by Cinottis Bakery | Nov 9, 2025 | Bakery, Holiday Events, Italian Market
How to Pair Italian Wines with Your Thanksgiving Feast
At Cinotti’s Bakery & Italian Market, we love blending the best of both worlds: timeless Italian tradition and heartwarming American celebration. This Thanksgiving, we invite you to elevate your feast with the perfect Italian wine pairings for our complete Thanksgiving Dinner meals, featuring your choice of tender Turkey or savory Ham, paired with all the comforting classics like Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Mac-n-Cheese, and stuffing made with love, right here in our kitchen.
The Perfect Pairings for Every Plate
For the Turkey Lovers:
A crisp, refreshing white like Kurtatsch Pinot Grigio or Tommasi Lugana Wine is the ideal companion to roasted turkey and buttery mashed potatoes. Their bright acidity cuts through the richness of gravy and stuffing, keeping your palate fresh for every bite.
For the Ham Enthusiasts:
If ham is on your plate, a fruit-forward red like Floramundi or Tommasi Ripasso strikes a perfect balance. Their smooth texture and notes of cherry and spice complement the sweet glaze of the ham beautifully.
For the Comfort Food Connoisseurs:
Our creamy mac-n-cheese and green bean casserole deserve a wine that can stand up to their richness. The Borgo Scopeto is a bold Tuscan blend that adds depth with hints of dark berries and oak, while Costiglioni Chianti brings a touch of rustic charm that pairs perfectly with all those buttery, baked flavors.
A Toast to the Start (and End) of the Day 
Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with a cheerful sparkle. Spellbound Prosecco makes the perfect base for festive mimosas while the turkey is in the oven! And for dessert? Try a glass of Rosa Dolce & Gabbana from Donnafugata. Its delicate sweetness pairs wonderfully with pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or one of our fresh-baked holiday desserts such as lobster tails or tiramisu.
Celebrate the Season, the Italian Way
From our family to yours, Cinotti’s is proud to bring five generations of baking and Italian heritage to your Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re picking up our full Thanksgiving meal or a few of your favorite sides, don’t forget the wine. After all, no feast is complete without a perfect Italian pour to bring everyone together.
We have a limited number of Thanksgiving dinners available each year so be sure to place your order soon! Don’t want the full meal? No problem. Any of our side dishes, rolls, pies, and desserts can be ordered a la carte. Just be sure to place your order ahead of time. We look forward to serving you and your family this holiday season!
Buon Ringraziamento! And cheers to good food, great company, and a touch of Italian elegance at your holiday table.
by Cinottis Bakery | Nov 2, 2025 | Bakery, Italian Market
Baiocchi Pistachio Cookies from Mulino Bianco! Now at Cinotti’s Italian Market
A Taste of Italy in Every Bite
Cinotti’s Bakery and Italian Market in Jacksonville, FL is now bringing a piece of Italy straight to your pantry with Baiocchi Pistachio Cookies from Mulino Bianco! Known across Europe for their rich flavor, premium ingredients, and artisanal quality, these cookies combine two buttery shortbread biscuits filled with luscious pistachio cream, creating a treat that’s sophisticated yet irresistibly comforting.
Mulino Bianco was founded in 1974 and has long been synonymous with Italian baking excellence. Their products are found in nearly every Italian home, and their Baiocchi line (pronounced bye-oh-kee) has become an icon of quality and nostalgia. The newly introduced pistachio flavor brings a refined twist to the classic hazelnut version, featuring the vibrant, nutty taste of real Italian pistachios sourced from select regions like Sicily.
Why Italian Cookies Just Taste Better
There’s something distinctly different about European cookies, and it’s not just the accent. The difference lies in the ingredients, craftsmanship, and culinary philosophy behind every bite.
