Feel like terroir?
To learn more about the gastronomic and traditional products of the island of Elba, as well as the culinary events that punctuate the island's calendar and even the quality gourmet stops along the GTE(Grande Traversata dell'Elba), the Facebook page of "Elba Taste" deserves a visit. It is a consortium, created by a lover of the island, Valter Giuliani, which brings together about thirty producers of excellence and some of the most famous restaurateurs, in order to make known and promote the Elba land. You will even find traditional recipes of the island.
Wine side (vino)
A land of winemaking tradition since antiquity, Tuscany can be compared to France's Bordeaux region. Of course, it's hard to compete with the noble Chianti or the prestigious Montepulciano, but the island of Elba can boast the production of precious DOC wines, a denomination of controlled origin obtained in 1967. A perfect opportunity to round off your cellar with an Elba rosso (red), an Elba bianco (white) or an Elba rosato (rosé).
Two other top-quality white grape varieties are on the rise: Ansonica, which currently covers around 20 hectares, and Vermentino, a variety also known in the south of France as "rolle".
And last but not least, the most famous: Aleatico, DOCG, Italy's most prestigious wine. This rare red grape variety, favored by Napoleon, is a rich, distinctive sweet wine with aromas similar to Muscat. An absolute must! Carefully selected and harvested at maximum maturity, the grapes are spread out in the sun for six to ten days before being classically vinified. Tenuta La Chiusa is highly recommended for shopping and tasting in a superb setting overlooking the Gulf of Portoferraio.
Notice to all olive oil (olio) lovers!
Simply exceptional, with an intense green color and low acidity. The island produces top-quality extra-virgin olive oil in the best Tuscan tradition. The salty air of the Elbe gives the olives a special flavor and fragrance.
A voluptuous, high-quality oil can now boast the only PGI label on the island, produced byAgriturismo Due Palme in Schiopparello, north of Acquabona. Once you've tasted it, you won't want to go without!
Cheese side (formaggio)
It is also difficult to compete with the many Tuscan specialties, such as the famous pecorino... But one address is worth remembering, in the hinterland of Lacona: that of Sara Esposito who, in her farm Azienda Agricola Regali Rurali, produces caccio matured from sheep's milk. A delicious cheese, handmade, and that should withstand the journey well. Unlike the fresh ricotta, another specialty of the farm, to be tasted quickly (this is good, we are already salivating!).
Another asset, honey (miele)
A sought-after flower nectar thanks to the island's impressive biodiversity. Honey from Elba is one of the richest in Tuscany. There's the inevitable mille fleur (sweet and crystalline), chestnut honey (amber, tannic and very suitable for cooking), eucalyptus (creamy honey with hints of mint and caramel), as well as rarer nectars such as rosemary, thistle, heather, lavender and arbutus.
Crafts, fashion and perfume
As well as locally-produced gourmet souvenirs, you can treat yourself to handicrafts (hand-painted ceramics, weaving, goldsmithing, etc.). From the inexpensive to the more sophisticated or luxurious, there's plenty to choose from! Fashionistas will love the highly original handbags from Dampaì (boutiques in Porto Azzurro, Portoferraio and Marina di Campo), a brand created by an Elbo architect. Those who prefer the world of timepieces won't want to miss the Locman boutique in Marina di Campo. This prestigious company, founded on Elba in 1986, stands out not only for the quality of its watches, but also for the uniqueness of its collections. And finally, a must-have souvenir from Elba is a fresh, delicate perfume from Acqua dell'Elba (on sale in all the island's major towns). Granted, these limited-edition perfumes aren't cheap, but this Elba-based brand, one of the few to export internationally, is renowned for its unique fragrances, the quality of its raw materials and its rigorous craftsmanship. More than a perfume, the essence of an island!
