There’s nothing quite like spending Christmas with your family and friends, is there? The tree is up, the lights are twinkling and the smell of pine needles and mulled wine is in the air as you raise a glass of prosecco with Mariah Carey belting out ‘All I want for Christmas is you’ in the background.
There’s nothing quite like spending Christmas with your family and friends, is there? The tree is up, the lights are twinkling and the smell of pine needles and mulled wine is in the air as you raise a glass of Prosecco with Mariah Carey belting out ‘All I want for Christmas is you’ in the background.
But thanks to the festive season, we get to indulge in all things wonderful throughout the entire season, not just on the day. And what’s a Christmas celebration without a great bottle of Italian wine? But, with so much to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the most delicious Italian wines that are sure to make your festive celebrations a little more special this year.
Amarone
Amarone is a dry red wine that originates from the Veneto region in the northeast of Italy. It’s made from a blend of Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes that are partially dried before fermentation.
This process gives Amarone its characteristic deep ruby colour, full body and high alcohol content. Amarone pairs well with rich meat dishes like roast beef, slow cooked lamb or venison, making it the perfect choice for Christmas dinner. But, thanks to its full body, it can also be enjoyed on its own next to the fireplace or in front of the TV watching Love Actually.
Chianti
Chianti is a dry red wine that hails from the Tuscany region of central Italy. It’s made from Sangiovese grapes and has been produced in this area for centuries. Chianti has an intense ruby-red colour and is savoury and intense on the palate. It pairs well with poultry, pasta dishes and pizza.
Chianti wine is always a good choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving up the full roast or ordering pizza on Christmas Eve, this classic Italian red will be sure to please everyone at your party!
Barolo
Barolo is another red wine that comes from the Piedmont region in north-western Italy. It’s made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes, which give it its distinctive flavour profile of roses, tar and truffles. Thanks to its famous flavour, Barolo has gained the nickname the “King of the wines”, so it is always a great choice.
Barolo pairs well with hearty dishes like veal shanks braised in tomato sauce or wild boar ragù. So, if you’re looking for something a little different this holiday season, Barolo might be just the thing.
Moscato
Moscato is a fabulously sweet white wine from the Piedmont region in north-western Italy. It’s made entirely from Moscato Bianco grapes, which give it its characteristic low alcohol content and light, fruity flavour.
Because of its lightness, Moscato is perfect for dessert, and pairs wonderfully with fruit tarts, cheesecake or even Christmas pudding. It is sure to be the hit of your holiday table!
Gavi
Gavi is another popular Italian white wine from the Piedmont region. It’s made from Cortese grapes and has a medium body with notes of pear, peach, and apricot. Gavi pairs well with light fish dishes like roasted cod or grilled shrimp, making it perfect for Christmas day brunch.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is a sparkling white wine from the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Made from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco grapes, Franciacorta has a light body with notes of citrus and apple.
It’s perfect for toasting or sipping as an aperitif, and pairs well with seafood dishes, antipasti or cheeses. So if you’re looking for a festive beverage to start your Christmas celebrations off in style, Franciacorta is always a great choice.
Conclusion
No matter what your tastes or preference, there’s an Italian wine to suit everyone this holiday season. From the dry reds of Amarone and Chianti to the sweet sparklers of Moscato d’Asti and Franciacorta, these wines are sure to add a little extra something special to your festive celebrations this year. So why not crack open a bottle and raise a glass to the holidays in Italian style? Buon Natale!
