Sparkling Wines for Starters

Consider drinking a sparkling wine to begin your Italian dinner. Prosecco is a well-known Italian sparkling wine that pairs well with antipasto platters featuring cured meats and cheeses. It has a crisp acidity and tastes of green apple and pear. Franciacorta, a Lombardy sparkling wine that is considered classic in approach, is an excellent alternative. Lighter appetizers like bruschetta or Caprese salad go fantastically with its creamy texture and complex citrus and toast flavors.

White Wines with Pasta and Seafood

White wine goes well with pasta meals, particularly ones with white sauces or shellfish. Spaghetti with clams pairs quite well with a Pinot Grigio, which is renowned for its crisp acidity and fruity flavors. If you’re eating a creamy fettuccine Alfredo, a Chardonnay can enhance the richness of the dish, with its buttery notes matching the sauce wonderfully. Verdicchio is a lighter alternative to think about. Pasta recipes like seafood risotto or linguine with lemon and shrimp go nicely with this light Italian white wine’s delicate almond notes and reviving freshness.

Red Wines with Rich Dishes

Red wine pairs well with heartier foods and red sauces. Perhaps the most well-known Italian red, Chianti, boasts sharp acidity that goes incredibly well with tomato-based sauces. It goes well with traditional recipes like lasagna or spaghetti marinara. A more robust red from the Piedmont region, Barolo is also a great option. With its earthy undertones and deep tastes of spice and black fruit, it pairs well with hearty meat dishes like braised short ribs or osso buco. For a fruitier option, a Sangiovese is adaptable enough to pair with everything from pizza to meatballs, thanks to its balanced acidity.