It’s that time of year, when we gather with family and friends to share in the holiday spirit and count our yearly blessings. This year may be a smaller gathering, but that just leaves more room for leftovers. Here are some classic Christmas dishes and their food and wine pairings.
Tortellini Soup & Chianti Classico Riserva
Capon in broth is one of those simple, traditional meals that can be found on many Italian tables at Christmas lunch. This is no ordinary “chicken soup”. Italians take their Christmas broth seriously, and use the meat of a capon, which is a castrated rooster, making it tender and fatty. The broth is cooked for hours, bringing out rich complex flavors. The meat is used as filling in tortellini, and makes for a delicious dish very commonly found in the north of Italy.
Capon in broth is one of those simple, traditional meals that can be found on many Italian tables at Christmas lunch. This is no ordinary “chicken soup”. Italians take their Christmas broth seriously, and use the meat of a capon, which is a castrated rooster, making it tender and fatty. The broth is cooked for hours, bringing out rich complex flavors. The meat is used as filling in tortellini, and makes for a delicious dish very commonly found in the north of Italy.
A Tuscan wine which pairs perfectly with game, and in this case capon, is the Chianti Classico Riserva. Aged in oak for a year or more, this red wine is full and harmonious, warm and persistent - perfect for a Christmas meal.
Baked Ham & Farnito Chardonnay
If you’re going for more a traditional Dickens Christmas, you may find ham on your menu. A juicy ham glazed in honey and topped with pineapple goes well with side dishes that are on the sweet side, such as roasted root vegetables, sauteed string beans or just good old mashed potatoes.
If you’re going for more a traditional Dickens Christmas, you may find ham on your menu. A juicy ham glazed in honey and topped with pineapple goes well with side dishes that are on the sweet side, such as roasted root vegetables, sauteed string beans or just good old mashed potatoes.
Pair this with a Farnito Chardonnay that has a flavor palate of tropical fruit and spices that come to life after each bite of pineapple and honeyed ham. This is a match made in holiday heaven.
Roasted Turkey & Brunello di Montalcino
Another classic Christmas dish that evokes aromas and flavors of a winter feats is an herbed roasted turkey with rich red wine gravy. Side dishes are infinite and include potato and leek au gratin, cranberry chutney, buttermilk biscuits – you name it.
Another classic Christmas dish that evokes aromas and flavors of a winter feats is an herbed roasted turkey with rich red wine gravy. Side dishes are infinite and include potato and leek au gratin, cranberry chutney, buttermilk biscuits – you name it.
These fall and winter flavors pair perfectly with a decisive wine such as a Brunello di Montalcino known for its cherry, licorice and vanilla flavors. Aged for three years in oak, this Italian wine is ideal for roasted game.
