Celebrate Christmas with Prosecco PDO and Grana Padano PDO. Peter Morrell gets in the festive spirit

Christmas is a time for coming together, raising a glass with loved ones and embracing the festive spirit – and few pairings embody the season better than Prosecco PDO and Grana Padano PDO.

With its delicate bubbles, Prosecco PDO brings sparkle to any gathering at Christmas – the ideal aperitivo, festive toast or a versatile pairing for a festive meal. The perfect partnership, Grana Padano PDO, matured for a minimum of nine months, adds savoury depth and a nutty richness that balances beautifully with Prosecco’s freshness. Enjoyed together they elevate festive entertaining – or provide a thoughtful gift for food and drink loving family and friends.

Celebrate Christmas with Prosecco PDO and Grana Padano PDO

• The perfect festive aperitivo – Welcome guests with a chilled glass of Prosecco PDO and bite-sized cubes of Grana Padano PDO drizzled with honey, or add shavings of Grana Padano PDO on top of canapés, salads or warm starters to whet the appetite.
• An abundant Christmas cheeseboard – Add generous wedges of Grana Padano PDO to your festive spread, pairing with figs, grapes and crusty bread.
• An unforgettable foodie gift – A bottle of Prosecco PDO and a wedge of Grana Padano PDO is a thoughtful gift that brings the taste of Italy to any Christmas table.
• The ultimate New Year’s Eve toast – Ring in the new year Italian-style with Prosecco PDO in every glass, paired with Grana Padano PDO served simply with fresh pears for a classic combination that balances indulgence with freshness.
• Festive recipes made special – Elevate seasonal dishes by grating Grana Padano PDO over risottos, pasta bakes or even Christmas stuffing for an umami kick
• Indulgent late-night snacking – When the celebrations wind down, keep it simple but satisfying: serve leftover wedges of Grana Padano PDO with a final glass of Prosecco PDO for a relaxed, after-party treat.

Please see wines available below:

• La Gioiosa Prosecco DOC, £10 from Majestic
• La Gioiosa Prosecco Rosé Millesimato Brut, £10.50 from Waitrose
• Masottina Collezione 96 Brut Prosecco NV, £10.49 from Strictly Wine

Peter Morrell, Editor comments “I’ve recently tasted the two La Gioiosa Proseccos and the Grana Padano cheese. They are all fine examples of their PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, which guarantees their authenticity. The white prosecco is made with the Glera grape grown around the city of Treviso just north of Venice, Treviso’s big claim to fame is that it is where modern Tiramisu was invented.

“The wine pours a straw yellow with good streams of tiny bubbles. On the nose there are fresh pear, apple and floral aromas. In the mouth the body is just of the light side of medium with well-balanced acidity and flinty minerality. On the palate the fruits remain and are joined by citrus notes. This wine is a great aperitif, and the perfect pairing with light dishes and seafood.

“The rosé prosecco is again made with Glera but with the addition of some Pinot Nero to give it its distinctive hue. The wine pours a salmon pink, again with streams of micro-bubbles. There is an array of aromas in the bouquet including pears and apples together with soft red fruits like strawberries and raspberries. The mouthfeel is light and creamy with a slight sweetness and good acidity. More fruits develop on the palate including mango and grapefruit. The finish is strong with a mix of stone and soft fruits. Match this wine with chicken and fish dishes.

“I’ve also had a lot of fun cooking with Grana Padano. This cheese is made and aged in a similar way to parmesan but has a less intense taste. The flavour profile is nutty with hints of butter and a strong, savoury umami taste. I’ve used it in a scalloped potato dish and in a spaghetti carbonara, both in the sauce and sprinkled on top as a condiment. To get the best from both the cheese and the prosecco, dice some Grana Padano, pour a glass of either prosecco, sit back and relax, then sip and nibble for a real luxury experience.”

For more information about Prosecco DOC and Grana Padano PDO and for upcoming events visit https://cheersandcheese.eu/