Sangiovese

Aged pecorino cheese offers a firm texture with intense savory, salty, and nutty flavors that develop more complexity with age. These robust characteristics call for wines with good acidity and moderate tannins to cut through the cheese's richness, while the recommended beer styles provide either palate-cleansing carbonation or complementary malt sweetness to balance the cheese's sharpness.

Aged provolone develops a sharp, piquant flavor profile with nutty undertones that pairs beautifully with medium-bodied, high-acid red wines that can cut through the cheese's richness while complementing its complexity. For beers, styles with malty sweetness and some fruity esters create an excellent contrast to the cheese's tanginess while the carbonation helps cleanse the palate.

Beef empanadas feature savory ground beef typically seasoned with aromatics like onions, garlic, and spices, enclosed in a flaky pastry crust. The rich, umami qualities of the beef call for medium to full-bodied red wines with moderate tannins and complementary spice notes, while beers with malty sweetness and moderate body provide refreshing contrast to the savory filling and fried pastry.

Eggplant Parmesan features layers of breaded eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese creating a rich, umami-forward dish with bright acidic notes. The moderate acidity and red fruit character of Italian red wines cut through the richness while complementing the tomato sauce, while malt-forward beers with moderate carbonation provide balance without overwhelming the dish.

Eggplant parmigiana features layers of breaded eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses creating a hearty, umami-rich dish with pleasant acidity from the tomatoes. The recommended pairings balance the dish's richness with either complementary acidity (wines) or malt-forward character (beers) while having enough body to stand up to the substantial texture and flavors.

Mediterranean vegetables typically feature a vibrant, fresh profile with herbs, olive oil, and roasted or grilled preparation that brings out natural sweetness. These pairings enhance the dish's bright flavors and herbs while offering enough acidity to cut through any olive oil component, creating a refreshing contrast that complements rather than overwhelms the vegetables.

Orecchiette with sausage is a classic Puglian pasta dish featuring 'little ears' pasta with savory Italian sausage, often incorporating broccoli rabe, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes chili flakes. The richness of the pork sausage combined with the al dente pasta creates a hearty dish that calls for medium-bodied wines and beers with enough structure to complement the savory meat while cleansing the palate.

Osso buco is a classic Milanese dish of braised veal shanks in a rich tomato, vegetable, and wine sauce, traditionally topped with gremolata. The intense flavors, bone marrow richness, and long-simmered sauce call for beverages with enough structure and complexity to complement rather than be overwhelmed by the dish.

Pasta Bolognese features a rich, meaty sauce with deep tomato flavors and savory umami notes that benefit from beverages with enough structure to stand up to its hearty profile while offering complementary fruit and acidity. Italian red wines like Sangiovese cut through the richness with acidity while providing earthy notes that enhance the sauce, while malt-forward beers with caramel notes complement the savory meat and tomato flavors.

Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish featuring eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, and ricotta salata, creating a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors. The recommended wine pairings complement the dish's Mediterranean profile with medium-bodied reds that have enough acidity to cut through the richness while matching the tomato sauce's acidity and the eggplant's earthy character.

Pasta dishes span a wide range of flavors from light seafood preparations to rich meat sauces, but most share savory qualities with starchy pasta as the foundation. Wine pairings should match the sauce intensity, with medium-bodied reds complementing tomato-based sauces and crisp whites balancing cream or seafood preparations. Beer pairings offer carbonation that cuts through richness while complementing the grain-based nature of pasta itself.

Pasta with meat sauce (typically ragù or Bolognese) features rich, savory flavors from slow-cooked ground beef and tomatoes that pair beautifully with medium to full-bodied red wines with good acidity. The umami and fat content in the meat sauce is complemented by the bright acidity and cherry notes in Italian reds, while the malt-forward beer styles provide caramel notes that enhance the savory elements while having enough carbonation to cut through the richness.

