The Ultimate Guide to Italian Wine Pairings
By Jennifer Lutrell | Published on 2022-05-06
Welcome to the ultimate guide to Italian wine pairings! Here, we'll explore the perfect combinations of Italian wines and classic Italian dishes. From ricotta and Moschofilero pairings to Bolognese and Amarone pairings, we'll cover all the bases to help you create the perfect Italian meal. Whether you're a novice or an experienced wine connoisseur, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and insight you need to make the perfect Italian wine pairings. So, let's get started!
Ricotta and Moschofilero Pairings
Ricotta cheese is a creamy, mild Italian cheese that pairs perfectly with the bright, floral Moschofilero wine. This pairing is a classic Italian combination that is sure to please any palate. The creamy texture of the ricotta cheese is complemented by the crisp acidity of the Moschofilero, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The light and refreshing nature of the wine also helps to cut through the richness of the cheese, making it a great pairing for a light summer meal.
When pairing ricotta cheese with Moschofilero, it is important to consider the other flavors in the dish. For example, if the ricotta is being served with a tomato-based sauce, the acidity of the wine will help to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes. If the ricotta is being served with a creamy sauce, the Moschofilero will provide a bright contrast to the richness of the sauce. Additionally, the wine's light body and floral aromas will help to bring out the delicate flavors of the cheese.
Finally, it is important to consider the texture of the ricotta when pairing it with Moschofilero. The creamy texture of the cheese will be complemented by the crisp acidity of the wine, creating a balanced and refreshing combination. The light body of the wine will also help to cut through the richness of the cheese, making it a great pairing for a light summer meal.
Burrata and Provolone Pairings
Burrata and Provolone are two of the most popular Italian cheeses. They are both creamy, mild and slightly salty, making them ideal for pairing with a variety of Italian wines. When it comes to pairing these two cheeses, it's important to consider the flavor profiles of the wine and cheese. For a classic Italian pairing, try a light, fruity white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino. These wines will complement the creamy texture of the cheese and bring out the subtle sweetness of the cheese.
For a bolder pairing, try a full-bodied red such as Chianti or Montepulciano. These wines have enough structure and tannins to stand up to the richness of the cheese, while still allowing the flavor of the cheese to shine through. If you're looking for something a bit more unique, try a sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Lambrusco. The bubbles will add a lightness and brightness to the pairing that will make it stand out.
No matter which wine you choose, make sure to serve it slightly chilled. This will help to bring out the flavor of the cheese and make the pairing even more enjoyable. With these tips in mind, you can create the perfect Italian wine and cheese pairing with Burrata and Provolone.
Margherita Pizza and Nerello Mascalese Pairings
When it comes to Italian food and wine pairings, few combinations are as classic as a Margherita pizza and Nerello Mascalese. This Sicilian red wine is made from the Nerello Mascalese grape and is known for its bright acidity and light body. The high acidity of this wine helps to cut through the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce, while its light body allows it to pair well with the light, crispy crust of the pizza. The subtle notes of red fruit, herbs, and earthy minerals in the Nerello Mascalese also help to bring out the flavors of the pizza.
When pairing a Margherita pizza with Nerello Mascalese, it is important to consider the other ingredients of the pizza. If the pizza is topped with additional ingredients such as olives, mushrooms, or anchovies, the wine should be chosen accordingly. For example, if the pizza is topped with olives, a Nerello Mascalese with more herbal notes would be a great choice. If the pizza is topped with mushrooms, a Nerello Mascalese with more earthy notes would be a great choice.
In addition to the ingredients of the pizza, the type of cheese used is also important to consider when pairing with Nerello Mascalese. A classic Margherita pizza is typically made with mozzarella cheese, but other cheeses such as provolone or Parmigiano-Reggiano can also be used. The type of cheese used will affect the flavor of the wine, so it is important to choose a wine that will complement the cheese. For example, a Nerello Mascalese with more fruity notes would pair well with a pizza made with provolone cheese, while a Nerello Mascalese with more herbal notes would pair well with a pizza made with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Lasagna and Barolo Pairings
Lasagna and Barolo pairings are a classic combination that is sure to please any crowd. Barolo is a full-bodied red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy, and it is known for its intense tannins and bold flavors. The tannins in Barolo pair perfectly with the richness of lasagna, making it a great choice for a hearty Italian meal.
When selecting a Barolo to pair with lasagna, look for one that is aged for at least three years. This will ensure that the tannins have had time to mellow and that the wine has developed its full flavor. A good Barolo will have notes of dark fruit, leather, and spice, which will complement the flavors of the lasagna.