Quality Over Quantity
Mulino Bianco cookies are crafted in smaller batches, using formulas rooted in traditional Italian baking. Where many cookies found on the shelves of American grocery chains are mass-produced for shelf life and uniformity, Italian bakers emphasize texture, aroma, and balance. Baiocchi cookies are made with real butter, unbleached flour, and natural flavorings. No artificial colors or corn syrups in sight.
Simple, Honest Ingredients
While no cookie can truly claim to be “healthy,” Baiocchi Pistachio Cookies are free from the excess preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup, and overly processed oils commonly found in other cookie brands. Mulino Bianco uses cane sugar, sunflower oil, and real pistachio paste which results in a cleaner, more natural ingredient list. This doesn’t make them healthy food, but it does make them a more thoughtful indulgence.
The European Palate
European treats tend to be less sweet, focusing on flavor complexity rather than sugar rush. The Baiocchi Pistachio Cookies are a perfect example: the buttery biscuit complements the earthy sweetness of pistachios in a way that’s rich yet subtle. You won’t find the heavy aftertaste that often accompanies heavily sweetened cookies.
An Imported Indulgence Worth Savoring
When you open a pack of Baiocchi Pistachio Cookies, the first thing you notice is their presentation. Each cookie is perfectly round, stamped with Mulino Bianco’s signature mark, and filled generously with velvety pistachio cream. They pair beautifully with a morning cappuccino, a post-lunch espresso, or even a late-night glass of dessert wine.
In Italy, cookies like Baiocchi aren’t just for dessert, they’re a daily ritual. Italians often enjoy them as a mid-morning snack or alongside an afternoon coffee. Bringing this tradition to Jacksonville means you can experience a taste of that same simple pleasure without booking a flight to Rome.
Why You’ll Find Them at Cinotti’s Italian Market
Cinotti’s Bakery and Italian Market take pride in offering authentic, high-quality products that represent the heart of Italian cuisine. By stocking Mulino Bianco’s Baiocchi Pistachio Cookies, Cinotti’s continues its mission to bring authentic European flavors to North Florida.
Whether you’re already a fan of Mulino Bianco or new to Italian confections, these cookies promise a delightful experience that feels both foreign and familiar. They’re a testament to Italy’s commitment to craftsmanship, proof that even something as simple as a cookie can be elevated to an art form.
Better Ingredients, Better Flavor, Better Experience
Baiocchi Pistachio Cookies are a celebration of balance. Quality over quantity. Flavor over filler. Compared to other name brands, these Italian cookies offer:
- Fewer artificial additives
- Less processed sugars and fats
- Real nuts and natural flavorings
- A lighter, more refined sweetness
This makes them a more wholesome indulgence, perfect for those who care about what goes into their food without sacrificing taste.
Where to Find Them
You can now find Baiocchi Pistachio Cookies by Mulino Bianco stocked daily at Cinotti’s Italian Market, located right here in Jacksonville, Florida. Stop by to pick up a pack (or three) and taste what makes Italian baking so special. Whether you enjoy them yourself or share them with friends, these cookies are sure to become a new household favorite.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of Baiocchi Pistachio Cookies tells the tale of Italy’s dedication to tradition, balance, and beauty in simplicity. By choosing imported Italian cookies, you’re not just buying a treat; you’re savoring a small piece of Italy itself.
Pick up some today! Order online or have them delivered to your door through UberEats!
by Cinottis Bakery | Oct 22, 2025 | Italian Market, Jacksonville
Discover Imported Italian wines from Cinotti’s Italian Market
Cinotti’s has increased our Italian imports line to include wine, and we want to introduce you to our newest selection of strictly Italian wines, hand-picked by Cinotti’s Italian Market for you. Whether you’re just getting into wine or looking for something special to share, we’ll walk you through some of our wines, describe the flavors in plain language, suggest what foods go great with them, and when you might serve them.
White Wines
Tommasi Lugana Le Fornaci
This 100% Turbiana (grape) wine is light gold and fruity and fragrant. Think of tropical fruit and grapefruit on the nose, then a dry, clean taste with a hint of almond at the finish. It’s almost like biting into a ripe peach mixed with lemon-zest and a whisper of minerality that gives it a slightly “salty/stone” feel.
