Which wine to pair with 'amatriciana'

When it comes to pairing wine with a delicious pasta dish like 'amatriciana,' it's essential to choose a bottle that complements the rich flavors of this classic Italian recipe. 'Amatriciana' is a Roman dish made with guanciale (cured pork jowl), tomato sauce, pecorino cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes. Its savory, slightly spicy, and tangy flavors demand a wine that can hold up to its robust nature. Here are some excellent wine choices that will enhance your 'amatriciana' experience. 1. Chianti: One of the most well-known Italian red wines, Chianti is an ideal choice for 'amatriciana.' Made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, Chianti offers a medium to full-bodied structure with vibrant acidity and flavors of red berries, cherries, and earthiness. Its tannins help cut through the richness of the guanciale and enhance the tangy tomato sauce. 2. Barbera: Another fantastic option is Barbera, a red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. Barbera is known for its high acidity and juicy red fruit flavors. Its acidity acts as a palate cleanser, balancing the fattiness of the guanciale and enhancing the tomato sauce flavors. Additionally, Barbera's light to medium body makes it a versatile pairing that won't overpower the dish. 3. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo: Hailing from the Abruzzo region, this medium-bodied red wine offers flavors of black cherries, plums, and herbs. Its gentle tannins and moderate acidity make it an excellent match for the savory 'amatriciana.' The wine's fruit-forward characteristics complement the tomato-based sauce and intensify the umami flavors of the guanciale. 4. Aglianico: For those looking for a bolder wine, Aglianico is hard to beat. A full-bodied red from southern Italy, Aglianico packs intense dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and a hint of earthiness. It is a powerful wine that can handle the richness of the guanciale and the spiciness of the sauce. The savory notes of the dish also bring out the wine's complexity and depth. 5. Greco di Tufo: If you prefer white wine or want to try a different approach, Greco di Tufo is an excellent choice. Hailing from the Campania region, this white wine is made from the Greco grape variety and offers fresh acidity, aromas of apple and citrus, and a mineral backbone. Its crispness and slight sweetness can counterbalance the spiciness of the 'amatriciana' and cool down your palate. It also pairs well with pecorino cheese, a crucial ingredient in the dish. In the end, the choice of wine to pair with 'amatriciana' comes down to personal preference. However, it's crucial to consider the wine's acidity, body, and flavor profile to find the best match. Whether you opt for a robust red like Chianti or Aglianico or a refreshing white like Greco di Tufo, the right wine will elevate your 'amatriciana' experience, creating a harmonious balance between the flavors of the dish and the wine. So, uncork a bottle, savor every bite of your 'amatriciana,' and toast to the perfect pairing!