What foods pair best with Italian wine?
The answer is simple: “What grows together, goes together.”
For centuries, Italy’s regional wines have evolved alongside local cuisine, creating classic pairings that continue to define Italian dining today.
For centuries, Italy’s wines have evolved alongside the local cuisine, creating pairings that feel effortless. The tomatoes of Tuscany, the aged cheeses of Piedmont, the cured meats of Veneto, and the rustic breads found across the country all complement the wines produced just miles away.
That philosophy is the inspiration behind The Italian Grand Tour: Mini Flash Marathon at WTSO.com on Monday, July 27. Throughout the day, four celebrated Italian reds will be released one at a time, each representing a legendary wine region – and each pairing beautifully with classic Italian fare.
What Foods Pair Best with Barolo?
Featured Wine: Dezzani Miliasso Barolo DOCG 2022 (Langhe, Piedmont)
Best foods with Barolo: Tomato-based Italian dishes
Made from Nebbiolo, Barolo’s naturally high acidity and firm tannins make it an exceptional partner for tomato-based Italian dishes. Rich tomato sauces, slow-simmered ragù, baked lasagna, eggplant Parmesan, and classic spaghetti with meatballs all find balance in Barolo’s firm structure and elegant tannins.
The wine’s notes of red cherry, dried herbs, and spice mirror the bright acidity of tomatoes while standing up to hearty Italian flavors.
Perfect Barolo Pairings:
- Lasagna Bolognese
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
- Margherita Pizza
- Slow-cooked Sunday Sauce
Brunello & Italian Cheeses, Charcuterie & Fresh Fruit
Featured Wine: Amantis Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 (Montalcino, Tuscany)
Best pairing for Brunello: Aged cheeses, charcuterie & fresh fruit
Brunello di Montalcino is an exceptional match for aged Italian cheeses and premium charcuterie.
Its depth and complexity complement aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Toscano, Prosciutto di Parma, Soppressata, and Italian salumi. Add fresh strawberries, blackberries, figs, grapes, or dried cherries to bring out the wine’s vibrant fruit while creating a beautiful balance between savory and sweet.
This is the kind of pairing that’s equally at home before dinner or as the centerpiece of a relaxed evening with friends.
Build an Italian board with:
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Pecorino Toscano
- Prosciutto di Parma
- Soppressata
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
- Fresh Figs
- Marcona Almonds
Amarone & Rustic Italian Bread
Featured Wine: Luciano Arduini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2022 (Valpolicella, Veneto)
Amarone is crafted using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are carefully dried before fermentation to concentrate flavor and richness. That depth makes it a natural companion for rustic Italian staples.
Fresh ciabatta or rosemary focaccia with extra virgin olive oil, roasted garlic, olive tapenade, and aged cheeses creates an effortlessly elegant pairing that allows Amarone’s velvety texture and concentrated fruit to shine.
Perfect companions include:
- Warm Ciabatta
- Rosemary Focaccia
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Roasted Garlic
- Olive Tapenade
- Aged Asiago
- Grana Padano
Our Favorite Pairing: Tuscan Sangiovese & Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Featured Wine: Vignamaggio Sangiovese di Vitigliano 2016 (Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany)
If there is one pairing that perfectly captures the spirit of Tuscany, it’s Sangiovese with Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
This iconic Florentine steak is traditionally seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, allowing the quality of the beef to take center stage. Sangiovese’s naturally bright acidity and savory herbal note cuts through the richness of the steak while its earthy notes echo the herbs and char from the grill.
Don’t have a porterhouse on hand? Grilled ribeye, herb-marinated flank steak, mushroom risotto, or wild boar ragù all make exceptional alternatives.
Also pairs beautifully with:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina
- Grilled Ribeye
- Mushroom Risotto
- Wild Boar Ragù
- Rosemary Potatoes
- Roasted Vegetables
Experience Italy One Pairing at a Time
Italian wines evolved alongside the foods of their regions. That’s why classic pairings feel so natural – Sangiovese with tomatoes, Nebbiolo with aged cheese, and Amarone with rustic breads and hearty fare.
The Italian Grand Tour isn’t simply about discovering four exceptional wines – it’s about experiencing the traditions that have made Italy one of the world’s greatest food and wine destinations.
Each Flash Deal represents a different corner of Italy, where generations of winemakers and cooks have perfected the simple idea that the best meals begin with local ingredients and wines made to enjoy alongside them.
Visit us at WTSO for The Italian Grand Tour: Mini Flash Marathon on Monday, July 27 and discover why Italy’s legendary wines – and the foods they were born to accompany – continue to inspire wine lovers around the world.
Buon appetito, and happy discovering!
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Wine Pairings
What food pairs best with Barolo?
Tomato-based pasta, ragù, lasagna, aged cheeses, and braised meats all complement Barolo’s high acidity and firm Nebbiolo tannins.
What cheese goes with Brunello?
Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Toscano, and other aged Italian cheeses pair beautifully with Brunello di Montalcino.
What bread pairs with Amarone?
Fresh ciabatta, rosemary focaccia, and artisan breads served with olive oil are classic Amarone companions.
What does “what grows together, goes together” mean?
The phrase refers to the idea that regional wines naturally pair with foods produced in the same area because they evolved together over centuries.
How do the WTSO Flash Deals work?
The first wine goes live at 9 AM ET. Once that wine sells out, the next featured Italian wine is released. Every Flash Deal is available for a limited time and while supplies last.
Can I shop all four wines at once?
Case Club members receive all-access, allowing them to shop every featured Italian wine without waiting for each release. New members can save 50% on their first year of membership ($29.99) with code JULYCASE. Visit WTSO.com/case-club to join today!
Why is Barolo called the “King of Wines”?
Barolo earned the nickname “The King of Wines and the Wine of Kings” because it was favored by Italian royalty in the 19th century. Made from Nebbiolo in Piedmont, Barolo is celebrated for its complexity, elegance, and remarkable aging potential.