The cigar, that cylinder of dried, fermented, and rolled tobacco leaves, is a millenary artisanal creation that has gone through centuries of evolution, eventually becoming one of the most refined sensory experiences. It is a fascinating journey that begins with its humble origins and arrives at the present day. This article explores the history of the cigar in Italy, from its birth to recent developments, highlighting the contribution of Manifattura Mediterranea and enthusiasts such as Stefano Fanticelli.
The Composition of the Cigar
Before delving into the history of the cigar in Italy, it is essential to understand its composition. A cigar consists of three main elements: tripa, capote, and capa. The tripa, or filler, is made of tobacco leaves rolled by hand or by machine. These leaves can be whole or cut, depending on the cigar’s quality.
The capote, another tobacco leaf, wraps the tripa and gives the cigar its shape. Finally, the capa, sealed with a drop of vegetable resin, covers the other two components. The color of the capa, often associated with the strength of the cigar, is a convention that does not actually influence its potency, which is determined by the tobacco blend (ligada) from different parts of the tobacco plant.
The Origins of the Cigar
It is likely that tobacco plants were discovered by the first Europeans on the island of Santo Domingo, although the plant grew in various parts of the Caribbean archipelago. In particular, the reputation of Cuban cigars is largely due to the unique microclimate of the Vuelta Abajo region, in the province of Pinar del Río in Cuba. Here, tobacco of the highest quality is grown and processed by expert artisans.
Revolution and Emigration
Cuban cigars were considered the best for a long time, thanks to the tobacco grown in the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba. However, after the 1959 revolution, many cigar factories were nationalized, and many experts emigrated to other countries, such as the Dominican Republic and Honduras. This migration contributed to the development of the cigar industry in these regions, which previously had only a marginal role in production.
The Impact of Velier on Cuban Cigars in Italy
In Italy, the history of the cigar took a turn in the 1990s thanks to growing interest in rum and Caribbean culture. Velier, a company specializing in rum, played a fundamental role in introducing Cuban cigars to Italy. Velier collaborated with Italian cigar experts to organize tastings and events dedicated to Cuban cigars.
Despite difficulties in importation, Velier worked hard to reach an agreement with the Cuban government and founded the company Diadema to manage cigar distribution. Velier became the general agent for Cuban cigars in Italy, bringing a wave of interest in the art of slow smoking to the country.
The Toscano Cigar and the “Maledetto Toscano” Club
Alongside the interest in Cuban cigars, there was growing attention for Italian cigars, particularly the Toscano. The Toscano is a unique cigar in the world, originating from the Val di Chiana in Italy. The cultivation of Kentucky tobacco for the Toscano began in 1876, and today Toscano cigars are considered an excellence of “Made in Italy,” exported worldwide. The Toscano has won several international awards, confirming its quality and refinement.
The Future of the Cigar in Italy
The Toscano cigar continues to be an Italian excellence exported around the world, earning international recognition. Back in 1999, two friends, Roberto Fanticelli and Aroldo Marconi, began patiently shaping a small but solid point of reference for cigar lovers. They involved eight pioneering enthusiasts of the dolce vita and still safeguard precious limited editions in a special vault, celebrating the tradition and evolution of Italian cigars.
Today, the Maledetto Toscano Club has established international partnerships and is committed to promoting “Made in Italy” worldwide through guided tasting experiences led by its experts.
Cigar Pairings
Pairings between cigars and drinks are a complex and personal matter. Many cigar lovers prefer pairing cigars with spirits such as rum, bourbon, or single malt Scotch, which complement the slow smoke of
cigars. However, pairing cigars and rum has a deep-rooted tradition in Caribbean countries, where drinking rum and smoking cigars is common practice.
The Cigar
The history of the cigar in Italy is a compelling story of tradition and innovation. From the birth of Cuban cigars to the rise of Italian cigars such as the Toscano, this centuries-old art continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of enthusiasts and companies like Manifattura Mediterranea and Velier. Slow smoking is a celebration of tastes and aromas, a practice that unites past and present in a timeless experience. As the world of cigars continues to evolve, opportunities to discover new pairings and appreciate the different aspects of this tradition persist, inviting us to explore, experiment, and fully enjoy the art of the cigar.