Italy’s Chocolate Valley
I’d heard that Tuscany has what is called “The Chocolate Valley” as there are so many chocolate makers in the area. We didn’t have time to visit them all, so Paulo took us to “Le Golosità ,” a gastronomical delight, where you can purchase the best chocolate, wine and other confections of the area.
- Paulo and Virginia on the chocolate trail
Roberto Catinari’s chocolate is heavenly and makes me long to go back to Pistoia. A specialty is the chocolate-dipped chestnuts. This shop is a must for any chocolate-loving visitor to Pistoia.
We also had the pleasure of meeting Giorgia Corsini, whose great grandfather started Bruno Corsini Industria Dolciariaback in 1918. The company is an all-woman operation — highly unusual in the male-dominated chocolate industry. Corsini takes great pride in its wide variety of “confetti,” a white hard candy of various interesting flavours such as coriander and fennel. But without question, my favourite Corsini treat was the Panforte Glacé al Cioccolato, a dark chocolate-covered fruit cake containing only almonds, hazelnut creme, vanilla beans, chocolate mass, cocoa butter and candied cedar fruit found exclusively in the south of Italy. An absolutely amazing blend of pure flavours.
I can assure you that if I had the financial resources, I’d be on a plane next month to attend Cioccolosità, the three-day chocolate festival held in the neighbouring village of Monsummano Terme, where I have no doubt I’d meet the illusive Mr. Catinari.
Join me back here for the next post, where we’ll have a sweet tour of Pisa.
Thanks so much, Suzanne. Thanks for joining us (in spirit) on our journey. Stay tuned for lots more tasty travel to come!
The photos are fantastic, Doreen. I love the one of Virginia too.
Thanks very much for subscribing to the blog, Diane, and for your comment.
Yes, Italy is BIG on chocolate. But our adventures have also taken us to Spain, Holland, Belgium, France and Switzerland. They’ll all be covered in the first issue of Chocolatour.
Look for it later this year, and stay tuned to this blog for more chocolate adventures.
P.S. Those in the area of Niagara, Ontario, Canada will be interested to know that Diane is organizing the Chocolate Race, to be held on Aug 28th. More at: http://thechocolaterace.com/.
I’ve just sent Diane’s link about the race to Roger’s wall, so that should reach some of the Toronto running community. Great idea!
That’s what this site is all about! Sharing great info about chocolate products, places and events for all us chocolate lovers to enjoy. Thanks for passing on Diane’s news about the chocolate race, Virginia.
Oh Doreen! Martha Chapman sent me over. It’s not just my mouth that’s watering when I read about your Italian chocolate adventures, it’s my entire body that has begun to quiver. I actually met a couple a few years back that did this chocolate festival in Italy and was intrigued back then. Lucky you! Diane
Yes, it’s really great when you find an all-woman establishment. Afterall, we women purchase and eat 80% of the world’s chocolate. It’s nice when some of us are actually MAKING it!
And Virginia … thanks for reminding me about that car ride with Paulo. That was quite the trip! By the way, he send his regards and hopes we’ll return soon.
I loved the Corsini women … so full of verve and industriousness. And I miss Paulo – he introduced us to so many delights, chocolate and otherwise. I’ll never forget the spontaneous side trip though the streets of Pistoia, and just beyond, in his zippy car.
Mmmmmmmm…c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e… 🙂
What a grand life you lead, my dear Doreen!
All in a day’s work, my dear, Esther!
In all seriousness, you have no idea what a tole my waistline is taking in all this research! All for the sake of my readers.
Thanks for dropping in and drooling with us. Great to have you along on the virtual journey.
Wow – That is amazing! An all-woman chocolate business… I envy your chocolate adventures. It would be wonderful to follow in your footsteps and experience the things you have – once the book is out?
Right on, Judith! When Chocolatour comes out, we will definitely be having opportunities to share chocolate adventures together. Stay tuned to this blog for updates!
Absolutely! The chocolate adventures you are having are just amazing and the discoveries you’re ,making are inspiring!