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!
