Christmas gifting: a slice of luxury
There are many stories to the origin of the Panettone. However we have been captured by the story of a Milanese baker called Toni, who fell in love with a beautiful woman during 1495 who walked past his bakery every day. In an attempt to draw her inside and win over her affection, he spent months creating this vanilla-perfumed loaf he called ‘Pan di Toni’ (Toni’s bread).
Other stories mention Toni creating the bread as a result of a burnt dessert that was served during the luxurious Christmas banquet by the Duke of Milan.
In 1821 panettone became a symbol of liberty in Italy and lives on to be a world-famous luxurious treat to be enjoyed during the Christmas season. Italy produces more than 7,100 tons of panettone each year—about 10% of which is sold internationally.
Pairing note
Afternoon - Toasted Panettone topped with marmalade. Pair with Espresso in the afternoon with friends as a dessert.
For the evening - A thick slice of Panettone with mascarpone and brandy cream. Pair with A glass of Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018, Langham Pinot Meunier 2018 or Westwell Pelegrim NV. perfect for holiday toasting, complementing the citrus and yeasty flavours of the panettone.
Luxe Panettone selection
1.Selfridges Selection Really Big Panettone, 8kg. £300
Source from Pasticceria Perbellini, an artisan cake shop located in the historical province of Bovolone, Verona
2. Fortnum and Mason Tiramisu Panettone, 1kg. £54.95
Made on the Amalfi coast in true Italian style
