Having some wine? According to some wine experts, you should be pairing it with ice cream, not cheese. In recent years, wine bars around the world have begun promoting the unique pairing, describing it as “just two very joyful things, and the joy is compounded when they’re together.” In 2023, a wine bar in Paris started serving homemade ice cream with French wines, and has attracted daily crowds ever since. Meanwhile, in Seoul, a wine bar started pairing locally-inspired ice cream flavors—“corn” and “blue cheese”— with their wine, and discovered a hit. Still, not everyone is onboard. As VinePair wrote, “Wine and Ice Cream Are a Terrible Pairing, So Why Are Bars Selling Them Side By Side?”
At Bricco, we’re big fans of sticking to the classics. If you’re looking for something other than cheese to go with your wine, we put together a list of our favorite, go-to wine pairings. Read more below!
Pinot Noir & Filet Mignon:
Got a taste for filet mignon? Elevate your meal by pairing it with a glass of pinot noir. As Graham + Fisk, a California-based wine company, described it, “This lighter-bodied red wine, known for its flavors of red fruits, earthiness, and soft tannins, complements the steak’s delicate taste without overpowering it. A well-crafted Pinot Noir from regions like Burgundy or Oregon can bring out the best in filet mignon, enhancing its natural flavors and adding depth to the dining experience.”
Sangiovese and Spaghetti and Wine:
For a classic dish like spaghetti and meatballs, you’d expect a classic wine to pair well with it, right? Wrong. Traditional wines like pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and white wines will all take away from the spaghetti’s rich flavor. Opt for pairing your dish with red wines like sangiovese, barbera, and aglianico.
Pinot Grigio and Margherita Pizza:
As one wine website put it: “think about the sauce.” If a wine pairs well with a tomato-based pasta sauce, then it’ll pair well with a tomato-based pizza sauce! With a pinot grigio, it’s light, easy, and creates a pleasing duet with margherita pizza.
Ready to Pair Wine with Italian Food Today? Come to Bricco Wine Bar in the North End!
Love wine? You’ll love our cellar. Our wine book features over 100 different wines from various parts of the world. Whether you feel like pretending you’re in the Napa Valley, Spain, or somewhere in the hills of Italy, we’ve got a wine for you. Book your table with us on our website or by calling us at 617.248.6800 . We’ll be in touch soon!