Lugana is a white wine so it will be paired well with white meat like fish or chicken, but it also is a great accompaniment with light pasta dishes like lemon butter linguine or a simple risotto.
Because it’s so light, the Lugana is perfect for a relaxed lunch on the patio, a welcome glass before diner, or as a “white for the group” when you’re unsure of everyone’s wine tastes.
Pinot Grigio
The Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige shows aromas of fresh lemon-zest, white pears, gentle herbs and crushed stone/mineral. It’s medium-bodied and very drinkable. Think crisp pear, light apple, a touch of green-herb freshness and a subtle stony edge that keeps it lively.
Pinot Grigio is a staple white wine and can be paired with grilled shrimp, shellfish, fish soup, salads with citrus, and soft cheeses.
Because it’s a staple wine, Pinot Grigio is ideal for a casual get-together, a light brunch, or when you want something refreshing but not overly fancy.
Frescobaldi Massovivo Vermentino
The Massovivo is a light and refreshing white wine featuring green hints, floral notes (white flowers), citrus (bergamot/lime), Mediterranean herbs (sage/rosemary) and a clean, savory finish. Imagine tasting a white Jasmine flower with a fresh lime wedge as you sit by the ocean. This imported Italian wine is crisp, savory, and smooth.
Massovivo pairs well with steamed or grilled fish, seafood rice dishes, vegetarian plates with citrus or herbs, and fresh goat-cheese salad. It’s light enough to enjoy on an early evening, perhaps on the terrace with antipasti, or as the first wine for a multi-course dinner.
Monte Rossa Franciacorta (White Sparkling Wine)
If Champagne had an Italian cousin, Franciacorta Satèn would be it. Crafted by Monte Rossa, one of Lombardy’s most respected sparkling wine houses, this bottle brings Italian warmth and elegance to the crisp world of bubbles.
This is a special occasion wine that can be paired with light appetizers and pasta dishes.
Donnafugata & Dolce & Gabbana Rosa (Sicilian ROSÉ)
The final white wine in our latest list is the Rose from Donnafugata and Dolce & Gabbana. This is a pretty pale-pink rosé (though categorized as white for our list) from Sicily, made with Nerello Mascalese and Nocera grapes. The Rose has aromas of wisteria/flower, red-currant/pomegranate, citrus-finish, with minerality from volcanic soils. Tasting this wine brings to mind a light strawberry-watermelon note, a smear of citrus peel, and that volcanic “wet-rock” sense that gives it grip.
Rose pairs well with raw fish like ceviche, vegetarian mezze, delicate meats such as chicken with herbs, and summer salads.
Rose is the perfect golden hour, pre-dinner beverage. It’s a classic wine for when you want a wine that looks festive and drinks easily.
Red Wines
Scarpetta Cabernet Franc
From the Friuli region in northeastern Italy, this Cabernet Franc presents berries, hints of tobacco/vanilla, blackberries/raspberries, and cedar/green herb. It has a medium body, food-friendly tannins. As you drink this, you may think of ripe red berries with a leafy green pepper, and a soft cedar-wood at the back.
This red wine pairs well with grilled pork chops, medium roasted red meat, mushroom risotto, and aged cheddar. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with friends, or when you want a red bottle that’s not too heavy but still flavorful.
Borgo Scopeto Borgonero
This Tuscan super wine is deep ruby-red, rich and structured. It features aromas of leather, tobacco, black plums, and blackberries with surprising softness despite depth.
This rich wine pairs well with grilled lamb, roasts, truffle pasta, and aged cheeses like Pecorino or Parmigiano-Regiano. Save it for a special dinner, celebration night, or when you want to impress with something bold yet elegant.
