Food and Wine » Wine and Pairings » Best wines for Italian food This lightened makeover of a heavier classic subs turkey sausage subs for fattier pork, puréed cottage cheese for béchamel, and a splash of olive oil for nearly half a cup of butter. Recipe: Lasagna with Sausage Ragù ReduxLively acidicy in this wine makes for bright, crisp cherry fruit, which plays off the tomatoes in the lasagna (acidic tomatoes can kill a low-acid wine). A hit of pepper in the Carignane echoes the spice in the Italian sausage. Recommended bottle: Poets Row 2010 Carignane (Alexander Valley). Cabernet Sauvignon is the name of both the grape and the wine it produces. The primary taste of this wine is black currant, but other overtones may include blackberry and mint. Cabernets are hearty and rich and thus go best with tomato-based red sauces. Chianti is a strong, bold red wine that is perfectly suited for flavorful, well-seasoned sauces. It pairs best with tomato-based red sauces, but will also work with cream- or oil-based sauces.

Not quite as harsh as other reds, merlot is mellow with flavors of plums, black cherry, violets, and orange. It is best paired with tomato-based red sauces. Pinot Noir is a light red wine with flavors that include earth, leather, vanilla (from the oak), and jam. This versatile wine goes well with tomato-based red sauces, but will also work with cream- or oil-based sauces. Sangiovese is a hefty red wine that goes wonderfully with spicy Italian dishes. Best paired with tomato-based red sauces, it will also work with cream- or oil-based sauces. Zinfandel is a deep red wine. Spicy and peppery, with a hint of berries or dark cherries, this wine goes best with thick, tomato-based red sauces. Depending on where it's grown and how it's processed, this white wine can taste semi-sweet or sour, heady or light. Typical flavors are apple, tangerine, lemon, lime, melon, and oak. Like most white wines, it is best paired with cream- or oil-based sauces, but can also be served with a light, tomato-based red sauce.

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are actually the same white grape, with two different names: In Italy and California this wine is known as Pinot Grigio, while in Oregon and France it's known as Pinot Gris. This wine is best paired with cream- or oil-based sauces, but can hold its own with tomato-based red sauces, as well.what's the best dry white wine Riesling is usually made to be a sweet wine, although it can also create a dry wine as well. names of wines produced in franceThe taste of this wine is affected by where it is grown - Californian Rieslings tend to be dry and have a melony taste, while German Rieslings are more tart and 'grapefruity'. glass of wine pinterestPair Riesling with cream- or oil-based sauces.best wine years chart

Typically very light, this wine often tastes of grass and apple, and has a soft, smoky flavor. Sauvignon Blancs tend to be crisp and acidic, which make them a nice match for cream- or oil-based sauces.Match red wine with food A guide to help you pair red wine with food.best wine school in franceFrom Cabernet Sauvignon to Chianti, here are some of the wines that will work best with your favorite Italian dishes. red wine age benefitsWith this list, whether it’s pizza or risotto, red sauce or white, you’ll never be at a loss when it comes to serving the perfect complimentary bottle of vino!where to buy wine travel bagsCabernet Sauvignon is the name of both the grape and the wine it produces. good wine in london

The primary taste of this wine is black currant, but other overtones may include blackberry and mint. Cabernets are hearty and rich and go best with tomato-based red sauces.Italian Chianti is a strong, bold red wine that is perfectly suited for flavorful, well-seasoned sauces. wine to drink coldIt pairs best with tomato-based red sauces, but also works with cream- or oil-based sauces.Merlot is not quite as harsh as other reds. This mellow wine with flavors of plums, black cherry, violets, and orange goes best paired with tomato-based red sauces.Pinot Noir is a light red wine with flavors that include earth, leather, vanilla (from the oak), and jam. This versatile wine goes well with tomato-based red sauces, but also works with cream- or oil-based sauces.Sangiovese is a hefty red wine that pairs lovely with spicy Italian dishes. Best with tomato-based red sauces, it also works with cream- or oil-based sauces.Zinfandel is a deep red wine.

Spicy and peppery, with a hint of berries or dark cherries, this wine goes best with thick, tomato-based red sauces.Chardonnay can taste semi-sweet or sour, heady or light, depending on where it’s grown and how it’s processed. Like most white wines, it is best paired with cream- or oil-based sauces, but also can be served with a light, tomato-based red sauce.Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris actually are the same white grape, with two different names: In Italy and California, this wine is known as Pinot Grigio; while in Oregon and France, it’s known as Pinot Gris. This wine is best paired with cream- or oil-based sauces, but can hold its own with tomato-based red sauces, as well.Riesling usually is made to be a sweet wine, although it also can create a dry wine. The taste of this wine is affected by where it is grown — Californian Rieslings tend to be dry and have a melon taste, while German Rieslings are more tart and boast a grapefruit flavor. Pair Riesling with cream- or oil-based sauces.