TOP 5 ITALIAN FOOD PAIRINGS FOR ITALIAN WINE
Italy is a passionate country, its exuberant culture is reflected through a combination of great food, unique wine, art, fashion, theatre and breath-taking landscapes. Furthermore, the effective combination of antiquity and modernity, beauty and seduction are intrinsic to Italian culture.
Believe it or not but Italy is the leading country in global wine production with 47.2 mhl in 2020, enough to make any Italian very proud!
Having grown up surrounded by a chatty Italian family, I have collected extraordinary memories which have inspired me to share in this blog five authentic Italian dishes to pair with a selection of Italian wines, all available from Roberson Wine. I hope these suggestions inspire you and that you try some of these fantastic combinations in the comfort of your home.
1). ANTIPASTI with GAVI DI GAVI BOBO (ORANGE CAP) 2018 LA SCOLCA
The Italian White wine Gavi di Gavi La Scolca is distinguished by its crisp, floral, peachy and aromatic qualities. Cortese is the grape of this respected white wine from Piedmont, which is comfortably comparable with Chablis due to its extra depth and complexity which comes from mineral-rich soils of the area. Its elegance and structure make a great combination when paired with delicious antipasti.
Traditionally, Italians eat antipasti – meaning ‘before the meal’ – before digging into the first course and there are quite a few Italian antipasti recipes. Typical ingredients of a traditional antipasto include cured meats, olives, various cheeses- the dense, crumbly and dry-salted Grana Padano can never be missed - anchovies, artichoke heart and vegetables in oil or vinegar.
2). BURRATA with TENUTA SAN MICHELE ETNA BIANCO 2018 LE CANTINE MURGO
Wines from Mount Etna have had a rapid upsurge in popularity in the last decade. Le Cantine Murgo have proven their exceptional quality through this balanced, complex and persistent white wine, which beautifully reflects the terroir surroundings. Vinified from fruit grown on volcanic soils, it has resulted in delicate and floral aromas.
Etna Bianco is an absolute success when paired with a traditional burrata.
Burrata is made from the stretched curd of the mozzarella, but it's not the only ingredient, as most people might think. There is, inside, a soft and creamy filling - stracciatella Pugliese - a mix of frayed mozzarella cheese and cream. This adds a soft texture and more flavour to this acclaimed Italian starter!
3). SPAGHETTI CARBONARA with SOAVE CLASSICO 2020 LEONILDO PIEROPAN
Soave white wine is considered a classic match with Spaghetti Carbonara. Our Leonildo Pieropan Soave Classico shows a delicate nose, with fresh apricots and ripe citrus fruit. On the palate, soft peach and lemon notes, together with white flowers and a very mineral mouthfeel.
Its characteristics always freshen up the palate while having a well-structured Italian pasta.
Carbonara is an Italian pasta dish from Rome made with egg, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. It sounds like an easy recipe, however, the Italians seem to keep the secret on how to cook it to perfection!
4). BEEF BRACIOLE and POLENTA with TENUTA SAN MICHELE ETNA ROSSO 2017 LE CANTINE MURGO
Etna Rosso is a fresh red wine with fruity, herbaceous flavours, distinctive minerality and an earthy nuance. Wines predominantly made from Nerello Mascalese notably remind us of Burgundy wines and for this reason, their versatility on the table should always be considered as one of those go-to wines.
Beef Braciole is a festive dish from Naples- although some would say it's from Puglia- it consists of stuffed rolled beef cooked in tomato sauce.
And Polenta is a classic northern Italian side made of coarsely ground corn. Freshly cooked, polenta is soft and creamy.
5). LASAGNA BOLOGNESE with 'I COLOMBI' CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2016
CASTELLO DI QUERCETO
Roberson’s I Colombi Chianti Classico Riserva has notes of black cherry, plums, smoked earthiness and very rounded tannins. The wine has great acidity therefore, it is certainly the best choice to pair with a succulent Lasagna Bolognese. Last Sunday, I prepared this myself at home, following the "ricetta della nonna", which means grandmother’s recipe and for the Italians, this should be the best lasagna recipe ever.
If you would like to finish the meal in Italian style, I recommend a luscious Tiramisu, a coffee-flavoured Italian dessert, followed by a cup of coffee. Authentic Italian style!
Find some of these wonderful wines in our Summer Cruise Collection.