When it comes to pairing wines with lasagna, it is important to consider the other ingredients in the dish. If the lasagna contains a lot of cheese, you may want to opt for a slightly sweeter Barolo, such as one from the Langhe region. If the lasagna contains a lot of vegetables, a more acidic Barolo, such as one from the Roero region, may be a better choice. Experimenting with different Barolos is a great way to find the perfect pairing for your lasagna.
Bolognese and Amarone Pairings
When it comes to Italian cuisine, few dishes are as iconic as the classic Bolognese. This rich and hearty sauce is made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices. It's a favorite of many Italian food lovers and pairs perfectly with a bold and full-bodied red wine, such as Amarone.
Amarone is a type of Italian red wine made from partially dried grapes. It is known for its intense flavor and high alcohol content, making it the perfect match for the bold flavors of Bolognese. The wine's deep, dark fruit notes, such as blackberry and cherry, are complemented by hints of leather, tobacco, and spice. These flavors pair perfectly with the savory and umami flavors of the Bolognese sauce.
When pairing Amarone with Bolognese, it is important to consider the other ingredients in the dish. If the Bolognese contains mushrooms, for example, the earthy and woody notes of the Amarone will be enhanced. If the Bolognese contains a lot of herbs, the Amarone's herbal notes will be highlighted. No matter what ingredients are in the Bolognese, the Amarone will bring out the best in the dish.
Prosecco and Barbera Pairings
Prosecco and Barbera are two of Italy’s most beloved wines, and they make for a delightful pairing. Prosecco is a light and bubbly sparkling wine, while Barbera is a full-bodied red wine. Together, they create a harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors.
When it comes to food pairings, Prosecco and Barbera are a match made in heaven. Prosecco’s light and refreshing character pairs perfectly with lighter dishes like antipasti, salads, and seafood. Barbera’s bold and tannic profile is a great match for heartier dishes like pasta, risotto, and red meats. For a classic Italian pairing, try Prosecco with a plate of bruschetta and Barbera with a plate of lasagna.
For a truly memorable experience, try pairing Prosecco with a creamy cheese like Gorgonzola or Cambozola. The sweetness of the Prosecco will bring out the richness of the cheese, while the acidity of the wine will cut through the creaminess. Similarly, Barbera pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano. The tannins in the Barbera will help to balance out the saltiness of the cheese.
Gorgonzola and Osso Bucco Pairings
Gorgonzola is a classic Italian cheese, known for its creamy texture and salty, tangy flavor. It pairs perfectly with the bold, earthy flavors of osso bucco, a traditional Italian dish made with veal shanks. The combination of the two creates a truly unique flavor experience.
For a classic pairing, try a full-bodied Barolo with your osso bucco and gorgonzola. The tannins in the Barolo will help to cut through the richness of the cheese and the meat, creating a balanced flavor profile. The earthy, herbal notes of the Barolo will also complement the flavors of the osso bucco.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, try a Brunello di Montalcino. This wine has a bright acidity that will help to bring out the sweetness of the gorgonzola and the richness of the osso bucco. The wine’s subtle notes of cherry and leather will also add an extra layer of complexity to the dish.
Puttanesca and Barbaresco Pairings
Puttanesca and Barbaresco are two of the most popular Italian wines, and they make an excellent pairing. Puttanesca is a robust, full-bodied red wine that is made from the Nebbiolo grape. It has a deep ruby color and aromas of blackberry, cherry, and licorice. The flavor is bold and spicy, with notes of black pepper, tobacco, and leather. Barbaresco, on the other hand, is a lighter-bodied red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape. It has a pale ruby color and aromas of rose petal, cherry, and raspberry. The flavor is delicate and floral, with notes of tobacco, leather, and spice.
When pairing Puttanesca and Barbaresco, it is important to consider the flavors of the food. Puttanesca pairs well with bold, flavorful dishes such as puttanesca sauce, eggplant parmigiana, and veal marsala. The bold flavors of the wine will stand up to the strong flavors of the food. Barbaresco, on the other hand, pairs well with lighter dishes such as bruschetta, spaghetti bolognese, and carpaccio. The delicate flavors of the wine will complement the subtle flavors of the food.
No matter what you choose to pair with Puttanesca and Barbaresco, you can be sure that the combination will be a delicious one. The bold and delicate flavors of these two wines will bring out the best in any dish. So, the next time you’re looking for an Italian wine pairing, consider Puttanesca and Barbaresco.
Conclusion
This article has provided you with the ultimate guide to Italian wine pairings. From ricotta and moschofilero to gorgonzola and osso bucco, you now have the knowledge to pair the perfect Italian wine with any dish. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing prosecco or a bold and complex Amarone, you can now confidently choose the best Italian wine for any occasion. Salute!