Feeling adventurous to venture into Italian cuisine? It’s simple to whip up and typically a crowd-pleaser. Amongst the intriguing array of Italian wines, you might consider beginning with a refreshing Aperol Spritz or the ever-pleasing Negroni. Accompany your aperitivo with some breadsticks, olives and perhaps a handful of nuts. A bottle of chilled Prosecco could also be an excellent welcome.
Italian meals usually kick off with a diverse antipasti – think grilled veggies, charcuterie, a variety of cheeses, or perhaps some bruschetta or arancini. Pair these with a light, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Gavi, Soave or a Verdicchio. Alternatively, an Italian rosé can be served, like a Pinot Grigio Rosato or a Bardolino Chiaretto, should you manage to find one. A less heavy red wine, perhaps a Valpolicella or Pinot Nero, is also a good match.
For a less heavy main course, or possibly pasta, a light-bodied red such as a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, or a frappato from Sicily would suffice. If you’re serving a red-meat-laden dish cooked in tomato sauce, like lasagne or spaghetti Bolognese, a robust red wine is the way forward. Consider a nero d’avola from Sicily, or perhaps a primitivo from Puglia, a barbera or a Merlot.
When it comes to heftier dishes such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina (a Tuscan steak) or a beef stew like brasato, opt for a full-bodied wine. A Chianti Classico, Ripasso, or even a Barolo will pair well.
As for dessert, Vin Santo would be a perfect but pricey option. Alternatively, why not delight your guests with a slightly fizzy and semi-dry Moscato d’Asti? It’s light on the alcohol and offers a refreshing finish to an indulgent feast.
If you find yourself entertaining a large group and wish for a straightforward, inexpensive choice, you can’t go wrong with Soave, a consistently dependable, light, dry white wine. Alternatively, for those who prefer red, I frequently opt for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, an Italian choice that serves all purposes sufficiently. Both options can be found with ease in various supermarkets and wine retailers.