Welcome to our fourth edition of 12 Wines of Christmas. In this series we’re going to explore 12 wines that we think you should be drinking this Christmas. We’ll tell you why we have chosen it, the food pairings we recommend and a little bit more info on the winery/region.

So, without further ado and in no particular order, let’s introduce #4 in the 12 wines of Christmas!

WHAT IS CANTINE DE PALMA, AGLIANICO?

This a beautiful full-bodied red wine from Campania, Italy. Cantine De Palma are an independent, family-owned winery whom we deal with directly. Originally set up in the 1940’s, they have been creating amazing wines for nearly 80 years. Campania, where the winery is based encompasses iconic cities like Pompei and Naples, so if you ever decided to visit, you wouldn’t be short of things to do!

HOW DOES IT TASTE?

Unlike most reds from Cantine De Palma, this Agliancico has spent very little time ageing. This was done to help show off the silky smooth taste of young Aglianico.

This is a ‘modern’ Aglianico with juicy black fruit flavours and bold aromas of toffee, balsamic and violets. The hints of cinnamon and vanilla help create a perfectly balanced and harmonious wine.

It is full-bodied but remains smooth and very easy drinking. We love this wine!

WHAT SHOULD I PAIR CANTINE DE PALMA AGLIANICO WITH?

This is just ideal with any rich Italian food. This is one for new year’s day. I say this because you’ll be absolutely sick of Christmas food by then, but it’s the last day of the holidays to indulge before you go and do something stupid like ‘Dry January’ or join a gym, or worse… do both.

So, we say go all out. This wine is fruity, yet rich. It has great structure to it so you need food that won’t be overpowered. We recommend slow cooked beef brisket in a rich, tomato sauce full of the beef juices. Basically, you’ll want to leave the brisket for a long time until it just falls apart. Season with flavoursome herbs like oregano and serve with roast potatoes, seasoned generously with salt and rosemary.

WHERE CAN I BUY CANTINE DE PALMA AGLIANICO?

Well, with what’s becoming a theme in this series. You can get it from the Lightfoot Wines website! Click here for more info. Hurry though because we are down to our last reserves and won’t be getting more in until 2020!

THANK YOU FOR READING 12 WINES OF CHRISTMAS VOLUME #4

We hope you enjoyed it and got a little bit inspired to try a wine that you might not have thought about having at this time of year.

Lightfoot Wines is an independent wine merchant est 1989. We aim to provide you with products and a level of service not seen in regular shops. We believe that wine should be enjoyed by everyone, feel free to ask us your wine related questions and we will provide you with an answer.All our products are available online, we can deliver anywhere in the UK and shipping is free on orders of £100 ad over!Visit us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter for regular updates and special offers.