The Ultimate Wine Pairing Guide for Your Italian Christmas Feast

An Italian Christmas feast is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and, of course, exceptional food and wine! From the effervescent bubbles that set the tone during appetizers to the rich, velvety reds that accompany hearty roasts, choosing the right wines will elevate every dish on your holiday table this year.

But with so many great options to choose from, where do you start? Whether you’re indulging in classic Italian appetizers like stuffed olives from Ascoli Piceno or savoring a creamy risotto, every dish has its perfect wine to complement the flavors.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best pairings for every course, from Prosecco and Passerina Spumante to the velvety, robust flavors of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to the best wines to celebrate the season’s sweetest moments for dessert.

Ready to uncork the magic of Italy from the comfort of home this Christmas? Here’s our top wine pairing recommendations for the perfect infusion of Italiano for your holiday table.

Appetizers

In Italy, appetizers—or antipasti—are a cherished prelude to any meal, and Christmas feasts are no exception. These small bites, rich with flavor and tradition, are designed to whet your appetite for the courses to come.

During the holidays, it’s common to see platters of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and regional specialties like olive all’ascolana (stuffed fried olives) gracing the table. Of course, a glass of bubbly is the perfect way to set the festive mood and enhance the flavors of these dishes! We’ve chosen three sparkling wines that pair beautifully with Italian appetizers:

Prosecco

Prosecco is a classic choice for festive gatherings, but for a truly elevated experience, opt for one labeled DOCG, the highest quality designation—an area we visit on our Northern Italian Delights tour!

Italian brut-style Prosecco is dry, crisp, and refreshing, making it an excellent companion to light appetizers like marinated vegetables or delicate cheeses. The lively bubbles cleanse the palate, ensuring every bite feels as fresh as the first.

Passerina Spumante

This sparkling wine, made from the indigenous Passerina grape of the Marche region, is a floral and elegant option. Its lighter structure pairs perfectly with appetizers like olive all’ascolana, a beloved holiday treat from Ascoli Piceno. Join us on Italy’s Epicurean Journey based in Ascoli Piceno and you’ll get to try this combination straight from the source!

If you prefer a still wine, Passerina in its non-sparkling form is equally delightful and versatile, offering a subtle yet complex flavor profile.

Verdicchio Spumante

For a sparkling wine with a bit more complexity, Verdicchio Spumante is an exceptional choice. Produced using the classical method (the same method as Champagne), this wine can be found in two distinct styles: Verdicchio di Matelica, with its mineral undertones and bitter almond finish, and Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, known for its softer, fruit-forward profile.

Produced just a few hours east of Rome, the Verdicchio di Castelli di Jesi has risen in popularity because of its easier and softer flavor profile, making it one of Italy’s most famous white wines and the Top White Wine in the World in 2022! We’ll visit both DOC areas for Verdicchio on Italy Uncorked, the ultimate tour for the wine lover based in The Green Heart of Italy.

No matter which you choose, these sparkling wines are sure to add an extra touch of elegance to your Italian Christmas feast. Start your holiday meal the Italian way—with a toast to good food, good wine, and even better company!

Stuck on what to serve at your Italian Christmas Feast? Don’t miss our Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to Christmas in Italy!

First Dishes

In Italy, the first dish, or primo piatto, is a cornerstone of the holiday feast. This course often features pasta, risotto, or polenta, dressed with sauces that range from creamy and delicate to robust and savory.

Depending on the preparation—whether it’s a seafood risotto, a hearty mushroom polenta, or a pasta with white meat ragu—selecting the right wine can elevate the flavors of the dish and enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent wine pairings for first dishes:

Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo

This unique rosato (rosé) from the Abruzzo region is a vibrant and versatile option. With its fresh acidity and delicate red fruit notes, Cerasuolo complements first dishes featuring seafood, creamy sauces, or poultry. Its versatility also makes it a delightful choice if your primo includes rabbit or other lighter meats.

Pecorino

Often described as a “red wine in white clothing,” Pecorino is a bold and versatile white wine that holds its own alongside richly flavored dishes. It pairs beautifully with first courses featuring red meats, such as a pasta with a light meat ragu.

With its vibrant acidity and complex flavor profile, Pecorino bridges the gap between delicate and hearty dishes, making it a crowd-pleasing choice for your Italian Christmas feast. Learn more about Pecorino here!

We’ll visit the areas of production for both Cersuolo d’Abruzzo and Pecorino on Italy’s Epicurean Journey, where you’ll taste some of the world’s finest wines as the Italian locals do!

Second Dishes

In an Italian Christmas feast, the second dish—or secondo piatto—takes center stage, showcasing hearty, flavorful dishes that often feature roasted meats, rich sauces, or grilled specialties.

Lamb, beef, pork, and even game are common highlights, complemented by bold and robust wines that can stand up to their intensity. Selecting the right wine for this course enhances the flavors of the dish, creating a perfect balance on your holiday table.

Primitivo

This bold and rich red wine from Puglia is a natural match for hearty second dishes. With its notes of ripe dark fruit, spice, and a velvety texture, Primitivo pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, ragù-based lasagna, or traditional timballo. The full-bodied character and warmth make it an ideal choice for cozy holiday meals.

You’ll visit the region Primitivo is made in on Passport to Puglia, where you’ll experience a cheese and wine tasting with a multi-generational, Zero-km cheesemaker!

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Another versatile red, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is known for its lush fruit flavors and balanced acidity. It’s a fantastic pairing for roasted meats like lamb or beef, as well as dishes featuring aged cheeses like caciocavallo. This wine’s ability to complement both rich and savory flavors makes it a favorite for holiday feasts.

Dessert

No Italian Christmas feast is complete without a decadent dessert course to end the meal on a sweet note!

From rich dark chocolate treats to traditional holiday pastries, the dessert table is a celebration in itself. Pairing these sweets with the right wine not only enhances their flavors but also provides a satisfying conclusion to a festive meal. Here are some delightful wine pairings for your Italian Christmas desserts:

Vino Cotto

A specialty from the Marche region, Vino Cotto is a sweet, cooked wine with complex caramel and dried fruit notes. It pairs exquisitely with dark chocolate desserts, such as tortes or truffles, providing a luscious contrast to their richness. This traditional wine is a true hidden gem that brings a touch of history to your holiday table.

Torcolato

Made from Vespaiolo grapes in the Veneto region’s Breganze DOC, the smallest DOC production zone in the world, Torcolato is a sweet wine that offers a luxurious blend of honey, apricot, and almond flavors. The velvety texture makes it an excellent partner for nut-based desserts, biscotti, or even traditional Italian holiday cakes like panettone or pandoro!

Grab your FREE List of Italian Christmas Cookie Recipes to fill your dessert table with this holiday season!

By thoughtfully selecting wines like Prosecco for the sparkling start, Pecorino or Cerasuolo for your primi, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo or Negroamaro for your hearty secondi, and Vino Cotto or Torcolato for the sweet finale, you can create a dining experience that feels authentically Italian and irresistibly festive.

Whether you’re recreating these pairings at home or dreaming of visiting Italy to taste them firsthand, the true magic of an Italian feast lies in the love and care that goes into every detail. So, uncork a bottle, savor the flavors, and raise a glass to the season.

Buon Natale e buon appetito!