Hosting an upcoming dinner party?
You’ve got the menu sorted, and now it’s time to order wine online.
Make your dinner party extra special by designating the right Italian wine to complement your entrees, mains, and desserts.
But there are so many Italian wines, so where do you start?
Our online wine shop has done the research for you so you don’t have to!
Impress your guests by selecting from a range of Italian whites and reds that will leave them feeling full and satisfied.
What kind of wine is Italy known for?
Italy is a renowned wine nation that has wineries in every region.
The three most popular regions for wine are Piedmont, Veneto, and Puglia
Piedmont
Piedmont wine refers to any wine fermented in the elegant north-west Italian region of Piedmont.
Veneto
Veneto produces Prosecco and Pinot Noir wines, as well as high-end wines like anything with “Valpolicella” in the title.
Puglia
Puglia is part of Italy’s rising south. Versatile, vibrant wines that pair with almost anything.
What food goes with Italian wine?
Four of the most popular types of Italian wine in Australia are Moscato, Prosecco, Sangiovese, and Pinot Noir.
We’ve suggested food pairings for each of these wines below so you can have the ultimate wine night at your next dinner party.
Moscato
This sweet, sparkling wine is often considered a dessert wine.
Therefore, desserts are the primary dish you should pair your Moscato with, and save it until the end of the night if you’re having a dinner party.
Moscato is best served chilled so put it in the fridge several hours before you plan on popping it open.
You can serve Moscato with a range of desserts, including:
- Cake
- Pavlova
- Cheese platters
- Poached pears
- Apple tart
Moscato is low on alcoholic content relative to other wines, which is another reason why it’s perfect for the end of the night.
Moscato is a versatile varietal, and can also be paired with mains. For example, a red Moscato or a white Moscato can be matched with dishes like:
- Masala curry
- Chicken
- Lamb Quesadillas
- Mushroom Brule
Prosecco
Prosecco is named after its corresponding grape and is grown in Northern Italy.
Wineries here experience a cooler climate which allows the grapes to ferment longer, producing more alcoholic compounds and less sugar.
Prosecco is often fermented as a sparkling wine (but not always!)
If making a charcuterie board with Prosecco, consider adding:
- Pecorino Romano
- Camembert
- Green stuffed olives
- Prosciutto, pancetta, or ham
- Biscuits and crackers
- Chorizo
- Cashews
The more sugary, sparkling versions are best paired with desserts while Prosecco works best for main meals or canapes.
Desserts that pair best with sweeter Italian Proseccos include:
- Cheesecake
- Macaroons
- Biscotti
Sangiovese
Sangiovese grapes are Italy’s most-planted grape variety.
The red Sangiovese wine elicits red fruit flavours and earthy tones with high acidity, making it versatile during cooking and also as a paired beverage.
If you do use Sangiovese in cooking, we suggest using another wine to pair the meal with, so that you have something to compliment the flavour of your meal, rather than overpower it.
Red Sangiovese wine complements richer, hearty meals such as:
- Spaghetti bolognese
- Roasted pork
- Pumpkin soup
- Thai red curry
Italian Pinot Noir
Pinot Noirs originated in Burgundy, France, but have been so popular globally that countries put their own imprint on Noirs.
Italian Pinot Noirs can be paired with various cuisines depending on its acidity, body, tannin level, and sweetness.
As a red wine, Pinot Noirs pair well with:
- Roast duck
- Barbequed ham
- Glazed parsnips and asparagus
- Spiced lentil curry
What red wine goes best with Italian?
On the contrary, if you’re having an Italian food night and need to know what wines to match certain Italian foods instead of the other way around, we can also help you.
What sweet wine goes with Italian food?
Moscato is the obvious choice since it is also an Italian wine.
But sweet Sangiovese wines can suit Italian food if you’re making an Italian dessert. They can be used to counterbalance strong flavours, such as spicy Mongolian beef or a bitter olive and anchovy pizza.
You can also choose any Rosé or sparkling wine.
What wines go with tomato-based pizza or pasta?
It’s an unwritten rule that red wines compliment rich, tomato-based dishes while white wines compliment creamier dishes.
Italian food generally fits into this rule, so the following red wines are suitable if you’re cooking tomato-based dishes.
Some of our favourite red wines to pair with include:
What wines go with creamy pasta or pizza?
Pasta or pizza that use a white sauce base – such as the Bianca pizza or truffle and mushroom linguine – have an enhanced flavour when paired with a white wine.
White wines you can buy online for your Italian night include:
After dinner drinks
After your dessert, you might want to choose another beverage to end the night. Some popular after-dinner drinks include the Vecchio Amaro Del Capo, best served chilled on ice or mixed with soda.
Alternatively, Amaro Montenegro is a sweet liqueur enjoyed over ice, with tonic water, or as part of dessert, like ice cream.
Where can I buy affordable wine online?
I Like Wine supplies a brilliant selection of Italian, Australian, and international wines
From the world’s most famous wine regions to boutique, small-batch productions, every wine that joins our online catalogue is personally assessed by our team (hard job, we know!)
Whether you’re shopping for a gift, hosting a dinner party, or simply need to restock the wine cart, browse our collection of the world’s best wine, beers, and spirits.
Start shopping now, or if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with us online and we’ll contact you soon!
