Feast of 7 Fishes Christmas Eve Italian Wine Collection

Picture this: a snow-dusted Christmas Eve, the aroma of sea and salt mingling with the warmth of laughter and candlelight. This is no ordinary dinner; it’s a symphony of flavors, a celebration of Italian tradition dating back generations. Each course, a chapter in a story whispered across centuries, crafted with love and paired with wines that sing of sun-soaked vineyards and ocean breezes.

The Feast of Seven Fishes Christmas Eve Collection is more than a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine succulent calamari, kissed by garlic and olive oil, harmonizing with the effervescent sparkle of Prosecco. Or tender baccalà simmered in a tomato embrace, brought to life by the mineral poetry of  Fiano di Avellino. Each wine is handpicked, each pairing a masterpiece.

This isn’t just a feast—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and reconnect. To taste the sea. To feel the joy of family and tradition. To create memories, one exquisite bite, one perfect sip at a time.

For those who understand that the best gifts are the ones you can’t wrap: laughter, love, and a table full of seven fishes. And, of course, the wines to match. Welcome to Christmas Eve, the Italian way.

Here's a suggested menu with corresponding wine pairings:

1. Antipasto: Insalata di Mare (Seafood Salad)
• Description: A chilled salad featuring a mix of octopus, shrimp, calamari, and mussels, marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.
• Wine Pairing: Terre Antiche Passerina del Frusinate
• Rationale: This single vineyard wine from outside of Rome offers crisp acidity and complex citrus and fresh Italian herbs that complement the freshness of the seafood salad. 
  
2. Primo: Spaghetti alle Vongole (Spaghetti with Clams)
• Description: Al dente spaghetti tossed with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and parsley.
• Wine Pairing: TerreSacre Falanghina del Molise
• Rationale: A white wine from Campania and Molise, Falanghina's bright acidity and mineral undertones harmonize with the briny clams and garlic-infused sauce.
  
3. Secondo: Baccalà alla Napoletana (Neapolitan-Style Salt Cod)
• Description: Salted cod simmered with tomatoes, olives, capers, and potatoes.
• Wine Pairing: Antico Borgo Fiano di Avellino
• Rationale: This fuller-bodied white wine from Campania has enough structure to stand up to the rich flavors of the baccalà, with acidity to balance the tomato-based sauce. 
  
4. Contorno: Fritto Misto di Mare (Mixed Fried Seafood)
• Description: A medley of lightly battered and fried seafood such as shrimp, squid, and small fish.
• Wine Pairing: Castellucci Miano “Miano” Bianco 
• Rationale: This mouthwatering white wine from the Madonie Mountains of Sicily makes the perfect companion to the little fish of the sea with its medium weight, bright fruits, and salinity. 
  
5. Secondo: Calamari Ripieni (Stuffed Squid)
• Description: Squid stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and sometimes anchovies, then baked in tomato sauce.
• Wine Pairing: Gralò Franciacorta Blanc de Noirs
• Rationale: Hailing from Lombardia, Italy's answer to champagne has mineral qualities, ultra crisp textures, and red fruits that pair well with the savory stuffing and tomato sauce. 
  
6. Secondo: Gamberi alla Griglia (Grilled Shrimp)
• Description: Marinated shrimp grilled to perfection, often served with a squeeze of lemon.
• Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio from Friuli
• Rationale: This light and crisp white wine offers fruit flavors that enhance the delicate taste of grilled shrimp.
  
7. Secondo: Aragosta al Burro (Lobster with Butter)
• Description: Steamed or boiled lobster served with drawn butter and lemon wedges.
• Wine Pairing: Duca di Dolle Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
• Rationale: A well-balanced and refined Prosecco with moderate biscotti, citrus, apple and mineral complements the richness of the lobster and butter.