Pairing: Italian Dishes

Italian dishes are celebrated for their simplicity, yet they offer layers of flavor. From tomato-based pastas to rich, creamy sauces and savory meat dishes, Italian cuisine combines high-quality ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. The balance between acidity, sweetness, and umami is key. Italian wines, such as Chianti or Pinot Grigio, are perfect complements, bringing out the best in these dishes through their own acidity and fruit-forward profiles. These wines balance the richness of pasta, pizza, and meat dishes, making Italian food and wine a harmonious match​.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • Pasta (your choice, 12 oz): The base of many Italian dishes, providing texture and flavor absorption.
  • Tomatoes (canned, 28 oz): High-acidity tomatoes form the foundation of many sauces, adding a tangy and rich depth.
  • Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): Essential for aromatic depth in sauces and sautés.
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Enhances the flavors of pasta and meats, contributing to richness.
  • Fresh basil or oregano (handful, chopped): Adds herbaceous, fresh notes to balance the acidity of tomatoes or cream in sauces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add tomatoes and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
  2. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes for the flavors to meld.
  4. Serve: Garnish with more fresh herbs and grated cheese, like Parmesan or Pecorino, for a perfect finish.

Serve With

Chianti, Pinot Grigio

Learn More About the Best Pairings

Chianti Wine Region

Chianti

Chianti is a renowned red wine produced in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy.

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Pinot Grigio

Also known as Pinot Gris, is a versatile white wine made from grapes that are actually pinkish-grey in color.

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Samplers

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