20 Nov Pasta e Vino: A Match Made in Heaven

As the winter fog blankets our vines and the hustle of Thanksgiving subsides, we look forward to cozy afternoons and simple meals leading up to the winter holidays. This lull between festivities is the perfect time to slow down and savor the stillness of the season.

The Italians have mastered this appreciation for the simple pleasures that make life truly sweet. They call it la dolce vita. 

In this spirit, we’ve crafted a guide to pairing our wines with effortless pasta dishes, proving that simplicity need not sacrifice flavor. As we creep toward the winter holidays, treat yourself to la dolce vita with these timeless pairings and deceptively simple dishes.

Pasta e Vino: A Match Made in Heaven

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey of pasta – a culinary chameleon that has seamlessly adapted to kitchens and tables around the world. With roots deeply embedded in Italian traditions, pasta’s versatility knows no bounds. Its humble beginnings tell tales of comfort and sustenance, evolving over centuries into a global phenomenon. 

From the streets of Rome to the bustling kitchens of New York, pasta has become a canvas for creativity, reflecting the diversity of cultures that have embraced its simple yet satisfying allure. The beauty of pasta lies in its ability to play well with a myriad of flavors and ingredients, making it the ultimate canvas for culinary expression. This adaptability is what makes it the perfect companion for our wines – each varietal complementing the diverse profiles of pasta dishes. 

So, without further ado, here are four of our favorite pasta and wine pairings to grace your table this fall.

Pesto Linguine + Sauvignon Blanc

Pesto’s vibrant green basil cuts the nuttiness of pine nuts, just as Sauvignon’s grassy notes complement the varietal’s bright stone fruit flavors, making this wine a lovely match for any pesto dish.

The bright acidity and citrusy notes inherent in Sauvignon Blanc act as a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and herbaceous profile of the pesto sauce. Meanwhile, the wine’s acidity helps cut through the creamy texture of the pesto, allowing each component to shine individually while harmonizing beautifully on the palate. 

This combination is a celebration of contrasts, showcasing how a well-chosen wine can elevate the enjoyment of a classic dish, turning a simple meal into a memorable culinary adventure.

Wild Boar Bolognese + Sangiovese

Wild boar bolognese is a classic Tuscan dish, so of course it must be paired with a first-rate Tuscan wine: Sangiovese. 

The rich and slightly gamey flavors of wild boar mingle beautifully with a robust tomato sauce, which should coat the perfectly cooked pasta like a silk dress. Coupled with our peppery Sangiovese, this meal is a match made in heaven. 

As you take a sip, you’ll discover how the wine’s lively character expertly cuts through the creamy richness of the bolognese, creating a dynamic contrast that enhances the overall palate experience. Topped with a bit of parmesan, this pairing isn’t just about complementing flavors; it’s about the fusion of savory and tangy profiles, each element enhancing the other. Whether you’re indulging in a quiet evening at home or hosting guests, this pairing elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi + Grenache

We depart from the rolling hills of Tuscany and venture north for a dish that is more dumpling than pasta, sparking heated debate amongst Italophiles. But it wouldn’t be autumn without pumpkin gnocchi. 

Whether you garnish with sage or chestnut or top with pecorino or ricotta, pumpkin’s rich, earthy flavors pair beautifully with our Grenache. The fruity and slightly spicy notes of Grenache beautifully complement the earthy sweetness of the pumpkin in the gnocchi. As you savor each bite, the wine’s well-balanced profile enhances the flavors of this comforting dish, creating a delightful harmony on the palate. The inherent versatility of Grenache, with its soft tannins and nuanced fruitiness, allows it to accentuate the creamy texture of the gnocchi while providing a subtle counterpoint to the dish’s richness. 

Spaghetti Carbonara + Syrah

This dish that is so beloved in the US would be considered sacrilege in Italy, where guanciale is used instead of bacon. Nevertheless, our Americanized version makes for an effortless weeknight meal. Plus, you can easily elevate your midweek dinner by pairing this pasta dish with a glass of bold Syrah. 

The velvety richness of the classic carbonara, with its indulgent blend of egg and cheese sauce adorned with crispy bacon, finds a perfect companion in the bold and smoky nuances of Syrah. As you take a sip of the wine, its smoky dark fruit flavors intertwine seamlessly with the creamy carbonara, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on the palate. Syrah’s high acidity acts as a refreshing counterbalance to the dish’s richness, ensuring each bite is a revelation of layered flavors. This pairing transforms a beloved comfort food into a luxurious culinary indulgence, showcasing the inherent harmony between the robust profile of Syrah and the decadence of Spaghetti Carbonara. 

Grab your perfect pasta-pairing wines now!

Indulge in the Italian way of life, where every bite and every sip is an opportunity to embrace the simple pleasures and savor the moments that make life sweet – where pasta and wine are the conduits to la dolce vita. 

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