Donnafugata Floramundi Cerasuolo di Vittoria Docg
An intense ruby red color with brilliant purple tints, Floramundi has strong fruity aromas, including hints of strawberry and plum, and floral notes of lavender and freesia. The bouquet opens to delicate balsamic and spicy nuances. It is fresh and smooth, making it juicy and very drinkable.
This deep wine is paired well with lamb stew, tomato-based dishes, hearty sausage pasta, and roasted vegetables with herbs. It’s perfect for Sunday family dinner, Italian themed nights, or for when you want a red with character but still approachable.
Why These Wines & Why Cinotti’s?
At Cinotti’s Italian Market, curating wines that speak to both the wine newbie and the enthusiast is key. These new wines are all 100% Italian, show clear regional character, are relatively easy to drink and pair well with food. Whether you’re hosting friends, preparing dinner, or simply relaxing, there’s one of these bottles for every moment.
WINE TASTING EVENT!
Unsure which of our newly imported Italian wines to try? No problem. You can try them all at our Wine Tasting Event on November 6! Purchase your ticket to this exclusive event to join us for an evening of tapas and tasting! Each ticket holder will receive a complimentary bottle of wine to take home!
Purchase your ticket for our wine tasting event or calling our beach location :9042461728
by Cinottis Bakery | Oct 17, 2025 | Italian Market
At Cinotti’s Italian Market & Bakery in Jacksonville, we’re stocking our shelves with authentic Italian sauces from Campo d’Oro, Barbiero, and Russo Tiesi. If you’ve ever wondered why a jar labeled “Sicilian” or “Product of Italy” tastes so different from a typical American marinara, here’s your quick guide. As an added bonus, we’ve included tips on which pasta to serve with each.
Italian vs. American: What’s in the Jar?
Ingredients:
Authentic Italian Sauce brands keep it simple: sun-ripened tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, fresh basil, maybe garlic and onion. That’s it. Campo d’Oro, Barbiero, and Russo Tiesi spotlight specific regional tomatoes and olive oils and take care to avoid heavy sugars or thickeners. American counterparts often add sugar, tomato paste, and “natural flavors” to build sweetness and weight quickly and some companies add soybean or canola oil instead of olive oil.
Health angle:
A short, recognizable ingredient list means fewer additives and lower added sugar. Olive oil brings heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, and clean-label sauces often clock in with less sodium and fewer calories per serving. You can taste, and feel, the difference without needing a chemistry degree to read the label.
Flavor profile:
Italian sauces aim for balance. Bright acidity, natural tomato sweetness, and herbal lift are staples among sauces sourced from Italy.
You’ll notice:
- Marinara: fresh tomato snap, basil, and a silky olive-oil finish.
- Arrabbiata: chili warmth that sharpens the tomato’s brightness (heat, not sugar).
- Basilico: clean, garden-fresh basil aroma.
- Puttanesca: briny depth from olives and capers, a savory, coastal vibe.
- Vodka: Italian versions lean creamy yet restrained, letting tomato acidity shine.
Perfect Pairings: Sauce + Pasta Shapes
Matching pasta texture matters as much as taste. Use the sauce’s body and bits to choose a shape that “catches” flavor.
- Marinara / Pomodoro → Spaghetti or Bucatini
Long strands highlight the tomato’s brightness; bucatini’s hollow core holds extra sauce.
- Basilico → Fusilli or Gemelli
Twists pull in lighter herb sauces for even coating in every bite.
- Arrabbiata → Penne Rigate
Ridges and tubes trap that spicy kick; the heat spreads through the pasta.
- Puttanesca → Linguine
Flat strands marry beautifully with olive- and caper-studded bites without overwhelming them.
- Vodka / Light Cream Tomato → Rigatoni
Broad tubes stand up to creaminess and deliver that luscious tomato-cream balance.
- Hearty Vegetable or Rustic Tomato with Chunks → Orecchiette
“Little ears” scoop up veggie pieces for perfect forkfuls.
