Dolcezze di Nanni Ricciarelli

Ricciarelli by Le Dolcezze di Nanni — soft, dense and led by almond fragrance

These Ricciarelli show beautifully why this biscuit is one of Tuscany’s quiet classics. They are not crisp, but soft and compact, with a tender, gently yielding centre and a fine dusting of icing sugar. Almond leads both aroma and flavour, accompanied by a soft note of candied orange that brings brightness without making the biscuit sweeter or louder.

Le Dolcezze di Nanni makes them in Ponte d’Arbia, near Siena, following the traditional character of this biscuit: almonds, sugar, egg white and honey form the base, with no flour used. That is what creates the distinctive Ricciarelli impression — denser than a biscuit, yet still soft. It is restrained in style, but instantly recognisable.

They are excellent with espresso, cappuccino or black tea. They are equally good after a meal, especially with Vin Santo or another sweet dessert wine, as has long been customary in Tuscany. They are also lovely on their own when something soft, almond-led and quietly refined is called for.