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When it comes to Italian food and wine pairing, there are certain dishes that are classic pairings. For example, a hearty pasta dish with red sauce is perfect when paired with a robust red wine. But what about when you want something a little lighter? What are the best white wines to pair with Italian food?
That’s where white wines come in. In this article, we will discuss some of the best white wines to pair with Italian food. So whether you’re planning on cooking up an Italian feast or just want to know what wine to order at your favorite Italian restaurant, read on for some tips!
Consider this post Your Guide To Chardonnay Grapes And Wine.
The Best Type of White Wine Pairings for Italian Food
As a general rule of thumb, you want to match the weight of the wine with the weight of the food. So, for example, if you’re having a light pasta dish like spaghetti Pomodoro, you would want to pair it with a lighter white wine like a Pinot Grigio. On the other hand, if you’re having a heartier dish like chicken parmesan, you would want to go with a fuller-bodied white wine like a Chardonnay.
Here are some specific recommendations for types of white Italian wine that pair well with popular Italian dishes:
Pinot Grigio Not Pinot Noir
A perfect wine to pair with your favorite Italian dishes. The light, refreshing flavor of Pinot Grigio enhances the flavors of pasta, chicken, and seafood. This is a great alternative to bold red wine.
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Here are some of our favorite Italian recipes that pair perfectly with Pinot Grigio:
Spaghetti Bolognese: This is one of the most classic pasta dishes, it is made with a rich tomato sauce and ground beef. The acidity of Pinot Grigio helps to cut through the richness of the sauce. You may also want to consider spaghetti carbonara.
Chicken Parmesan: This dish is made with breaded chicken breasts that are fried and then covered in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The delicate flavor of Pinot Grigio pairs well with the chicken and doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors in the dish.
Seafood Risotto: This creamy risotto is made with shrimp, scallops, and lobster. The Pinot Grigio helps to bring out the flavors of seafood dishes without overpowering them.
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Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine that can be paired with many different types of food. When pairing Sauvignon Blanc with Italian food, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, Sauvignon Blanc is a very dry wine. This means that it can sometimes clash with the natural sweetness of Italian dishes. If you’re looking to pair Sauvignon Blanc with an Italian dish, try to find one that isn’t too sweet.
Second, Sauvignon Blanc is a very acidic wine. This acidity can help to cut through the richness of some cream based sauces. If you’re looking for a pairing that will really bring out the flavors of your dish, try pairing Sauvignon Blanc with something like a tomato-based sauce.
Finally, Sauvignon Blanc is a very light wine. This means that it can be easily overpowered by bold flavors. If you’re looking for a pairing that will really let the Sauvignon Blanc shine, try to find a dish with subtle flavors.
Keep these things in mind and you’ll be sure to find the perfect pairing for your next Italian meal!
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile wine that can be paired with many different types of tomato-based sauces. When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are a few different dishes that Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with.
One dish that Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with is spaghetti and meatballs. The acidity in the wine helps to cut through the richness of the dish and brings out the flavors of the tomato sauce.
Another dish that Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with is lasagna. The bold flavors of the wine stand up to the hearty flavors of the lasagna and help to bring out the flavor of the cheese and meat.
If you’re looking for a wine to pair with your Italian food, Cabernet Sauvignon is a great option. It pairs well with many different types of dishes and can help to bring out the flavors of the food.
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Chardonnay
This versatile wine can be paired with many different types of rich dishes. When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are a few dishes that Chardonnay pairs particularly well with.
One of the best things about Chardonnay is that it can be enjoyed with so many different types of food. Whether you’re eating something light or rich, there’s a Chardonnay out there that will compliment your meal and awaken your taste buds.
If you’re looking for a wine to pair with your next Italian feast, here are a few of our favorites:
Spaghetti alle vongole: This dish is made with spaghetti, clams and garlic. The briny flavours of the clams go well with a buttery Chardonnay.
Pizza: Everyone knows that red wine is traditionally paired with pizza. But if you’re looking for something different, try a Chardonnay instead. The acidity in the wine will cut through the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce.
Risotto alla milanese: This dish is made with rice, broth, Parmesan cheese and saffron. The creamy texture of the risotto pairs perfectly with a Chardonnay that has undergone malolactic fermentation (aka “buttery” Chardonnay).
So next time you’re planning an Italian feast, don’t forget to pick up a bottle (or two) of Chardonnay! Saluti!
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Moscato d’Asti
A light, sparkling sweet wine that originates from the Piedmont region in Italy. The wine is made from the Muscat grape and has a low alcohol content, making it a refreshing and easy-to-drink choice. Moscato d’Asti is best enjoyed chilled and pairs well with a variety of foods. This is a great alternative to medium-bodied red wine.
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Some great pairing food for Moscato d’Asti sparkling wines include:
- Prosciutto and melon with goat cheese
- Pesto pasta
- Grilled vegetable salad
- Fruit tart
No matter what you pair it with, Moscato d’Asti is sure to add a touch of elegance to your meal!
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Things to Consider when Pairing Italian Food with White Italian Wines
Now that you know some of the best white wines to pair with Italian food, there are a few other things to keep in mind when making your selection.
Here are a few things to consider:
The acidity of the wine
You want to make sure the acidity level of the wine is not too high, as it will clash with the richness of the food, in particular, red sauces.
The sweetness of the wine
You also want to avoid wines that are too sweet, as they will overwhelm the flavors of the food.
The body of the wine
As we mentioned before, you want to match the weight of the wine with the weight of the food.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start pairing like a pro!
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Final Thoughts
Pairing wine with food can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the simple tips we discussed in this post, you’ll be sure to find the best wines to pair with your next Italian meal.
Follow this link for a great article about The Best Foods To Pair With Pinot Grigio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does white wine pair with – spaghetti?
A: A Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc are both great choices.
Q: What is the best white wine to pair with chicken parmesan?
A: Chardonnay is a great choice.
Q: What is the best dessert wine to pair with tiramisu?
A: Moscato d’Asti is a perfect pairing for this classic Italian dessert. Don’t forget to try your favorite sparkling wine as well.
Q: What is a good red wine for Italian food?
A: A good wine for Italian food is a wine with a fruity flavor and low tannins. Tannins are the compounds in red wine that can make it taste bitter and astringent. Wines with low tannins are more likely to pair well with food. A deep red wine generally has high levels of tannins.
Q: What to eat with white wine?
A: A lot of people like to drink white wine with light, refreshing foods such as salads or shrimp dishes. But you can really enjoy white wine with any type of food, from a cheese plate to roast chicken. The important thing is to pair wines with foods that will complement their flavors. As discussed in this post, it can even be a good wine with Italian food.
For example, if you’re serving a dish with lots of herbs and spices, you might want to choose a white wine that has herbal and floral notes. And if you’re serving a dish with creamy sauce, you might want to pick a white wine that has some buttery characteristics. Of course, these are just general guidelines – so feel free to experiment and see what combinations you like best!
Q: What is Thai green curry?
A: Thai green curry is a fragrant and flavorsome dish that will tantalize your taste buds. This green curry is made with bold green chilis, garlic, lemongrass, fresh herbs, coconut milk, and spices like cumin, ginger, and turmeric.
It’s an aromatic blend of spices that adds a unique flavor to traditional Asian food. Not only is it packed full of flavor, but green curry is also rich in vitamins and minerals due to its ingredients. No wonder this delicious green curry dish has become so popular!
Additional Resources
- Italian wine and food pairing chart COMING SOON!
- Wine And Food Pairings
- How Does Syrah Wine Taste?
