Italy has arguably the most diverse cuisine in the world! And, with about 20 different regions, it’s not easy to pick just a few Italian dishes. But, if you prefer to try and learn more about Italian food, what better way than to pair a specific dish with a specific wine? This article will give you an idea of what easy Italian recipes to try like while also suggesting a wine that pairs well with it.
10 Best Italian recipes and wine pairing
There are many different types of Italian cuisine. You can choose from the usual pizza and pasta to the lesser-known dishes from specific regions. But no matter what type of Italian food you’re eating, there’s a wine for that! Here are some of our favorite Italian cuisine and wine pairings:
1. Salami and Barbera or Fiano
These Italian cured meats are typically served as a snack or served with a side dish of bread. Both the sausages and bresaola can be eaten alone; however, they go great with wine from the Piedmont area. Both the salsiccia (salami) and bresaola can be paired with Barbera d’Alba and Fiano di Avellino respectively.
2. Chianti and any tomato-based sauce
Chianti is a very versatile wine and goes well with many tomato-based sauces (or any other type of sauce for that matter). The wine helps to enhance the natural flavors in anything you use it for.
3. Sangiovese and pasta
Sangiovese is a great all-around Italian red! It not only works well for pizza and Chianti, but also for fresh handmade pasta. The wine has a slight sweetness to it, making it ideal to pair with some of the richer pasta dishes.
4. Vernaccia and seafood
A very light white wine from the region of San Gimignano, Vernaccia goes nicely with seafood. The wine is perfect for those hot summer days when all you want to eat are these light dishes.
5. Dolcetto and pasta with mushrooms or truffles
A very fragrant red, Dolcetto pairs well with many Italian pasta dishes (especially those with mushrooms or truffles). The wine has a slight sweetness, making it perfect for a light meal.
6. Salmon and chilled Pinot Noir
The fish is taken from the Mediterranean Sea and is usually served with fresh vegetables and a vibrant sauce, such as pesto sauce or taralli (orecchiette). The dish goes especially well with a Pinot Noir that is crisp and dry, with hints of white fruits, such as pear or peach. This is a dish to be enjoyed with a Pinot Noir that has notes of peeled apple and a hint of ripe pear.
7. Chicken Parmesan and Pinot Grigio:
This Italian recipe and wine pairing is all about the acidity. The bright acidity in the wine helps to cut through the richness of the chicken, while the tomato sauce provides a nice contrast to the wine.
8.Seafood Risotto and Verdicchio
This Italian rice dish is not only delicious, but it is also beautiful to look at. There are many different recipes for this dish, but it basically involves cooking Arborio rice in a creamy broth until the grains start to take on a unique, almost caramel color. This rice dish goes well with a Verdicchio that has notes of crisp apple and pear.
9. Goats cheese and Sauvignon Blanc
Goat cheese is made from goat milk, and there are many different kinds of cheese. It usually has a strong odor and tastes a bit like sweet milk. This Italian delicacy is served as an appetizer during a meal. A Sauvignon Blanc with hints of pepper spice and oak notes will go well with the cheese since the wine has notes of ripe pear and dried apricot.
10. Pasta with tomatoes and sparkling wine
The dish is made with pasta (usually spaghetti), tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and olive oil. The most popular pairing for the dish is with sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Lambrusco.
Pairing the right Italian recipes and wine can make all the difference in your dining experience. So next time you’re planning an Italian meal, choose a wine that will complement your dish perfectly.
