How to pair Italian Food with Wine

Italian food is known for its bold, rich flavors and varied textures, making it a perfect candidate for wine pairing. At Mora Italiano in Encino, CA, we offer a wide selection of Italian wines to complement your meal. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to try and figure out the perfect wine for your dish. That's why we've put together this guide on how to pair Italian food with wine.First and foremost, you want to choose a wine that complements the flavors of the dish. For example, if you're enjoying a rich, tomato-based pasta sauce, you'll want to choose a wine with bold flavors that can stand up to the dish. A full-bodied red wine like a Barolo or Brunello di Montalcino would be a great choice. These wines are made from the Nebbiolo and Sangiovese grape varieties, respectively, and are known for their high tannin content and long aging potential.If you're a fan of lighter, fresher flavors, you might want to try a white wine with your meal. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Vermentino would be a great choice to pair with seafood or a lighter pasta dish. These wines are made from the Pinot Grigio and Vermentino grape varieties and are known for their bright, citrusy flavors.Of course, no Italian meal is complete without a little cheese. Whether you're enjoying a cheese plate or a dish with melted cheese, you'll want to choose a wine that can stand up to the richness of the cheese. A bold red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a spicy Zinfandel would be a great choice. These wines are made from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel grape varieties, respectively, and are known for their full-bodied flavors and high tannin content.One of the great things about Italian food is the variety of flavors and textures you'll find in dishes like antipasti, cured meats, and grilled vegetables. For these types of dishes, you'll want to choose a wine that can stand up to the bold flavors and textures. A wine with high acidity, like a Sangiovese or a Barbera, would be a great choice. These wines are made from the Sangiovese and Barbera grape varieties, respectively, and are known for their bright acidity and medium to full body.No matter what type of Italian dish you're enjoying, it's always a good idea to choose a wine that has similar flavors and intensity. If the dish is rich and bold, go for a wine with similar characteristics. If the dish is lighter and fresher, choose a wine with similar qualities.But how do you know which wine to choose? The art of wine tasting can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few tips to get you started:Start with the basics: Look at the color, aroma, and flavor of the wine. Is it light or dark in color? Does it have fruity or earthy aromas? Does it taste dry or sweet?Pay attention to tannins: Tannins are astringent compounds found in the skin, seeds, and stems of grapes. They give wine its structure and can make it taste dry or bitter. Wines with high tannin content, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo, are best paired with rich, fatty foods.Don't be afraid to experiment: The beauty of wine pairing is that there are no hard and fast rules. Don't be afraid to try something new and see how it works with your meal.