Buon Natale! Bring Italian Traditions to Your Holiday Table
As an Italian I know Christmas is more than a holiday; it's time to come together, share stories, and enjoy incredible food and wine. In Italy, we take our celebrations very seriously, and the heart of every event is always the dining table. From north to south, each region has its own unique traditions, but one thing is universal: wine is always the guest of honor. This year I've selected some of the best Italian wines to bring a little bit of my homeland to your holiday festivities. Let's make this Christmas a true Festa Italiana!
In Italy, no celebration begins without bubbles, and the 2023 Andreola "Mas De Fer" Rive di Soligo Valdobiadene Prosecco Superiore $21.99 is the perfect choice to toast the holiday season. This Prosecco comes from the prestigious Valdobbiadene region, the heart of Italy’s finest sparkling wines. With its delicate aromas of pear, citrus, and white flowers, paired with lively, festive bubbles, it sets the tone for a joyful meal. Pair it with antipasti like prosciutto-wrapped melon, fried sage leaves, or even a platter of fresh oysters—it’s guaranteed to bring Italian cheer to your table.
The 2022 Bruno Giacosa Arneis Roero $34.99 94JS is the perfect follow-up after the bubbles. This white wine comes from my favorite Piedmont region, where Arneis has been cultivated for centuries. It is known as "the White Gem of Piedmont" and has bright aromas of pear, white peach, and a touch of almond. It's the perfect accompaniment to antipasti such as smoked salmon, burrata, or a delicious seafood salad. The 2022 Antinori "Cervaro della Sala" Chardonnay Umbria $79.99 brings an elegant expression of Umbria to your table. This blend of Chardonnay and Grecchetto is produced by the famous Antinori family, which has a winemaking heritage dating back to 1385. It’s creamy in texture with lively citrus and hazelnut aromas that recall the warmth of an Italian Christmas kitchen with creamy pasta or roasted turkey. It is a stand out with traditional seafood risotto as well—a showpiece that embraces the sophistication of Italian wine production.
No Italian celebration would be complete without a great red wine, and the 2022 Gaja Ca'Marcanda "Promis" Toscana IGP Rosso $56.99 captures the essence of Tuscany. This wine is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese, combining modern sophistication with Tuscan tradition. Its flavors of ripe berries, spices, and soft tannins make it versatile enough for roasted meats, hearty lasagna, or classic Tuscan dishes like wild boar stew (cinghiale). When you pour this wine, you bring a piece of my homeland to your table. For a truly festive wine, the 2019 Tommaso Bussola Amarone della Valpolicella Classico $69.99 is unrivaled. A pride of Veneto, Amarone is made from partially dried grapes that create wines that are rich, powerful, and full of character. This wine reminds me of Christmas Eve in Italy. It has bold flavors of black cherry, fig, and chocolate. It's perfect for stewed meats and aged cheeses, or even sitting alone by the fire. When I think of Tuscan excellence, the 2021 Antinori "Tignanello" Toscana $174.99 (and 1.5L $399.99) 98WA 98VN 97WS 96JS always comes to mind. Crafted from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, this unique Super Tuscan blends tradition with innovation. The rich texture and complex flavors of black cherry, cedar, and spice pair perfectly with a Christmas roast or a spicy mushroom dish.
No Italian Christmas is complete without dessert and a glass of Vin Santo. 2017 Felsina Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 375ml $39.99 is a traditional delicacy. This golden botrytis-inflected wine is made with love and care. Great for panettone, biscotti, or even on its own. In Tuscany, we dip Cantucci cookies (almond cookies) in Vin Santo as a final-course indulgence. I invite you to do the same to experience the magical taste of an Italian holiday... Buon Natale! From my table to yours I wish you a joyful holiday filled with Italian warmth and traditions.
BUON NATALE e FELICE ANNO NUOVO!