Tasty ideas, for the pleasure of the palate and the mind, giving serenity. Perfect for gift-giving
by Chiara Risolo
Guy de Maupassant said: “Only idiots are not gourmets”. That is debatable, of course. However, it is possible to hypothesise that, with this statement, the French writer was warning those without an appetite of the infinite enjoyment they were depriving themselves of by not embracing culinary pleasures. Let’s be clear: one does not need to evoke the spirits of Epicurus or Freud to understand how the table, when set correctly, is a one-way ticket to genuine pleasure. It’s only temporary, of course, but that’s irrelevant.
Therefore, it is not surprising that, among the gifts carefully placed in the shade of festively decorated pine needles, there are often cases of wine and various delicacies. These range from delicious artisanal panettone, which must be tried at all costs, to luxury boxes of caviar. Elixirs that are increasingly appreciated and sought after, not only because they ensure that the giver makes the famous “good impression”, but also because they ward off the abuse of the recycling exercise (of which pyjamas of various styles, alas, know something).
So, in the wake of these certainties, in the run-up to Christmas, Barche has chosen to offer its readers valuable advice to warm the hearts of those who will “lie” and say “But no, you shouldn’t have!” and, in the meantime, will already be savouring the idyllic taste. The inviting carnet of proposals starts with Tinazzi, standard-bearer of Italian wine culture for more than half a century. The maison produces in Veneto, Tuscany and Apulia and exports its labels all over the world. In addition to the undisputed quality of its wines, this winery deserves a medal of valour for its concrete support to the Jonian Dolphin Conservation, an association operating in the Taranto area, dedicated to the protection of cetaceans, and to Fraglia Vela Malcesine, a historic sailing organisation on Lake Garda.
After all, anyone who knows the Tinazzi family knows of their deep connection with water in all its forms: the natural habitat of marine species, the setting for sporting competitions, and a valuable resource in the production process. It is therefore no coincidence that the Veronese plants in Lazise and Sant’Ambrogio have been equipped with a brand new purification system that enables wastewater to be reused for field irrigation.
Tinazzi
San Giorgio, an Apulian winery that was acquired by Tinazzi in 2011, has dedicated three wines to the Jonian Dolphin ConservationAssociation. These are named after the cetaceans that the association studies in the Gulf of Taranto: Toosa, Idros and Pontos. The winery pays JDC a royalty for every bottle sold to fund research projects.
Belvedere
Baglio Oro
Not just whites. The Marsala winery also produces excellent red wines. The Ceppineri, Nero d’Avola Riserva is an outstanding example. It has a rich aroma with clear hints of blackcurrant and black cherry, as well as hints of violet, vanilla, tobacco and leather. It is elegant and harmonious, offering an intriguing and balanced acidity. It is a plunge into fruit.
Dom Ruinart
Blanc de Blancs, vintage 2013: the quintessence of Champagne. This nectar reveals elegant green and silver reflections in the glass, and an explosion of freshness on the nose, which is perfectly reflected on the palate thanks to a blend of citrus and tropical fruits with delicious smoky notes. The perlage? Infinite.
Coda Nera x Veuve Clicquot
The angels sing: from the collaboration between the two houses comes Coda Nera Millesimato, a treasure chest for the most discerning of gourmands. Inside, you will find Champagne Extra Brut Extra Old, a cuvée made from some of the oldest and most sought-after reserve wines from the Reims house, as well as a pack of Fillet Royal salmon.
Giaveri
An essential festive treat. The delicious Osietra Classic caviar is available in packs of 30 to 500 grams. It is characterised by identical, crunchy grains of an intense brown colour with delicate golden hues. Its nutty notes caress the senses with excellent persistence.
Nonino
Produced in only 797 glass and 24-carat gold bottles, this grappa Riserva, made from the pomace of prized white and red grapes from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, is aged for a very long time: 20 years. It envelops and seduces the palate with its intense notes of ripe peach, candied violet and rose. Un bijou de méditation.
Savini Tartufi
Le Noir. Si chiama così la nuova collezione di prodotti esclusivi a base di tartufo, realizzati da due giganti del gusto: Savini Tartufi ed Enoteca Pinchiorri. Il diamante del bosco è stato interpretato dalla maestria degli chef Riccardo Monco e Alessandro Della Tommasina, insieme a Luciano Savini. Il risultato? Tutto da scoprire.