Simple Serving Upgrades
- Warm your sauce gently, don’t boil. Add a splash of pasta cooking water to marry pasta and sauce.
- Finish with a thread of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano.
- For protein, fold in tuna (for puttanesca), grilled chicken (for basilico), or crispy pancetta (for vodka sauce).
- Add fresh basil or parsley at the end to keep aromas vivid.
Taste the Difference at Cinotti’s
We carry a variety of flavors offered by Campo d’Oro, Barbiero, and Russo Tiesi. They are currently available in our Jacksonville Beach location at 1523 Penman Road and at our JTA location located in Downtown Jacksonville at 100 LaVilla Center Drive. You can also order some of our pastas and sauces online through UberEats.
With ideal pasta shapes and matching authentic Italian sauce, Cinotti’s Italian Market & Bakery can help make dinner effortless. Explore authentic Italian balance over sweetness, cleaner labels, and brighter tomato character. Your weeknight pasta is about to taste like Sunday in Sicily.
by Cinottis Bakery | Sep 10, 2025 | Italian Market, Jacksonville
Why Pasta Shapes Matter
When it comes to Italian cuisine, pasta is more than just a meal, it’s a centuries-old tradition where shape, texture, and sauce come together in perfect harmony. At Cinotti’s Italian Market in Jacksonville, FL, we take great care in selecting the types of Italian pasta we stock for our customers. From long, delicate strands to short, ridged shells, each pasta shape serves a specific purpose in bringing your homemade Italian dishes to life.
The History Behind Pasta Shapes
Italian pasta comes in over 300 recognized shapes, each with a story and a purpose. These shapes were developed regionally, often influenced by local traditions and available ingredients. For instance, tubular pasta like rigatoni originated in central and southern Italy, where heartier sauces demanded sturdier shapes. Meanwhile, delicate angel hair pasta hails from areas where lighter, oil-based sauces were more common.
This variety isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about functionality. The right pasta shape doesn’t just hold sauce; it elevates the entire dish.
Why Shape Matters
The best pasta shapes aren’t always the most popular ones you see on grocery store shelves. Instead, the “best” depends on the sauce or ingredients you’re pairing it with.
Ridged pasta, like penne rigate or rigatoni, are perfect for chunky, tomato-based sauces. The grooves trap every bit of flavor. Flat pastas like fettuccine or pappardelle are ideal for creamy sauces such as Alfredo, where the wide surface clings to rich dairy-based flavors. Thin pasta, such as spaghetti or angel hair are perfect with lighter sauces using olive oil, garlic, or fresh seafood. Shaped pasta like farfalle or orecchiette, catch small vegetables and herbs which make them perfect for spring and summer dishes.
In short, pasta shapes act like culinary tools. Choosing the right one ensures the sauce complements the pasta rather than slipping off or overpowering it.
How We Choose Pasta at Cinotti’s Italian Market
At Cinotti’s Italian Market, our goal is to help Jacksonville families bring authentic Italian meals to their tables. That’s why we carefully source pasta from trusted Italian makers who honor tradition while delivering consistent quality.
When selecting which types of Italian pasta to stock, we consider:
- Authenticity – Is the pasta made using time-honored Italian methods, such as bronze-cutting for texture?
- Versatility – Can our customers use this pasta for multiple dishes?
- Pairing potential – Does the pasta shape work well with the imported sauces we also carry?
By curating our selection with these standards, we ensure our customers always have access to pasta shapes that aren’t just tasty but also purposeful.
Bringing It All Together
The next time you prepare pasta at home, think beyond the packaging. Matching the right pasta shape with the right sauce can transform dinner into an authentic Italian experience. And when you shop at Cinotti’s Italian Market in Jacksonville, FL, you’ll find only the best pasta shapes designed to help you do just that.
Come in to our Jacksonville Beach location, or Downtown Jacksonville location, or order online through UberEats to have some of Italy’s finest pasta in your home today!
