Italian cuisine has always been popular with the gastronomes of the world. The sheer volume of excellent dishes make it a natural favorite among foodies. But pairing the dishes with the perfect drink makes the meal something to write home about. Italian food and wine pairing is easier than most think it is. Just follow these rules for the perfect pairings.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect accompaniment to hearty meat dishes. This red, with a high tannin content, pairs well with steaks or meaty pasta sauces. The tannins will mellow when paired with meat, allowing the black cherry undertones to expand into a wonderful fruit flavor.

Chardonnay is a crisp white that is tart enough to balance dishes with sweet onion and garlic flavors. When paired with cheese and tomato-based pastas, this zippy vino is mellowed slightly and becomes something beautiful for the palate. Chardonnay that has been aged is perfect with earthy mushroom dishes as well.

Gnocchi, those wonderful little potato pillows, are a favorite on any menu. Riesling is a great pairing with this delicate, fluffy dumpling. The sharp flavor of a good Riesling melds well with more mellow dishes like gnocchi. Serve the Riesling at room temperature to allow the sharpness to soften a bit, and the perfect meal is the end result.

Red Zinfandels can stand up to zesty, spicy sauces. These dishes are most often found in Sicilian cuisine and are gaining in popularity with gastronomes around the world. These spicy dishes marry well with the Zinfandel’s mellow aroma and flavor without either overwhelming the other.

It’s easy to master italian food and wine pairing. However, if you are still intimidated by the prospect, ask the sommelier at a good Italian restaurant to give advice. Employees of specialty libation stores also love to share their knowledge on the subject and will make some excellent suggestions to enhance your next dinner party. Enjoying good food and beverages is one of the greatest pleasures on earth. Buon appetito!

You can visit the website http://www.foodwinecook.com for more helpful information about italian food and wine pairing.

Tags: beverages, Cooking, Eating, Food, ingredients, italian food and wine pairing, Recipes, Wine, Wine And Grapes

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