Bulli Cor Vino Rosso is the kind of Italian red that makes you want to cook something delicious just to have an excuse to open a bottle. It captures that magical everyday drinkability that Italians have mastered – not too heavy, not too light, just perfectly balanced. The name 'Cor' means 'heart' in Latin, and this wine really does represent the heart of Italian wine culture – made to be enjoyed with food and friends, not to be analyzed to death. This blend of traditional Italian varieties delivers the bright acidity and savory qualities that make Italian reds so universally food-friendly. Keep a bottle on hand for impromptu pasta nights or whenever you need a taste of la dolce vita.

Frico Rosato proves that Italian rosé deserves just as much attention as its French cousins. This Sangiovese-based pink delivers all the refreshment you want from a rosé, with an unmistakable Italian character that makes it especially food-friendly. The Scarpetta team (Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson) created the Frico series to bring authentic Italian wine experiences to everyday drinking. This rosato captures the essence of Italian summer – bright, refreshing, and made for enjoying with food and friends. It's the kind of bottle that disappears quickly at gatherings, prompting the inevitable question: "Do we have another one of these?" (The answer should always be yes.)

Giuliano Rosati's Chianti captures exactly what has made this wine a staple on dinner tables for generations – bright fruit, food-friendly structure, and that distinctive Tuscan character that pairs so perfectly with a wide range of foods. This bottle doesn't try to reinvent the wheel or impress with power or concentration. Instead, it focuses on delivering authentic Chianti character at a price that makes it perfect for everyday enjoyment. It's the kind of honest, straightforward wine that reminds us why certain classics never go out of style. Keep a bottle on hand for impromptu pasta nights, pizza deliveries, or whenever you need a versatile red that won't overpower your food or your budget.

The mysterious '00017' in the name? That's the postal code of Montefalco, the heart of Umbria where Marco Merli crafts his exceptional wines. This bottle represents a beautiful marriage between Sangiovese's Italian soul and Merlot's plush accessibility – think of it as tradition with just the right touch of international flair. Marco Merli is part of the new generation of Umbrian winemakers bringing deserved attention to this region that's often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Tuscany. Working with sustainable practices and traditional methods, he creates wines that speak authentically of their origin while remaining thoroughly enjoyable to drink. This Rosso Umbria delivers the kind of honest, food-friendly character that makes Italian wines so beloved, with enough complexity to keep things interesting from first sip to last. Perfect for when you want to venture beyond the usual suspects of Italian wine.

When it comes to Italian wine, sometimes the name on the label can be as much of a tongue-twister as the wine is a palate-pleaser. This Chianti Superiore from Migilarina & Montozzi delivers exactly what you want from a quality Tuscan red – that perfect balance of fruit, acidity, and structure that makes Italian wines so famously food-friendly. The 'Superiore' designation means this wine has to meet stricter production standards and higher minimum alcohol levels than basic Chianti – essentially, it's Chianti that's been hitting the books and getting better grades. Made predominantly from Sangiovese grown in Tuscany's picturesque hills, this wine captures the region's sunny disposition and ancient winemaking heritage. It's the kind of bottle that makes you want to book a flight to Florence, but until then, it'll transport your Tuesday night pasta dinner to new heights.

If there's one wine that belongs on every dinner table, it's Chianti – and this Superiore bottling shows exactly why this Tuscan classic has endured for centuries. Migliarina Montozzi crafts this wine with respect for tradition while ensuring it meets modern expectations for quality and consistency. The 'Superiore' designation means this wine goes the extra mile – higher quality standards, longer aging requirements, and a bit more structure than basic Chianti. Made primarily from Sangiovese grown in Tuscany's iconic landscape of rolling hills, cypress trees, and ancient villages, it delivers that quintessential Italian character that somehow makes everything taste better. It's the wine equivalent of a perfectly tailored Italian suit – classic, stylish, and always appropriate. Pair it with anything tomato-based and prepare for a moment of simple culinary perfection.

Monte Rio Cellars, founded by sommelier Patrick Cappiello, is part of the new California wine vanguard – producing wines with lower alcohol, minimal intervention, and maximum drinkability. Their Sangiovese 'Fiasco Mag' (the name playfully referencing the traditional straw-covered Chianti bottles) brings an Italian sensibility to Lodi fruit. This isn't trying to be a Chianti knockoff – instead, it's Sangiovese with a California accent, embracing the grape's natural acidity and bright fruit character while allowing Lodi's warm climate to provide just a touch more ripeness and generosity. The winemaking approach is decidedly old-school: native yeast fermentation, neutral oak aging, and minimal sulfur additions. The result is a wine that feels alive in the glass – vibrant, honest, and utterly delicious. It's the kind of red that can be slightly chilled on warmer days and pairs with practically anything you put on the table.

