The Holiday Table: How to Create an Author-Style Christmas Board with Roero DOCG Wines and Premium salami from Italy

Roero DOCG wines, produced on Piedmont’s sandy hills, are renowned for their finesse: Roero Rosso DOCG offers a soft structure with complex aromas, while Roero Arneis DOCG is fresh, mineral, and wonderfully versatile. The PGI and PDO cured meats featured in the project—from prosciutto and coppa to salame and lardo—represent the most authentic expression of traditional craftsmanship. Together, they create a harmonious flavor experience that celebrates tradition with a contemporary twist

Choose a large board, ideally made of dark wood or slate, to highlight colors and textures:

• Start with delicate cured meats such as Prosciutto di San Daniele PDO, Pancetta Piacentina PDO, and Coppa di Parma PGI. Arrange them in fans or small rosettes for a decorative touch.
• Add the more intense cured meats like Salame di Varzi PDO, Culatello di Zibello PDO, and Lardo d’Arnad PDO. Alternate shapes and colors to maintain visual balance.
• Complete the board with thoughtful accompaniments: rustic bread, focaccia, grissini, olives, nuts, honey, or fruit compotes. These elements add variety and help cleanse the palate between tastings.
• For a true “author-style” touch, include a piece of aged Piedmontese cheese or thin slices of pear—simple details that elevate the presentation.

Following a tasting sequence enhances the experience:

1. Begin with delicate cured meats, paired with a cool glass of Roero Arneis DOCG. Its citrusy, mineral notes highlight the gentler cuts.
2. Move to the more flavorful meats, accompanied by the star of the table: Roero Rosso DOCG. Its silky tannins and aromas of red fruit and spices pair beautifully with rich, savory profiles.
3. Finish with cheese and dried fruit, paired with a final sip of Roero Rosso DOCG to enjoy its lingering finish.

To fully enjoy the wines’ aroma and structure:

• Roero Rosso DOCG: 16–18 °C (60–64 °F)
• Roero Arneis DOCG: 9–11 °C (48–52 °F)

Tip: Remove the red wine from the fridge 30 minutes before serving, and keep the white chilled with a few ice cubes to maintain the perfect temperature.

This Christmas Board blends European elegance with North American conviviality. It’s ideal for a casual Christmas Eve or a relaxed Christmas Day lunch, offering variety, ease, and a shared experience guests will love. It’s also an original way to discover the quality products showcased by Sip and Savor, bringing to Canada the authenticity and territorial richness of Europe’s finest foods and wines.