Delicious Italian Foods that Go Great with Fine Wine

If there are people out there who truly know how to enjoy fine wine, it's the Italians! Their country, after all, produces some of the best wine in the world. For them, making the finest wine is part of their culture. It's their way of life that they've since shared with the rest of the world. And so if they're great at making wine, they're probably champions of drinking them as well! Are they ever! Not only have they made drinking wine a ritual in of itself, but they've also come up with the best food to pair it with. Here are a few delectable selections!

 

Pesto

For an exceptionally light meal but still full of flavor, the classic pesto pasta will do. The pasta itself is quite a favorite in the country (and for many beyond), but when one pairs it with wine, it's quite a culinary experience indeed. Especially if you pair it with white wine. Imagine the nuttiness of pesto pasta mixing well with the fruitiness of white wine. The tanginess of both will make for quite a sensation, one that you might want to taste again and again. And the great thing is pesto is easy to make in your own home! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Arancini 

At times, you wouldn't want an entire meal to go with your wine. Since drinking it is a pastime in of itself, you want the wine to be the star of the show. The main taste, while the food is just a side that makes the experience complete. So for the times that you just want to munch on something as you sip your fine wine, go for the classic Italian streetfood, Arancini. These scrumptious balls of ragu, mozzarella, covered in bread crumbs are the perfect bite-sized treats to not overwhelm and not overtake the wine at all. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Napoletana

You can't talk about Italian food without mentioning pizza! It's practically the most beloved dish to ever come out of the famous Mediterranean cuisine. And when it comes to what to pair your red wine with, the famous Napoletana from Napoli is your most delicious bet. With a crust that's burnt to a crisp and a delicious blend of savory sauces and melted cheese, it will fill your stomach as much as a glass of your finest red. Let the interplay of flavors swirl around in your mouth, tantalizing your taste buds and getting ready for that sip of wine!  

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Parmigiano-Reggiano

Of course, it won't be a Mediterranean wine-tasting if you don't have cheese. And while cheese on your pasta is all well and good, having it by itself can taste just as amazing. It's no wonder it's become one of the country's favorite ingredients. On a pizza or pasta, it tastes great, but paired with some fine wine? Heavenly! Especially Parmigiano-Reggiano! Don't just take it grated unto a plate of pasta, actually get a slice of it yourself and bite into it as you swirl your glass of winds. Be it red or white, any kind will do for this scrumptious dairy treat! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Risotto Al Tartufo

Why not add some nice rice into your wine-tasting for a rather different feel? Pasta and pizza are great and everything, but they're not all of what makes Italian cuisine one of the best in the world. Believe it or not, they also have some dishes with rice in it, further proving that these people really do know how to make the best food for any palette. With a glass of fine red wine, eat it with the Risotto Al Tartufo.  This earthy and savory dish will go well with a wine that's equal in strength and kick. 

Source: Flickr.com/ Matthias Rhomberg

 

Ragù Bolognese

Not a fan of rice? No problem! You can always go for another pasta with your wine. And in order to not let your wine overwhelm your palette, choose one that's exceptionally meaty like the Ragù Bolognese. Think of well that Prosciutto di Parma and Bolognese sauce fare with a strong glass of your finest red. Though all equally strong in taste, the pairing will actually blend well together, giving you that rich taste with which Italian cuisine is beloved for. At times, it's not about balancing the flavors, but rather mixing them all so that they'll all taste the best! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Strawberries

Now for dessert! For many, the perfect Italian dessert is, of course, the gelato. The thick creamy goodness serves as a great end to a rich Italian meal. However, it doesn't necessarily pair well with wine, be it red or white. Gelato is best enjoyed on its own, where you can really taste the rich flavors without overwhelming your palate. So instead of a cup of gelato to go with your dessert wine, why not go for simple fruits instead? Strawberries are great because they have a certain twang to them, giving a nice zest even as you sip your finest red! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

The way Italians enjoy their wine is something to be experienced at least once in your lifetime. And you don't even have to go all the way to Italy to do it. You can simply get these foodie favorites to pair with your fine wine and you're good to go!