The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2021 - Issue 30

All I Want For Christmas… bitegifts Christmas Gift Guide Jada Brookes looks at Christmas gifts and ideas available from several retailers including The Emissary, Lyre’s, MenKind, Thornton & France, Dualit and Zwilling. T he Christmas season is virtually upon us again and this year we are looking forward to having a proper celebration after the disappointments of 2020. We have put together a few Christmas gift ideas to help make your festive season an extraordinary one and hopefully put smiles on those you love and care about. Whether it’s alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, interactive gadgets, hamper ideas for a picnic in the park next summer, or kitchenware, we hope you will enjoy our suggestions. The Emissary F ounder of The Emissary, Ed Smith followed his heart during a trip to northern Italy in search of the perfect prosecco to bring back to London. He first stopped off at Venice, the capital of Veneto, where he wandered over bridges and narrow cobblestone streets, getting to know the tiny hidden wine bars frequented by the locals. From these historic streets, he headed further up through the rolling valleys of Treviso, passing ancient churches, cathedrals and castles until he reached the foot of the Dolomite Mountains. It was here, amongst the green glera vines that blanket the land- scape that Ed stumbled upon a third-generation, family-owned vineyard near the village of Comuda. Once he tasted the wine, he knew that he had found what he looking for: a truly unforgettable prosecco. “It’s my vision to continue searching for exceptional drinks across the world and crafting new, distinctive variations of The Emissary.” The Emissary distils three delicious sparkling white wines. Firstly, its initial discovery, the light, dry, fine and perfectly balanced DOC Treviso Spumante Extra Brut with 85% Glera and 15% Pinot Grigio that is perfect for a relaxed afternoon aperitif Italian style. The prosecco has a brilliant straw yellow colour with a floral and mineral nose and a touch of citrus, displaying delicate notes of white flowers. On the palate, it is lively, yet elegant and very refreshing with a dry finish. The second is the elegant, rich and complex Asolo Prosecco Supe- rior DOCG Brut made from the finest selection of 85% Glera and 15% Chardonnay grown in the DOCG Asolo region (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin). It also has a pale straw yellow colour with tiny, refined bubbles. The bouquet is rich, with fruity and floral, while vibrant, zesty acidity, and a subtle hint of sweetness balance gracefully on the palate. It’s rounded off with a gentle finish and lingering notes of fresh fruit. Lastly, the vibrant, fresh and fruity Prosecco DOC Rosé Treviso with 85% and 15% Pinot Noir is perfect for a long sunny day and Italian al fresco lunches. It has a delicate pink hue with aromas of rose and eglantine, intensified by notes of delicious red berry fruits. The lively, vibrant nose perfectly matches the crisp fresh- ness and elegant, fine perlage that lingers on the palate. To enhance your prosecco experience, why not pair this with The Emissary Festive Chocolates by Scottish patisserie and chocolati- er William Curley, four-time winner of ‘Britain’s Best Chocolatier’. Discover couture chocolates crafted using the world-renowned Amedei of Tuscany, accompanied by the Asolo Prosecco Superi- ore DOCG Brut’s velvety bubbles. A decadent treat for guests or gifting during Christmas, you may not be able to resist keeping or eating the chocolates yourself. In addition, you could make Christmas cocktails in a large wine glass with prosecco and Fever-Tree mixers such as Indian Sum- mer with 25 ml Lillet, 125 ml Fever-Tree Sicilian Lemon, topped with The Emissary DOC and garnished with dried lemons. Rosé Rum is created with 25 ml Duppy Share Rum, 125 ml Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic Water topped with The Emissary DOC Rosé and garnished with an orange slice. It may be called Autumn Fire but you could always add some Christmas flavour to it and make it a festive drink. Mix 25 ml Duppy Share Rum with 125 ml Fever-Tree Blood Orange Soda and top up with The Emissary DOC Rosé and an orange slice garnish. Finally, Fruit Harvest with 25 ml 30&40 Double Jus, 125 ml Fever-Tree Aromatic Grape & Apricot Soda, topped with The Emissary DOC and also garnished with an orange slice. www.theemissary.co.uk Images courtesy of The Comms Collective