January is the ideal month to discover the Italian villages: quiet, authentic and surrounded by winter landscapes that seem like a painting. In addition to the beauty of the places, Italy offers a journey through flavors and traditions thanks to the excellence of Made in Italy. Here is a guide to the villages to visit, enriched by local companies and typical products that make each territory unique.
Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio)
Known as “the city that dies”, Civita di Bagnoregio is a pearl immersed in an atmosphere suspended in time. Here you can discover the cheese tradition of Tuscia, with companies such as Alta Tuscia Cheeses renowned for their refined pecorini. Do not miss the local dishes based on farro and legumes, protagonists of peasant cuisine.
Montepulciano (Tuscany)
Famous for the Vino Nobile, Montepulciano is a paradise for lovers of good wine. Visit historic wineries such as Avignonesi or Cantina Contucci, where tradition and innovation blend in the production of top quality wines. Alongside wine, try the pici all’aglione, a handmade pasta that celebrates the authentic flavors of Tuscany.
Castelmezzano (Basilicata)
Nestled in the Dolomites of Lucane, Castelmezzano is a perfect place to taste products such as the Canestrato di Moliterno PGI and the famous peppers crusci, crispy and tasty. The company Dolci Lucane is a reference point for those who want to bring home traditional cakes such as taralli with cooked wine.
Erice (Sicily)
The medieval village of Erice, with its cobbled streets and hidden courtyards, is famous for the sweets of the Pasticceria Maria Grammatico, which preserves the recipes of the Benedictine nuns. The must are the Genoese, fragrant and filled with cream, and marzipan fruits, symbol of the Sicilian tradition.
Rocca Calascio (Abruzzo)
Perched in the mountains of the Gran Sasso, Rocca Calascio is a perfect destination for lovers of nature and genuine flavors. Taste the pecorino di Farindola, produced with pig’s rennet, and the salami of the company La Porchetta d’Abruzzo, specialized in quality meat and artisanal processing.
San Gimignano (Tuscany)
San Gimignano is not only famous for its towers, but also for the Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, an elegant white wine produced by companies such as Tenuta Torciano. Complete the visit with a tasting of local saffron, grown with passion in the surrounding countryside.
Bard (Aosta Valley)
The village of Bard, with its imposing fort, is an ideal destination for January. Discover alpine products such as Fontina DOP and high mountain honeys that contain the scents and purity of the Valdostan peaks.
Specchia (Puglia)
Specchia, one of the most beautiful villages in Salento, is known for its extra virgin olive oil. Companies like Olio Intini produce internationally-awarded oils, using local olives such as the Cellina di Nardò. Try the Apulian taralli and bread baked in a wood oven for an authentic experience.
In addition to the beauty of the landscapes and the millenary history, the Italian villages preserve a unique gastronomic heritage. January is the perfect month to discover these excellences, immersing yourself in a journey that nourishes your soul and palate. Each village is a microcosm of traditions, craft companies and typical products that tell the best of Made in Italy. Choose a destination, get ready to discover unspoilt places and let yourself be conquered by the authentic flavors that only Italy can offer.
Author: Katia La Rosa
Cover: Pixabay