Tonno Rosso
Testa Conserve red tuna fillet is a delicacy that captures the essence of the Mediterranean and the craftsmanship of traditional Sicilian cuisine. This ready-to-eat product is prepared with fresh red tuna and preserved in Sicilian IGP EVO oil, guaranteeing the highest quality and authentic taste.
Gin Boccadasse
Forty-one alcoholic degrees of pure pleasure for this Gin made with no less than 11 botanicals, from the ever-present juniper to coriander. Decidedly citrusy with slight floral and spicy hints, it has a smooth taste and a very long finish. Excellent neat, perfect for mixology.
Vorwerk
It can cook, flavour, brown, heat, caramelise, prove dough and ferment cheese. It’s the black, advanced version of the iconic appliance that has revolutionised life in the kitchen: the Bimby TM7. True to its multifunctional tradition, it boasts a 10-inch touch screen.
Lea Winery, Franc Lizêr
De-alcoholic passion. Opale is a non-alcoholic Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, made properly. Straw yellow with golden highlights, it has an aromatic bouquet of white flowers and fruits. Crunchy green apple, mango and pineapple stand out, duetting with pleasant notes of bread crust and small pastries.
Anerissimo
An end-of-meal worthy of festive symposia. This is the dry bitter made by Aneri, obtained from a selection of 40 botanical herbs in an alcoholic and sugary infusion, Prosecco Riserva grappa and Tricaffè. The Veneto-based maison also recommends it as an ‘ingredient’ for energising cocktails.
Tenuta C’est la Vie
Donna Lucia is an amber-coloured raisin wine with hints of fresh fruit, apricots and figs. Perfect to pair with desserts and mature cheeses. In addition to Donna Lucia, the C’est la Vie estate also offers two labels of whites, Oro d’Oro and Complicità, and a red wine, Eroico.
Tua Rita
Any Syrah lover would be remiss not to try this bottle. Per Sempre is a multi-award-winning, hypnotic red wine. A bright ruby red wine of extraordinary power. It is the perfect accompaniment to elaborate dishes, but it also makes a great impression on its own. It leaves a lasting impression on the senses.
Pesto Rossi
Pesto Rossi was born from the Panizza family’s desire to set new standards of quality. Based in Genoa since 1947, Rossi specialises in producing and selling excellent gastronomic products. The original recipe is uncompromising, ensuring the product is perfect for gourmet tables around the world.
Porsche x Smeg 917
The Porsche x Smeg 917 Salzburg Red – Limited Edition automatic coffee machine is the most exclusive small appliance in the Porsche x Smeg collection, produced in only 1,970 numbered pieces.
Venchi
If it is true that the tastiest foods are also the most dangerous to health, chocolate seems to be the classic exception that confirms the rule, at least in part. Venchi presents a book of delicacies for the palate and the mind.
Fruttini Gelato
A unique journey in taste: the whole collection of Fruttini Gelato in an exclusive set, with the fresh and natural flavours of each season. The perfect festive set for parties, gifts, or filling the freezer with cheer.
Grattamacco
Gentlemen, a Bolgheri Superiore DOC in every sense, and a passepartout for complex dishes. The 2022 vintage, in particular, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Tuscan winery’s flagship label. Balanced, fresh and with a strong identity, it is a skilful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese.
Fiasconaro
«I can resist everything except temptation». The plastic representation of the famous aphorism is Ypsigro, a bold panettone that intertwines the refinement of mulberries with the exuberance of milk chocolate.
The dough is soft and light, a sign of the highest craftsmanship.
Comte de Montaigne
A celebration of the magic of Christmas, even in its name. This is Célébration Champagne Happy Christmas, in the Blanc de Blancs Grande Réserve version. Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, it has a beautiful nose and palate of white flowers, citrus fruits and exotic fruits. The perlage is subtle and persistent.
Villa Franciacorta
The colour of the label, like the name, Extra Blue, is already a declaration of intent: this Metodo Classico is a clear homage to the sea. With excellent structure, it is a triumph of freshness and minerality. The sweetness of almonds pairs perfectly with the liveliness of citron and ginger.
Alterris
Nebbiolo d’Alba Superiore, aged 18 months in French oak barriques. In this slow passage of time, its decisive character is defined. On the nose and palate, there are clear hints of ripe red fruit, primarily cherry. The relationship between tannins and acidity is well-balanced.
(Christmas presents – Gifts of Taste – Barchemagazine.com – Tratto da Barche, Dicembre 2025)
