FOOD & DRINKFOOD AND WINE PAIRING GUIDE

Italian cuisine and wine go hand in hand and there are some combinations that just make life taste better. Think fresh pasta, a great glass of wine and absolutely nowhere to be.

Here at ASK Italian, we believe the best pairings aren’t about complicated rules, they’re about balance, flavour and enjoying the moment. Rich sauces with bold reds. Creamy classics with crisp whites. Fresh herbs with elegant wines. When food and wine is perfectly paired, flavours are elevated and an unforgettable dining experience is created.

To make things easy for you, we’ve created a handy guide to Italian food and wine pairings. Read on and you’ll learn all you need to know about what wine goes with Italian food and the irresistible flavour combinations that make every bite and sip taste better than the last.

SAUVIGNON BLANC DOC

The Pairing: Garlic King Prawn Tagliatelle and Sauvignon Blanc DOC

Fresh frilly tagliatelle tossed with garlic-marinated king prawns, courgettes and sweet datterini tomatoes in a creamy seafood sauce.

Why it works: delicate prawns wrapped in a silky seafood creamy sauce needs a wine that will cut through – balancing freshness with richness.

Pair it with the bright acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc DOC and you’ll have a perfect pairing of food and wine. Each element of the wine supports a different part of the dish, creating a pairing that feels effortless and refined. The citrus tones in this crisp white wine mirrors the natural sweetness of the prawns with the aromatic flavour of the datterini tomatoes. This Sauvignon Blanc brings a clean, crisp energy that elevates the seafood flavours without overshadowing them. An elegant pairing that brings a lighter energy and feels unmistakably Italian. A flavour match such as this conjures up images of a breezy lunch with close friends on a sun-soaked afternoon, the perfect dining experience.

CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG

The Pairing: Slow-Cooked Beef Pappardelle and Chianti Classico DOCG

A rich beef ragu, slow-cooked flavour and silky ribbons of pasta.

Why it works: our slow-cooked ragu with its tomato acidity works perfectly when combined with the classic Italian tannins in this hearty red wine.

Pair it with the depth of the Chianti Classico DOGG for a timeless Italian food and wine pairing. The tannins in this classic Italian red wine pair naturally with the slow-cooked beef in this deeply rich tomato sauce. With wide silky ribbons of pasta soaking up each and every flavour this makes for a quietly luxurious dish. Whether you’re thinking of a cosy mid-week dinner with friends or a slow Sunday afternoon spent with family, this perfect pairing of food and wine makes for an ideal choice. Pure Italian comfort at its best. If you are searching for best wine with pasta options then it doesn’t come much better than this. Here is a pairing with classic Italian energy, rustic, generous and made for sharing.

NERO D'AVOLA

The Pairing: Luganica Sausage & ’Nduja Frilly Tagliatelle and Nero d’Avola

Rich tomato sauce, spicy ’nduja and savoury sausage.

Why it works: this richly decadent pasta dish needs a full-bodied red wine that can stand up to the heat and intensity of this sweet, sun-ripened tomato sauce.

Pair it with the warm and rounded finish of a Nero d’Avola. This full-flavoured and indulgent dish is all about richness and heat – and it needs a wine that will stand up to its bold flavours. Nero d’Avola’s ripe dark fruit perfectly complements the rich tomato sauce and smoky heat of the ‘ndjua – softening the spice without muting it. There’s a natural warmth to Nero d’Avola. A gentle spice, a sun-baked richness that mirrors the cosy, comforting feel of this dish. Here is a pairing that feels both generous and indulgent. The kind of match that turns a good dish into a memorable moment, making for a perfect Italian food and wine pairing.

PINOT GRIGIO

The Pairing: Burrata & Pancetta Carbonara and Pinot Grigio DOC

Creamy mascarpone sauce, pancetta and burrata.

Why it works: our luxuriously creamy pasta sauce with pancetta calls for a crisp white wine that will seamlessly cut through – perfectly balancing lightness with indulgence.

Pair it with Pinot Grigio DOC for an effortlessly elegant match. When thinking of what wine goes with Italian food, it doesn’t get much better than this. Our carbonara dish with its velvety smooth mascarpone sauce and lightly smoked pancetta blends beautifully with the citrus notes of this refreshingly Pinot Grigio. Where the pasta is rich and silky, the wine is cool and zesty – and together they feel beautifully balanced. Perfectly chilled and ready to pour, this wine will instantly transport you to the sun-drenched Italian coast, all you need is a few special friends to share the moment with. This is a match you’ll find in any Italian wine guide worth reading.

MIRABEAU ROSE

The Pairing: Pesto Stracciatella Tagliatelle and Mirabeau Rosé

Creamy pesto, stracciatella and green beans.

Why it works: the delicate fruit notes of this French rosé echo the sweetness of basil and balance the creaminess of the stracciatella – without overwhelming it, making for an effortless blend.

Pair it with Mirabeau Rosé for a quintessentially Mediterranean match. This is a pairing that feels decidedly like dining al fresco – breezy, relaxed and sun-kissed. The wine’s summer freshness lifts the dish, making each bite feel bright and lively. The soft red berries and citrus flavours of this refreshing rosé work perfectly with the fragrant and herb-infused creamy pesto and crunchy greens beans. This is a wine and food pairing that is indulgent yet bright, rich but still refreshing. It’s a pairing that invites guests to relax, explore and enjoy – the true heart of Italian-inspired dining. When it comes to what wine goes with Italian food, it does not come more perfectly matched than this combination.

If reading our Italian food and wine pairings has whet your appetite, then why not pop by and visit one of restaurants for a true taste of Italy. With locations across the UK, we really are everyone’s favourite local restaurant.

We believe the best meals aren’t just eaten, they’re experienced. Meals that are shared with the people you love and filled with flavours that transport you – and the perfect Italian food and wine pairings can make every bite feel even more memorable.