Elizabeth Lipinski's blog

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a beloved Italian-American tradition for Christmas Eve. There's lots to enjoy – especially the many courses of frutti di mare. Though this meal may have its roots in abstinence, we just can't keep ourselves from the finer things in life: family means lots to eat.

Like most, this meal is often served with homemade wine, but there's also an opportunity to open the palate to something else... Perhaps a special wine that decidedly pairs with seafood:

2009 Cantina Santa Maria La Palma Aragosta

Sure, the lobster on the front gives us more than a hint, but the taste affirms it. This will certainly be on our table for this special holiday.

As the holidays approach, we love to pick a few go-to wines for easy drinking – you know the kind: the tables wines that go with almost anything. Each week before New Year's Day, we'll be sharing with you the wines we choose for the holidays. Today, we want to tell you about the Prugnolo Gentile grape. Sounds different, but is also familiar. As Montepulciano's version of Sangiovese, its cousins often get all the attention, however this year we're enjoying this little gem:

2008 Corte alla Flora Podere Del Giuggiolo

This well-rounded wine is earthy but not overwhelming – but it's the fresh finish with cherry undertones that really makes it stand out. Even the ruby color adds to the holiday spirit. What's not to love?