Today in Italy it’s December 8, the day of the Festa dell’Immacolata—and for me, the moment Christmas truly begins. It has been that way for as long as I can remember. This is the day I decorate the tree, a ritual that feels almost sacred: opening the boxes, unwrapping ornaments still holding traces of last year’s stories, and breathing in that first whisper of pine—real or imagined—that gently tells me, yes, it’s time.
I love to hang ornaments that remind me of past travels and important moments: the decorations I bought during a cold December in Bremen, the ones I found with a dear friend in Miami at Williams-Sonoma, and the precious handmade bauble from Ettore’s first Christmas. While I decorate the tree, I sip a tea scented with cocoa and cinnamon—my way of easing myself into the soul of the festivities.
For many years I insisted on having a real Christmas tree. I loved its scent, its uneven branches, the way it transformed the house into a tiny piece of winter forest. But eventually, a quiet guilt crept in—these trees, beautiful and alive, cut down only to stand in my living room for a few short weeks. So I chose a plastic one instead: a more ecological and practical solution.
Yet the moment I opened the box…
the scent was gone.
And that absence still surprises me. I miss that quiet, resinous fragrance that used to wrap the house instantly in Christmas. Without it, something feels slightly incomplete—as if the tree is there, the lights are glowing, the memories are ready to be revisited… but the aroma that connects it all has softly slipped away.
For me, Christmas simply wouldn’t be the same without its scents.
And you? Could you imagine a Christmas without them?
🌲 The Aromas of Christmas & How They Echo in Wine
So many of the scents that make Christmas magical can also be found in beautifully crafted wines:
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove → the warm embrace of oak-aged reds
- Orange peel & cranberry → the sparkle of youthful, fruit-forward wines
- Fir needles & cedar → the elegance of coastal Tuscan blends
- Dark chocolate, coffee & smoke → the wisdom of mature vintages
- Sweet baking spices & vanilla → the signature of time spent in barrel
A holiday wine tasting becomes more than a sensory experience—
it becomes a way to tell stories through scent.
🍷 A Sensorial Tasting Ritual for Christmas Eve
Slow down. Pour gently. Pay attention.
- Look – Let the ruby or garnet glow tell the first part of the story.
- Swirl – Release the spices, berries, and warmth hidden within.
- Smell – Notice how the wine mirrors the scents of the season.
- Sip – Let texture, weight, and temperature speak.
- Savor – Allow memory and flavor to intertwine.
Wine at Christmas shouldn’t be rushed.
It should be remembered.
And if—like me—your tree doesn’t smell the way it used to, maybe a bottle from Bolgheri can bring back a little of that magic, filling the room with aromas that feel like home.
⭐ Bolgheri Wines to Open on Christmas Eve — A Personal Guide to Styles & Sensations
Bolgheri has a way of telling its own story: a coastline kissed by wind, soils breathing warmth, and wines shaped by clear rules that guide their character. When you understand how they’re made, the tasting becomes more intuitive, more emotional, more… Christmassy.
🌟 Bolgheri Superiore — Structure, Depth & Christmas-Worthy Elegance
Production essence:
Bolgheri Superiore is born from classic Bordeaux grapes—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah—with a touch of other permitted varieties. It must age at least 2 years, including 1 year in oak, which deepens aromas, softens tannins, and adds those beloved winter spices.
How this feels at Christmas:
These are wines for slow meals, candlelight, and meaningful conversations.
Vintage Impressions
- 2016 – Poised & Elegant: blackcurrant, cedar, graphite → perfect with truffle dishes.
- 2017 – Warm & Generous: blackberry, cocoa, sweet spices → ideal with braised meats.
- 2018 – Vibrant & Aromatic: red berries, herbs, tobacco → a wine that lifts, never weighs.
- 2019 – Structured & Expressive: plum, violets, balsamic → gorgeous with aged Pecorino.
- 2020 – Warm & Round: mocha, dark fruit, sage → perfect for herb-roasted lamb.
In short:
Bolgheri Superiore is your Christmas centerpiece wine—the bottle you open when the evening softens and the second course arrives.
🍷 Bolgheri Rosso — Brightness, Approachability & Festive Versatility
Production essence:
Made from the same grapes as Superiore, but with far more flexibility. Many producers still choose to age their Rosso for around one year, adding polish while keeping the fruit vibrant and joyful.
How this feels at Christmas:
These are the wines you pour freely—during aperitivo, with antipasti, or when the table is full of people you love.
Vintage Impressions
- 2018 – Harmonious & Lively: red cherry, cranberry → great with poultry or seafood.
- 2019 – Expressive & Mineral: blackberry, thyme → wonderful with lasagne or stuffed vegetables.
- 2020 – Smooth & Comforting: plum, vanilla → a crowd-pleaser for mixed gatherings.
- 2021 – Fresh & Precise: raspberry, herbal lift → ideal for charcuterie and crostini.
- 2022 – Warm & Generous: dark berries, cocoa → perfect by the fire before dinner begins.
In short:
Bolgheri Rosso is your all-occasion Christmas wine—from the first toast to the final slice of panettone.
🎄 How the Rules Shape the Christmas Table
- Superiore’s long aging → spices, cocoa, depth
- Rosso’s flexibility → freshness, approachability
- Superiore’s structure → ideal for main dishes
- Rosso’s softness → perfect for starters and relaxed moments
Together, they accompany the whole evening—from antipasti to midnight toasts.
🎁 A Final Thought: A Season of Aroma, Memory & Meaning
Christmas is built on scents—pine resin, citrus peel, cinnamon, woodsmoke.
Wine speaks the same language.
Bolgheri, with its layers of fruit, spice, and coastal elegance, brings those aromas to life in the glass. Whether you choose a Rosso to welcome guests or a Superiore to elevate the heart of the meal, each bottle carries a piece of warmth, beauty, and nostalgia.
And as I think back on all the Christmases of my childhood, one memory always returns: the way the whole house seemed to breathe. The tree, the kitchen, the cold December air slipping in each time the door opened—all of it blended into a fragrance that felt like love itself. Even now, I can still smell it if I close my eyes long enough.
So wherever you are this year—on a snowy mountain, by the sea, in a quiet living room, or far from home—I hope you find a way to celebrate with the people you love, whether they are close enough to embrace or held gently in your heart.
May you smell their presence, feel their warmth, and let the aromas of Christmas—pine, spice, wine, and memory—wrap around you like the softest of gifts.
Wishing you a Christmas full of beauty, connection, and a fragrance that lingers long after the season ends.
And… don’t forget the good wines! 🍷✨
Francesca
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