Cantucci e Vinsanto: The traditional Biscuit Tasting

A favourite food of most people has to be biscuits. And where better to find some true biscuity-deliciousness than in the home of good food, Tuscany?

Taste experiences and sugary goodness await you at Museo Biscottificio Antonio Mattei (Museo Bottega). Visit a traditional biscuit makers with more than 160 years of sweet-making experience to its name, all that expertise means that authentic traditional Italian treats must be tried and savoured in this memorable location. Learn about the various phases of the work, the tools and the passion that has lasted generations, before relishing some of the goodies themselves, of course!

Try all the classic Tuscan treats in one go in the Classic Tasting. Cantucci or cantuccini, Mantovana cake, Filone Candito and Brutto Buono, each one better than the last. And what exactly are these delicious sounding delicacies? Well, naturally you’ll have to come and try them! But in the meantime, here’s a little preview.

Filone Candito is a rich pastry filled with jam and glaceé cherries nestled in marzipan, the creation of Ernesto Pandolfini in the 1930s. Treat your tastebuds to Mantovana cake. Dating back to 1875, two nuns from Mantua were hosted by Antonio Mattei. In gratitude, they gave him the recipe for this simple yet delightful cake: butter, eggs, flour, sugar and almond flakes. Crunchy almond cantucci and brutti buoni, another almond biscuit, finish off the heavenly list.

Another unmissable option is the Prato Biscuits and Vin Santo tasting. Cantucci/cantuccini, otherwise known as biscotti di Prato, are perfectly balanced almond biscuits which are eaten after having been dipped sweet Santa Cristina Vin Santo wine from Marchesi Antinori, wine producers since 1385. The biscuits can also be served with coffee or even grappa if you’re seeking to round off a meal in the most perfect way possible and true to Tuscan tradition.

This tasting lets you try not just the typical almond biscuits, but also chocolate, pistachio and hazelnut variations.

All these and more in the Tasty Tasting. Along with all the sweets listed above, get a chocolate and ice cream fix in addition! Chocolate bread and an ice cream biscuit for even more scrumptiousness. Have some coffee to wash it down as you learn about the history of the factory and museum in which you experience all these goodies.

Need something salty after all that sweet? Sweet&Salty Tasting will tick all those boxes! Along with the must-try Prato biscuits, have a taste of aniseed cantucci, rosemary bread with mortadella, brioche mignon served with butter and anchovies and filone candito served with mustard and pecorino cheese. Your taste buds won’t know what hit them with all the flavours of Tuscany in one memorable event.

Undoubtedly, you’re already salivating at the thoughts. Don’t suffer anymore, book a tasting tour now and you can be sure you’ll be dreaming about these delicacies for a long time after.

Please note: all the Mattei tastings are not available In December.