While most people can agree that a plate full of authentic spaghetti and meatballs, creamy fettuccine alfredo or crispy chicken parm is to die for, there may be a bit of a quandary when it comes to pairing the meal with the perfect wine.
Unfortunately, there are some wines that can significantly detract from the deliciousness of Italian food, which is why you should use the information here to ensure your Italian dish meal and wine choice are a perfect pair.
Cocktails and Aperitifs
These types of drinks will pair best with appetizers and are drinks best served before a meal. A great way to start any meal is with a sparkling wine, such as Spumonti Brut or Prosecco.
Cream Based Sauces and Seafood Dishes
If your meal is from the sea (i.e. fish, shrimp, etc.) then a white wine is the best option. Some selections to consider include Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Pinot Bianco, Fiano di Avellino, Falerio or Chardonnay.
Chicken, Veal, and Pasta in Meat or Tomato Sauce
Light- or medium-bodied red wines are ideal with these dishes. The flavors will balance perfectly allowing you to taste the complex spices in the meal and cleanse the palate for each bite. Some options to consider include Rosso di Montalcino, Grignolino, Merlot, Chianti, or Barbera.
Aged Cheeses, Roasts, Red Meat and Game
Each of these dishes have stronger flavors, which means you can choose a full-bodied red wine without issue. Some considerations for these dishes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbaresco or Amarone.
Use a Traditional Approach
While using the guide above is a great way to choose a wine, a more generalized approach to Italian food and the right wine is to try and pair regional wines with provincial recipes. This concept is actually quite easy. For example, if you are planning to cook or order a meal from Tuscany, choose a wine from Tuscany. If you are choosing a Sicilian centered meal, then choose wines based out of the Sicilian region. While this may seem a bit basic, it offers you a general rule to follow when eating delicious Italian food with the perfect wine.
Remember, if you are ever unsure about “what works,” you can ask your waiter the next time you visit us. They should be able to provide you with a bit more guidance for your wine pairing efforts.
To discover a little taste of Italy, visit L’Amore today.
