brightly coloured displays, it is hard to resist taking some home.

Gold
The goldsmiths of Florence are famous the world over, where the traditional craft of jewellery making has been practised since Medieval times. The shining displays in the shop windows on the Ponte Vecchio and its surrounding streets tempt the passersby. Not the cheapest souvenirs in town but ones that will last a lifetime.

Sweets and Cakes
Dating back to the time of the monasteries and noble families that once ruled the area, the culinary tradition of making sweet biscuits and cakes is a long standing one in Tuscany. Try Brigidini of Lamporecchio (aniseed biscuits), Cantuccini of Prato (almond biscuits), Panforte of Siena (two layers of sponge filled with nuts, almonds and candied peel), Buccellato of Lucca (soft aniseed buns), Castagnaccio (with chestnuts and pine nuts) and Cenci (fried wafers covered with sugar).

Meat and Salami
The best known local culinary speciality is the Fiorentine Steak, a beef steak around 4 fingers in thickness, cooked over coals and served very rare. In fact, it seems almost raw. There are also many examples of salami and cured meats on offer such as Finocchiona (sausage with fennel), Tuscan Proscuitto DOP (bright red coloured ham) and Tuscan Salami (made from lean mined pork).