Amarone

Grilled and Roasted Meats

• Grilled Ribeye or T-bone Steak: The richness and juiciness of a well-marbled ribeye steak or a T-bone pair beautifully with the depth of Amarone. The tannins and acidity in the wine balance the fattiness of the steak.
• Roast Lamb: A classic pairing—roast lamb seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil works harmoniously with Amarone’s rich fruit and earthy notes.
• Braised Short Ribs: Slow-cooked braised short ribs in a red wine sauce or with a balsamic glaze are an excellent match for this full-bodied wine. The richness of the meat complements the wine’s power.

Game Meat

• Venison: A venison stew or roast venison with wild herbs pairs wonderfully with the complexity of Amarone. The wine’s intensity enhances the savory, gamey flavors of venison.
• Wild Boar: Braised wild boar or wild boar ragu (perhaps with a bit of orange zest or juniper berries) is a great pairing, as the wine’s depth complements the bold flavors of the game meat.
• Duck Breast: Duck breast with a cherry or berry reduction works beautifully, as the fruit-forward notes of the wine enhance the rich, gamey flavor of the duck.

Pasta Dishes

• Pasta with Rich Meat Sauces: Pappardelle with wild boar ragu or a rich Bolognese sauce made from ground beef and pork are fantastic pairings. The richness of the meat and the wine’s deep flavors meld perfectly.
• Lasagna: A hearty lasagna with a meaty ragu sauce, béchamel, and melted cheese will complement the complexity of Amarone. The wine’s acidity helps balance the richness of the dish.
• Risotto with Mushrooms: Risotto with wild mushrooms or a porcini mushroom risotto works exceptionally well. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms pair beautifully with the depth and complexity of Amarone.

Cheese Pairings

• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano: Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano (especially 24 months or more) has a nutty, savory flavor that complements the wine’s richness and fruitiness.
• Pecorino: Pecorino Romano or Pecorino Sardo pairs wonderfully with Amarone’s bold character, bringing out the wine’s savory, herbal notes.
• Gorgonzola: The creamy, tangy flavors of Gorgonzola (or any blue cheese) complement the smoothness and depth of Amarone, making for a luxurious pairing.

Charcuterie

• Cured Meats: A platter of cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, or soppressata is an excellent match for Amarone. The rich, savory flavors of the charcuterie balance the wine’s tannic structure.
• Pâté: Duck pâté or pâté de campagne (country-style pâté) pairs beautifully with the wine’s fruit-forward profile and smooth finish.

Mediterranean Dishes

• Osso Buco: Osso buco (braised veal shanks) with gremolata (lemon, garlic, and parsley) works well with Amarone’s richness and acidity, creating a beautiful contrast.
• Moussaka: The hearty, layered flavors of moussaka (Greek dish with eggplant, lamb, and béchamel) are enhanced by the wine’s bold character and spice notes.
• Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed peppers with ground meat, rice, and tomatoes are a great match for this full-bodied wine, as it complements the richness of the stuffing and the acidity of the tomato.

Vegetarian Dishes

• Mushroom Risotto: A wild mushroom risotto made with porcini or cremini mushrooms and Parmesan cheese pairs beautifully with Amarone. The earthy mushroom flavors enhance the wine’s complexity.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers seasoned with olive oil and herbs pair perfectly with the wine’s depth and smoky nuances.

Pizza

• Pizza with Sausage: A sausage pizza with fennel sausage or spicy Italian sausage pairs wonderfully with Amarone. The rich, savory sausage complements the wine’s bold fruit and spice.
• Pizza with Mushrooms and Truffle: A pizza with wild mushrooms and truffle oil or truffle cheese works beautifully with Amarone, as the earthy, aromatic flavors of the mushrooms and truffle harmonize with the wine’s depth.
• Pizza with Roasted Vegetables: A vegetable pizza with roasted peppers, eggplant, and onions also works well, especially if the pizza has a bit of savory richness (such as mozzarella di bufala).

Dessert Pairings

• Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) or a chocolate fondant will complement the wine’s rich fruit and earthy notes.
• Tiramisu: The creamy richness of tiramisu with coffee and mascarpone is a great dessert to pair with this Amarone, as the wine’s intensity complements the dessert’s flavors.
• Fig-based Desserts: Fig tart or fig and almond cake pairs wonderfully with Amarone, as the dried fig flavors in the dessert complement the wine’s dried fruit notes.