Choosing the right wine for a pasta dish is not just a matter of taste. It is the simplest way to turn a meal into a memorable experience. At Sfoglia Re, a fresh pasta restaurant in Florence, we select Italian wines every day to bring out the best in what we put on the table.
Here is our guide to wine and pasta pairing, dish by dish.
The Basic Rule: the Sauce is the Star
In Italian cooking, the pasta shape is the canvas, but the sauce sets the rules for pairing. To find the right wine, look at three elements: acidity, fat content and the protein in the sauce.
Lasagna al Ragù and Chianti: a Timeless Classic
Lasagna al ragù is one of the most structured dishes in Italian tradition: layers of delicate pasta, rich béchamel and a flavourful meat ragù. It calls for a wine with real character.
Our pick: Chianti Superiore DOCG “La Leccia” 2022
A medium-bodied Sangiovese is the ideal partner for pasta al ragù. Its natural acidity cuts through the richness of the béchamel, while notes of red cherry and earthy spice mirror the herbs in the sauce. It cleanses the palate with every bite, making the last forkful just as exciting as the first.
Alternative pairings: Barbera d’Alba, Morellino di Scansano
Filled Pasta and Aromatic Wines: sweet, savoury and structure
Filled pastas call for wines with personality. At Sfoglia Re we work on pairings that respect the delicate balance of each raviolo or agnolotto.
Chestnut and Gorgonzola Ravioli
The earthy note of chestnut and the sharpness of gorgonzola call for a full-bodied white with real character.
Our pick: Alto Adige DOC Gewürztraminer Franz Haas 2023
Intensely aromatic, with floral notes and a spiced touch that embraces the gorgonzola without overwhelming it.
Duck Agnolotti with Butter and Thyme
The richness of duck and the fragrance of thyme find their balance in a quality Tuscan red.
Our pick: Bolgheri Rosso DOC “Le Macchiole” 2022
Dark fruit, elegant structure and tannic depth: the perfect partner for this agnolotto.
Bavette with Scampi and Coastal Whites
When pasta meets the sea, the pairing shifts towards freshness and minerality. Our Bavette with scampi call for a wine that carries the scent of a Mediterranean breeze.
Our pick: Costa Toscana IGT Vermentino 2023
The saline quality and citrus brightness of the Vermentino enhance the sweetness of the scampi without overpowering the sauce.
For the Chitarra with Butter and Anchovies: Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG “Ostrea” 2023, with its crisp, almost smoky base that balances the saltiness of the anchovies.
Pumpkin Risotto and Bubbles: creaminess calls for effervescence
Our pumpkin risotto with herb pesto, Parmigiano fondue and ginger is creamy, sweet and complex. That is exactly why it works so well with sparkling wine.
Our picks: Franciacorta DOCG Faccoli Extra Brut or Trento DOC Tonini “Nature” 2021
The effervescence and dry finish act as a palate cleanser, cutting through the creaminess of the fondue and opening the way to the fresh notes of ginger.
Want to Explore the World of Italian Wine?
For those who want to go beyond the wine list, Your Vino organises tours through Tuscan vineyards: an educational and sensory journey to understand how soil, climate and tradition shape what ends up in your glass. Suitable for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Book your tour with Your Vino.
Conclusion
At Sfoglia Re we believe the best pairing is the one that makes you smile. Our menu is designed to take you on a journey through Italian vineyards, one pasta dish at a time. Next time you visit, use this guide to try something new.
