Hello,
We will be in Sicily next month and received a note from someone we met there a few years ago, inviting us to a meal at his home while we are there. We have not yet met his wife. I will want to take a small gift but dont know what is best/appropriate -could use some ideas. Something I can get here in Vermont (not lots of stores)- we will be in small towns in Sicily so not much chance to shop. What do you-all take for family and friends (anywhere, not just Sicily)? Thanks. Barbara

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

Barbara--This question has been asked several times before; the general concensus is to bring along something representative of your area. A book of lovely photographs, a local food item, etc. Here are some of the threads (Note to Amy--Make a FAQ)
Host/Hostess Gift
Thank-You Gift
Small Gifts to Take

Also, it is customary gor guests for a meal to bring along either wine or (IMHO better) a cake. Or you may bring a bunch of flowers as well.

IMHO, chocolates are always welcome.
Is there a local producer of very good artisan chocolates? If not, then I suggest a box of Vermont maple syrup candy, and flowers. Just don't bring chrysanthemums! In Italy these are only for funerals.
- Marie

Thanks Amy, for the links to the previous posts (I should have known); and to all who answered - great ideas!
We had already planned on taking maple sugar candy (some people had posted that many Italians find maple syrup too sweet - can't imagine it when they all seem to love marzipan!)
I also have ordered some small pins from ebay which have the italian and american flags
together (which I plan to give to anyone who is especially nice - they cost about 75cents each..) I especially like the ideas about what is *not* appropriate - eg crysanthemums. Thanks, Barb

If it were I, then a bottle of Sicilian wine would be the gift. A good choice would be Morgante Nero D'Avola IGT Don Antonio either the 2000 or 2001 vintage. Even though you will be visiting small towns, it shouldn't be hard to find as you move around Sicily, and it is moderately priced.

It would be especially appropriate insofar as you have been invited to dinner. I have always thought that a bottle of nice wine is the most common gift when one is invited to a someone's home for dinner whether in Italy, the US or elsewhere.

Peter

quote:

Originally posted by Pecepe:
If it were I, then a bottle of Sicilian wine would be the gift. A good choice would be Morgante Nero D'Avola IGT Don Antonio either the 2000 or 2001 vintage. .....Peter

Hi Peter, will take a note with your suggested choices and see if we can find them. We will be staying near the Regaliali winery; do they have any good wines (I know - a sacrilege, visiting Italy and not being a wine lover or even knowing anything about wine!)

Yes, their wines are good but not as well thought of as the Don Antonio. If you find this one, it would make nice gift: Tasca D'Almerita/Regaleali Regaleali Rosso I.G.T. A 2000 or 2001 vintage would be fine.

I have never have seen its Conte in the US but it gets wonderful reviews.

When you are at the Regaleali winery ( visit would be fun and the present would be enhanced) try a few and choose the one you like or one that is recommended.

Peter

Oh, well, Barb! Maybe you will BECOME a wine lover, if you spend much time in Italy! My husband and I are drinking a glass of wine with dinner each evening, now, for "health" purposes. I'm actually beginning to discover different taste sensations, and am developing my interest in particular wines over others.
I think it would be difficult for a non-wine drinker to choose a "good" wine as a gift for others. Maybe you should take something else, such as something from Vermont or other USA memorabilia. Really, the dinner gift is just a "gesture", after all. I think a bad bottle of wine would be worse than a gift that you carried from the USA.
Charity

There is no doubt that all of the wines mentioned above will be very well received by the host Sicilian family. Each of the wines are quite well-known and the Don Antonio is highly regarded. You can be assured that none are "bad". The Regaleali's are less expensive. Still these are very nice wines and for a Sicilian meal would be ideal. My wife loves the white and it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a bottle of the Regaleali red and a bottle of its white. Comments about the Don Antonio follow:

Reviews of Morgante Nero D'Avola IGT Don Antonio
Vintage 2002
Gambero Rosso - October 2004 - Tre Bicchieri - "Tre Bicchieri" 2005

Recipient of Italy's coveted "Tre Bicchieri", or 3 Glasses award for 2005

Vintage 2002
Decanter - October 2004 - Commended - Decanter World Wine Awards


Vintage 2002
Wine Advocate - 8-31-04 Issue #154 - 88 pts - Sicily's finest Nero d'Avola-based wines?

"...ripe, and sweet black cherry and raspberry aromas, fragrant floral notes and round, supple flavors with melting tannins on the close..."

Comments about the Regaleali red follow:

Reviews of Tasca D'Almerita/Regaleali Regaleali Rosso I.G.T.
Vintage 2002
Wine Enthusiast - February 2005 - 88 pts

"Nice and jammy; the quintessential ripe, easy quaffer. Plenty of black fruit and licorice cover the bouquet, followed by deep plum and black-cherry fruit. The finish is fat, full and continuous. A fine effort for its type."

Vintage 2002
Wine Advocate - 6-30-2004 Issue 153 - 88 pts - One of the most historic estates in Sicily

"Delicious...exhibits a deep ruby/purple tinged color as well as an elegant bouquet of dark cherries, raspberries, and currants...medium-body, and exceptional purity and length"

The Don Antonio sells for under $30 in the US and the Regaleali sells for under $12 in the US. The prices could be a bit higher or lower depending on state taxes.

Hope this has been a helpful.

Peter