L'amore Italian Restaurant

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What To Know About Italian Food and Wine Pairings

You have probably heard that there are rules to follow when it comes to pairing food and wine. If you want to make sure that you pair your food and wine correctly, what do you need to know?

Match the Texture of the Food and Wine

First, you must make sure that you match the texture of the food and wine. For example, if you are eating something that has a tomato base, it will be relatively acidic. Therefore, you also need to choose a wine that is relatively acidic, such as Chianti. If you are going with a lighter seafood dish, then you need to find a wine pairing that matches, such as a crisp Vernaccia. You must make sure that you match the texture of the food and wine if you want the pairing to come off well.

Balance the Taste of the Food and Wine

Next, think about the taste of the food and wine. For example, if you are eating something that is salty or sour, the wine will taste a bit milder. On the other hand, if you eat something that is sweet and savory, it will make that wine taste a bit drier and astringent. Think about what you are going for regarding the taste of your meal, and pickle wine that pairs appropriately.

Light Versus Full Body Wines

Finally, you should think about the body of the wine. If you are eating something poached or steamed, you should generally reach for a light-body wine, such as Pinot Grigio. If you are eating something baked or roasted, which will have a more intense flavor, then you may want to go with a full-body wine, such as Barolo or Brunello.

Pick Your Wine Carefully

You must make sure you savor every flavor of every Italian dish. That means you need to select your wine carefully. There are plenty of wines available, and all of them taste delicious, but you need to pair them appropriately. Just remember that you should always like what you drink and drink what you like!

 

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Comparing Red And White Wine: The Differences To Know

If you want to enjoy a traditional Italian meal, you will probably be asked what type of wine you want to serve. The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to serve red wine or white wine. Both types of wine are delicious, but they go better with different types of food. Take a look at some of the biggest differences between red wine and white wine below.

The Flavor Profile Is A Bit Different

The flavor profile of red and white wine is a bit different. If you try a glass of white wine, you will probably taste a dry, crisp, fruit flavor. Different types of white wine have different degrees of fruitiness, but they all tend to be a bit sweeter. On the other hand, if you go with red wine, you will probably sense a rich, full, and slightly bitter taste. Again, the flavor can vary depending on the type of red wine you choose, but this is a generalization. 

They Are Made In Different Ways

Next, the method used to make the wine is also a bit different. With white wine, the wine is fermented without any of the skin from the grapes, which leads to a relatively light, sweet taste. The seeds, stems, and skins are all removed before the wine is pressed and fermented. On the other hand, red wine is typically made with all the skin and seeds crushed together, which leads to a more complex flavor profile.

The Dishes They Are Served With

Furthermore, you will serve red wine and white wine with slightly different dishes. In general, if you are serving red meat, such as beef or pork, you will generally select red wine. On the other hand, if you are going with lighter meat, such as turkey or chicken, you will probably choose white wine. White wine is also usually served with seafood. 

Choose The Right Wine For The Dish

Even though red wine and white wine have their differences, they are both delicious. Ultimately, it is a matter of preference, but if you are having a difficult time deciding what type of wine you want to drink, keep these differences in mind.

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How To Pair The Right Wine With Italian Dishes

When you go out to eat at an Italian restaurant, one of the most common phrases you hear is, “would you like to see the wine list?” Of course, you want to make sure that you select the best wine possible for your meal. If you are wondering how to pair the right wine with Italian food, there are several tips that you should keep in mind. Take a look at some of the advice that we have put together below!

Go With The Bubbly For Your Appetizers

First, make sure that you reach for a wine that has bubbles for your appetizers. Some of the most common Italian appetizers involve quite a bit of salt. This might include arancini, a salumi plate, or a charcuterie board. Therefore, the touch of wine that accompanies sparkling wines is a great way for you to provide a bit of a festive start to your meal.

Reach For The Pinot Noir for Earthy Flavors

What are the most popular options is Pinot Noir. This is a wine that has a light body but an immense amount of flavor at the end. Therefore, this is an incredibly versatile wine that you can use to pair with your Italian dishes. In particular, Pinot Noir is great with earthy food. For example, if you are going to go with wild mushroom risotto, Pinot Noir is a classic pairing option. 

Pick Chardonnay For A Seafood Dish

There is nothing quite like fresh-caught fish from the Italian Riviera. If this is what you are choosing for your meal, then it is a good idea to reach for chardonnay. Chardonnay is a bit silky but also has a slight bite at the end of it. The smooth acidity makes it ideal for cutting through the creamy sauces that come in late accompany fish, shellfish, and other seafood dishes. If you are going with lobster fra Diavolo, then you should definitely reach for Chardonnay. 

Select Cabernet For A Steak Dish

Finally, if you are going with State, then go with a Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an assertive wine that can stand up to Rich meat without overpowering the flavor. The memorable sensations that you are going to create when you mix your steak with Cabernet Sauvignon are going to have you coming back for this meal again and again.

 

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What Are The Defining Characteristics Of Italian Wine?

When you think about Italy, one of the first thoughts that probably comes to your mind involves the quality of the wine. Italy is known for its why diversity of wine. One of the biggest reasons why Italian wine is so varied is that there are plenty of grapes that grow up and down the peninsula. Due to the diversity of grapes, there is also a lot of diversity in terms of the wine that Italy produces. If you are wondering what the defining characteristics of Italian wine are, it is helpful to take a closer look at how the wine is produced by each region.

Wine From Northern Italy

First, it is a good idea to take a look at the wine that is produced by Northern Italy. Northern Italy is bordered by the alps. Therefore, the climate here is very different than the climate along the Italian Riviera. This region is known for its white grapes and white wines. For example, Pinot Grigio is produced in this area of Italy. Furthermore, if you travel to Trentino and Lombardy, you are going to find the Champagne of Italy, which is known for producing some of the best sparkling wine and all of Italy. 

Wine From Central Italy

Wine from Central Italy is incredibly familiar to most people in the United States. This line is commonly used with pasta dishes, meat sauces, and olive oil. Furthermore, a lot of the wine from this part of Italy is paired with some of the most popular cheeses in the world. Central Italy is known for its incredible diversity and Landscape. Tuscany is the standard-bearer of this region. What are the most popular wines in this area include Chianti Classico, San Gimignano, and Bolgheri. 

Wine From Southern Italy

Finally, it is also important to take a look at Italian wine that comes from Southern Italy and the islands. Wines from this part of the country are much brighter in terms of their flavor than their earthy, strong Northern counterparts. The volcanic soil produces some of the best fruit in the world. In addition to grapes, this part of Italy is also known for its oranges and lemons. Because the Mediterranean Sea provides a tremendous amount of warmth, the wines of southern Italy provide flavor profiles that match. Fiano and Greco di Tufo produced in Southern Italy.

 

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3159 E Lincoln Dr
Phoenix , AZ 85016
Phone: 602.381.3159

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Credit for most photos: Kay W. Eskridge: Images By Kay

Our Hours

Lunch
TBD.
Dinner
Mon – Sat: 4pm–9pm
Saturday Dinner: 4pm–9pm

Sunday Closed

Happy Hour
Mon – Fri: 4:00pm–6:00pm
No happy hour on Saturdays

Holiday Closures: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, sometimes Christmas Eve (call to check), Christmas Day

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