Italian cuisine and fine wines: the secrets of perfect pairings

Matching Italian wines with Italian food for an explosion of flavours

Italian cuisine celebrates authentic flavours, fresh ingredients and age-old traditions. From handmade pasta and rich tomato sauces to the desserts that conclude every meal, every dish tells a story. In the UK, Italian cuisine has won a special place in the hearts of food lovers. To make this experience truly unique, there is one secret ingredient: the right wine.

Why does the right wine make a difference?

A perfect combination of food and wine not only enhances the flavours of dishes, but creates a complete sensory experience. Wine is the ideal companion for every Italian dish, balancing flavours and adding a touch of elegance to every mouthful. With Svinando's expert advice, you can bring the perfection of Italian food and wine pairings into your home, replicating the atmosphere of a gourmet dinner without leaving home.

Wines to pair with first courses

The first secret to keep in mind when pairing Italian food and wine is to choose products from the same region. This simple principle ensures a consistency of flavours and enhances the authenticity of the dining experience. For example, lasagna, with its rich combination of pasta, meat and béchamel sauce, finds its ideal partner in Sangiovese, a full-bodied red wine from Romagna, which perfectly balances the complexity of the dish.

Similarly, the dishes of Liguria, such as fritto misto di pesce or the iconic pasta al pesto, go perfectly with the fresh and aromatic wines of the same region, such as Vermentino.

Italian pasta dishes offer an infinite variety of flavours and textures, and choosing the right wine can enhance their unique characteristics. Spaghetti alla Bolognese is one of the most famous and appreciated pasta dishes in the world. A Chianti Classico, with its complexity, magnificently enhances the meat sauce, creating a harmonious combination.

Another mainstay of the Italian culinary tradition is risotto. Versatile, creamy and refined, this dish reigns supreme among first courses. Particularly popular in autumn, mushroom risotto stands out for its earthy, enveloping flavours. To best accompany it, one can opt for the silky tannins of Pinot Noir or the floral notes of Soave, a white wine produced in the province of Verona, an area also renowned for its rice cultivation.

Wines to pair with meat dishes

Traditional Italian meat dishes are rich and flavoursome and require wines that can support and enhance these characteristics. Take the Florentine steak, for example: the tannic balance of a Brunello di Montalcino is the perfect complement to the succulence of this Tuscan speciality. For the cotoletta alla Milanese, a Lugana or a Chardonnay, with their balanced acidity and fruity notes, beautifully accompany the crispiness of the cutlet. If, on the other hand, you opt for a roast lamb with intense flavours, a Cannonau di Sardegna, with its spicy hints and robust structure, is perfect to enhance the flavours.

Wines to pair with fish main courses

Fish dishes require wines capable of ennobling their delicacy and freshness. A classic example is baked sea bream, whose soft and flavoursome flesh pairs beautifully with Vermentino di Gallura, a white wine produced in the Sardinian hills, characterised by citrus notes and a distinct minerality.

More decisive and slightly smoky flavours, on the other hand, find a perfect alliance in Fiano di Avellino, characterised by an enveloping freshness and an aromatic complexity that recalls notes of almond and white flowers, enhancing every nuance of the dish without overpowering it.

Wines to pair with cheese

The art of pairing cheese and wine is a tradition rooted in Italian culture, and each region offers unique combinations. For example, a mature Tuscan pecorino cheese pairs beautifully with a Chianti Classico, while less mature soft cheeses, such as gorgonzola, find their ideal complement in a Passito di Pantelleria. These pairings not only delight the palate, but also tell stories of centuries-old territories and traditions.

Which wines to choose for desserts?

An Italian meal is not really considered complete without a dessert, and even for this course you need the right accompanying wine. For a classic tiramisu, the velvety sweetness of Moscato d'Asti harmoniously balances the intense flavours of mascarpone, coffee and cocoa. The creamy ricotta-based filling of Sicilian cannoli finds an ideal companion in Passito di Pantelleria, which, with its honey and dried fruit aromas, enhances the richness of the cannoli and provides a harmonious finish. Finally, for a berry panna cotta, Brachetto d'Acqui is a winning choice to complete the meal with elegance and refinement.

Whether you are planning a special dinner party or simply want to enjoy an Italian meal with the perfect wine, at Svinando you will find a curated selection of high quality Italian wines. Each bottle has been chosen to offer you the ultimate in taste and pleasure.

DISCOVER RED WINES TO PAIR WITH ITALIAN FOOD

DISCOVER WHITE WINES TO PAIR WITH ITALIAN FOOD

DISCOVER SPARKLING WINES TO PAIR WITH ITALIAN FOOD

From Svinando's blog