It’s the weekend. You’re at home, but you’d prefer to be jet-setting to Europe with your BFF Stanley Tucci. And you CAN. “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” is a beautiful show filled with interesting people, incredible chefs, stunning scenery, and most importantly the charming Stanley Tucci. You’ll feel like you’re his personal travel buddy. Warning: this will be torture if you’re carb-conscious. All you’ll want to do is drink wine and eat pasta. And travel. So, we rounded up the best wines for italian food to try while carb-loading and binge-watching #SearchingForItaly.
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Make your favorite pasta, pour a glass of one of these wines, and visit Italy from your living room.
(Or, if you’re not in the mood to cook, go to your favorite Italian restaurant, and order one of these wines.)
Best wines for italian food
Drink Italian wine with Italian food
1. Chianti Classico: The Classic Choice for Red Sauce Pasta and Pizza
When it comes to Italian food, Chianti is an obvious choice. Contrary to popular belief, Chianti is a region in Italy—not a grape varietal. Most Chianti wines are made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, sometimes blended with other varieties for balance. For a foolproof pairing with marinara sauces, lasagna, or a classic Margherita pizza, reach for a bottle of Chianti. The Antinori family, winemakers since 1385, offers excellent options you can trust.
🍷SHOP: Ruffino Chianti Classico and Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico are our go-to at restaurants or to pick up at Total Wine – both less than $25
2. Primitivo or Zinfandel: Bold Reds for Hearty Dishes
Primitivo and Zinfandel are essentially the same grape, but their labels reflect different styles. Primitivo wines lean towards the Italian style—bold, dark fruit flavors with a hint of spice—making them perfect for rich dishes like meat lasagna or sausage pizza. On the other hand, Zinfandel offers a softer, fruitier profile. As Callermasters explains, “Those whose wines reflect the Italian style of the grape are called Primitivo, and the softer fruitier styles are labeled Zinfandel.”
3. Sangiovese: Versatile Red for Pasta, Pizza, and Meat
Sangiovese is one of the most popular Italian red varietals, known for its medium body and bright acidity. It’s a versatile choice that pairs well with a range of Italian dishes—from spaghetti Bolognese to grilled meats. The natural acidity in Sangiovese cuts through the richness of tomato-based sauces, making it a must-try for Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
4. Chardonnay: Perfect for Light Pastas, Risotto, and Seafood
If you’re opting for lighter Italian dishes—think creamy risotto, chicken piccata, or seafood pasta—an oaked Chardonnay is a fantastic choice.
5. Pinot Grigio: A Crisp Pairing for Seafood Pasta
Pinot Grigio is a staple in Italian white wines. Its crisp, refreshing acidity makes it the ideal companion for seafood pastas, such as linguine with clams or shrimp scampi. Choose an Italian Pinot Grigio for a light, zesty pairing that enhances your meal without stealing the show.
Final Sip: Italian food and wine share a long history of making meals unforgettable. With these pairings, you’ll have the perfect bottle to pour, no matter what’s on the menu. Cheers to eating and drinking like an Italian! 🇮🇹🍷
Wine Folly does a deep dive into pairing wine with pasta, if you’d like to read more! Wine Folly is the best! Read this book if you want to learn more about wine!
Stanley Tucci’s Easy Marinara Recipe
(BTW, it’s like a double name. I feel if we were friends, I’d call him “Stanley Tucci.” Never “Stan.” Occasionally “Stanley,” but probably mostly the double name.)
Stanley Tucci’s Marinara is so easy and delicious and simple, plus it’s fun to make with him while watching the video.
More wine picks:
- 10 of the best wines to try under $20
- Best book to learn about wine
- The wine to drink with Brinner (that’s breakfast for dinner!)
- Best wines for Thai takeout
- Wente wines to try
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