Is there any better pair than wine and Italian food? Whether you prefer white, red, rosè, or sparkling, everyone can agree that a glass (or bottle!) of wine goes a long way with the right Italian dish.

White Wine Pairing

Chardonnay

Chardonnay’s taste relies heavily on where it grows and how it’s processed. The wine is lighter in flavor, and some have heavy notes of lemon, apple, melon, or oak, which makes it popular to be paired with mild, buttery, or creamy dishes. This includes an array of proteins like meatier fish or shellfish, or subtly flavored poultry and pork dishes. Try sauteed scallops in a lemony sauce, paired with a glass of Chardonnay and your tastebuds are sure to be tingling!

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is a dry, grape white wine which is typically semi-sweet. This wine goes with just about everything, but especially with seafood, citrus dishes, light tomato sauces, and even desserts. Pair this sweet wine with a plate of chicken piccata served over angel hair for the perfect cozy dinner.

Red Wine Pairing

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet comes from grapes of the same name, creating this dry red wine. The primary taste of this wine is black currant or blackberry with some other overtones, including mint. Cabernet pairs best with tomato-based red sauces, so cook up a hearty ragù sauce, serve it over tagliatelle with a hearty piece of garlic bread and enjoy your glass of wine!

Chianti Classico

The Italian Chianti Classico is a wine with stringent regulations as to how it gets it’s title “classico.” For the wine to get this high classification, the grapes used must be grown in the Chianti region in Tuscany, and they must be fermented to very rigorous specifications. This bold red wine is packed with flavor that is ideally suited for flavorful, well-seasoned sauces and dishes. The classic Tuscan pasta dish “Ragù al Cinghiale” (ragu made of wild boar) pairs exquisitely with a bottle of Chianti. A lighter pairing is the traditional Italian Margherita pizza. The strong notes of the wine mix well with the lightness of the ingredients in the pizza.

Pinot Noir

The versatile wine will pair neatly with most proteins and earthy, rustic vegetables, as well as darker fruits like cherries and plums. Try a traditional Florentine steak with a balsamic reduction on top and glass of Pinot Noir to complete this delicious meal. Or try a hearty chicken cacciatore recipe to pair with this red wine.

Merlot

Not quite as harsh as the other reds, Merlot offers mellow flavors hinted with plums, black cherries, and oranges. Merlot’s are great for simple red tomato sauces or creamier dishes and chicken, as well as other light meats or lightly spiced dark meats, and risottos. Try a wild mushroom risotto paired with a bottle of your favorite Merlot for a beautiful dinner!

Call The Italian Catering Experts Today!

Viga specializes in catering for any important event or get together, this includes but is not limited to catering for fundraising events, special events, corporate events, parties & drop-off catering throughout the Greater Boston Area. For more information please visit our contact page, or give us a call at  617.482.1112 to see how we can best serve your next business lunch or corporate event!