Illasi Valpolicella Superiore

Grilled Meats

• Grilled Steak: A classic pairing with a rich red wine like this is a grilled ribeye or T-bone steak. The wine’s acidity and tannins balance the richness and char of the grilled meat.
• Lamb: Grilled lamb chops or roasted leg of lamb seasoned with rosemary and garlic complements the wine’s structure and earthy flavors.
• BBQ Ribs: Smoky, slightly sweet barbecue pork ribs or beef short ribs pair well, as the wine’s fruitiness complements the savory sauce and tender meat.

Pasta Dishes

• Pasta with Meat Sauce: Pasta Bolognese or lasagna (with layers of meat, tomato sauce, and cheese) is a perfect match. The richness of the sauce and cheese enhances the fruit and spice of the wine.
• Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu: A rustic dish like wild boar ragu on pappardelle pasta works wonderfully with the wine, as the earthy flavors of the meat pair beautifully with the wine’s deep fruit and spicy notes.
• Pasta alla Norma: Pasta alla Norma (with eggplant, tomato, ricotta salata) pairs excellently, as the wine’s acidity complements the rich tomato sauce and the slight bitterness of the eggplant.

Cheese Pairings

• Aged Parmesan: Parmigiano-Reggiano or other aged hard cheeses work beautifully with the wine’s complexity. The nutty, salty flavors contrast nicely with the wine’s fruitiness and smooth tannins.
• Pecorino Romano: Aged Pecorino pairs well, as its strong, salty flavor complements the wine’s structure.
• Gorgonzola: A blue cheese like Gorgonzola (especially the milder varieties) enhances the wine’s depth and boldness.

Charcuterie

• Cured Meats: A platter of prosciutto, salami, or soppressata complements the wine’s structure, as the acidity cuts through the fattiness of the meats.
• Pâté: Rich and savory duck pâté or country pâté pairs excellently, as the smooth texture and flavors contrast nicely with the wine’s tannic structure.

Roasted Vegetables

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes work wonderfully, especially with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• Mushroom Dishes: Dishes featuring earthy wild mushrooms like porcini or shiitake, whether in a risotto or as part of a roast, pair excellently with the wine’s rich, earthy undertones.
• Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers with rice, sausage, and vegetables are a great choice as the wine complements the savory filling.

Pizza

• Margherita Pizza: A simple Margherita pizza with tomato, mozzarella, and basil pairs perfectly, as the wine’s acidity balances the sweetness of the tomato sauce and creaminess of the cheese.
• Pizza with Sausage: Italian sausage pizza, particularly with fennel and spicy pepperoni, pairs wonderfully with the wine’s bold fruit and spice.

Hearty Mediterranean Dishes

• Osso Buco: The rich, savory flavors of braised veal shanks (Osso Buco) are a great pairing with the wine’s depth and structure.
• Eggplant Parmesan: A classic Eggplant Parmesan (Melanzane alla Parmigiana) with layers of cheese and tomato sauce pairs well with the wine’s fruitiness and tannins.

Game Meat

• • Venison: A dish like roasted venison with a red wine reduction or wild boar also works well, as  the wine’s rich flavors and tannins complement the strong, gamey flavors of the meat.

Dessert Pairings (if the wine is fruit-forward)

• Dark Chocolate: If the wine has a slightly sweet or fruit-forward profile, it will pair nicely with dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher). Chocolate fondant or flourless chocolate cake works well.
• Berry Tarts: A fresh mixed berry tart or chocolate-covered strawberries works with the wine’s fruit notes.