Ramona's Organic Dry Sparkling Rosé is what happens when someone decides that wine should be fun without sacrificing quality – it's organic Sangiovese from Tuscany transformed into a perfectly portable, ready-to-enjoy sparkling rosé. This isn't your grandmother's wine (unless your grandmother was inexplicably cool), but rather a modern take on the classics that doesn't take itself too seriously. With its moderate alcohol content and refreshing bubbles, this sparkler is basically summer in a can – perfect for picnics, beach days, or any occasion where glass is frowned upon but good taste is still required. The organic certification means you can feel virtuous while indulging, which is really the holy grail of adult beverages. Consider it the solution to the age-old problem of wanting something delicious that doesn't require a corkscrew, special glassware, or an advanced degree in wine appreciation.

Salcheto's Biskero Chianti comes from one of Tuscany's leading organic and biodynamic estates, where sustainability isn't just a marketing buzzword but a comprehensive philosophy that extends to every aspect of production. This fresh, approachable Chianti is crafted primarily from Sangiovese with small amounts of traditional blending partners Canaiolo and Mammolo. The name 'Biskero' comes from the local dialect word for 'easy drinking' – and that's exactly what this wine delivers, though with more character and sense of place than the description might suggest. Salcheto is also known for their innovative carbon-neutral approach, including lightweight bottles and other eco-friendly practices that reduce their environmental footprint. It's the perfect everyday Italian red that lets you feel good about what's in your glass in more ways than one – delicious wine, responsible production, and a price that won't make you wince. Sustainability never tasted so good.

Scarpetta's Frico Sangiovese brings the quintessential Tuscan grape to your table in a friendly, approachable package designed for everyday enjoyment. This isn't a precious wine that demands special occasions – it's the kind of bottle that makes Tuesday night pasta feel like a proper Italian dinner, no passport required. The name 'Frico' refers to a crispy cheese dish from Friuli (where the Scarpetta founders first met), while 'Scarpetta' itself describes the Italian tradition of using bread to soak up the last bit of sauce on your plate. Both names speak to the food-friendly philosophy behind these wines. Made in a bright, fruit-forward style that emphasizes Sangiovese's cherry notes and refreshing acidity, this wine delivers authentic Italian character without breaking the bank. It's the vinous equivalent of that neighborhood Italian restaurant where the food is delicious, the atmosphere is welcoming, and you always leave happier than when you arrived.

If there were an award for 'Most Cheerful Wine Label,' Stolpman's Love You Bunches Rosé would be a strong contender. This playful name refers to both the bunches of Sangiovese grapes and the general feeling of joy this wine inspires – it's basically a love letter in liquid form. Made using carbonic maceration (whole grape bunches fermented intact), this technique creates a fresher, fruitier style that perfectly suits rosé. Stolpman has become a leader in California's new wave of lighter, brighter wines, and this bottling showcases their talent for making serious wines that don't take themselves too seriously. It's the kind of rosé that disappears suspiciously quickly at gatherings – fun, approachable, but with enough character to keep things interesting.

Tiamo (meaning 'I love you' in Italian) creates organic wines that capture the authentic character of Italian classics, and their Chianti is a perfect example of why this region's wines have been beloved for centuries. This isn't a fancy riserva meant for the cellar – it's an honest, everyday Chianti meant for the dinner table. Made primarily from Sangiovese grown in Tuscany's rolling hills, this wine delivers exactly what good Chianti should: bright cherry fruit, mouthwatering acidity, and enough structure to stand up to food without overwhelming it. The organic farming practices add an extra layer of feel-good factor to this already likable wine. It's the bottle you reach for when you want something familiar and reliable but still interesting enough to enjoy – the wine equivalent of that friend who's always welcome at dinner.