As November arrives, the same thought slowly appears in all our heads: Christmas is coming.
This is when many of us start planning the festive dinner, the decorations, the presents and the time together with family. And sooner or later the question comes up: what should we open at the Christmas table?
The answer is simple: prosecco. Elegant, light and festive, yet easy-going – a great choice as a gift and alongside the Christmas menu.
A November story from prosecco country
It has almost become a tradition for us to visit the home of prosecco in northern Italy in November. We discover new wineries, and we also get to taste the first Christmas treats – including the famous Italian panettone.
On one of these November trips we visited Alessandro's winery. The tasting line-up was brilliant: from the firmer Extra Brut prosecco all the way to the light, elegant Cartizze Dry, every wine impressed us.
Halfway through the tasting, Alessandro's wife asked whether we'd like some "focaccia". Of course we said yes, but to our surprise it wasn't the classic savoury focaccia that arrived, but a sweet festive cake – which at first glance we took for panettone. And it was served with a Dry prosecco.
The pairing was perfect, even if the sweet cake caught us off guard at first. We also learned that panettone and Venetian focaccia are similar but different cakes. Venetian focaccia is lighter and has no raisins, which is why many children like it even more than classic panettone.
Panettone on the left, Venetian focaccia on the right
Prosecco as a gift? Yes, but choose with care
Prosecco is elegant without being too serious. That's exactly why it works so well at Christmas: it can be a thoughtful host gift, a festive surprise, a corporate gift or part of a nicely put-together food hamper.
If you're giving prosecco, think about what style the person likes.
Someone who enjoys properly dry, crisp drinks will most likely be happiest with a Brut or Extra Brut. These are fresh, elegant, clean proseccos that work well as an aperitif and with food.
For someone who prefers softer, fruitier, less dry wines, Extra Dry may be the best choice. Many people find this style especially easy to love: it keeps prosecco's freshness but has a rounder, friendlier character.
Not sure what to choose? An elegant bottle of prosecco is almost always a safe bet – especially if you wrap it up with a good Italian panettone.
Prosecco and the Christmas menu – pairing ideas
One of prosecco's great strengths is how many dishes it goes with. The fresh acidity, fruity aromas and bubbles complement Christmas dishes without weighing down the festive menu.
Fish soup and fish dishes
For lighter fish dishes, an Extra Brut prosecco is the best choice. Its dry, crisp character lifts the fresh taste of the fish, and the bubbles refresh the palate after spicier bites.
Fried fish or roast carp
A Brut prosecco goes very well with classic Christmas fried fish or roast carp. It is dry and refreshing enough to balance the richer texture without overpowering the fish.
Stuffed cabbage and roast meats
For spicier, heartier dishes such as Hungarian fish soup, stuffed cabbage or roast meats, an Extra Dry prosecco can be ideal. Its slightly fruity, rounder character suits the richer Hungarian festive flavours.
New Year's Eve snacks, pizza and late-night nibbles
The festive season doesn't end with Christmas. For New Year's Eve, light snacks, pizza or salty bites, a rosé prosecco really works. Fragrant, playful, fresh and eye-catching – just what a good end-of-year toast needs.
A glass of festive spirit
Prosecco is the perfect companion for the Christmas season. Elegant as a gift, easy to pair with the festive menu, and festive enough – yet relaxed – for toasts with family and friends.
So this year, when you raise a glass with your loved ones, remember: a glass of prosecco turns any moment into a celebration.