Taurasi

Grilled and Roasted Meats

• Grilled Ribeye Steak: The rich, fatty flavors of a ribeye steak grilled to perfection match the bold tannins and deep fruit of Taurasi. The wine’s acidity helps balance the richness of the meat.
• Roast Lamb: Roast lamb with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil is a classic pairing. The earthy flavors of the lamb complement the wine’s complexity and its herbal, tobacco-like notes.
• Porchetta: A savory, herb-crusted porchetta (Italian-style roasted pork) pairs wonderfully with Taurasi Riserva, as the richness of the pork works in harmony with the wine’s depth.

Pasta Dishes

• Pasta with Meat Ragu: A rich meat ragu (such as a classic Bolognese or beef ragu) pairs beautifully with Taurasi Riserva. The richness and depth of the sauce are balanced by the wine’s tannic structure and acidity.
• Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu: The deep flavors of wild boar ragu on pappardelle pasta (wide flat pasta) are a perfect complement to the bold, earthy profile of the wine.
• Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe: This traditional Southern Italian dish, featuring sausage and bitter broccoli rabe, is an excellent match for the wine’s complexity and balance.

Cheese Pairings

• Aged Pecorino: Pecorino Romano or Pecorino Sardo, especially aged varieties, pair excellently with Taurasi Riserva. The saltiness and nuttiness of the cheese enhance the wine’s deep fruit flavors and tannins.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano: Aged Parmesan is another great choice. The nutty, savory notes of the cheese complement the wine’s earthy and spicy undertones.
• Gorgonzola: If you’re in the mood for blue cheese, Gorgonzola or Roquefort works wonderfully with Taurasi. The richness and tang of the blue cheese harmonize with the wine’s depth.

Charcuterie

• Cured Meats: A selection of prosciutto, soppressata, salami, and bresaola pairs nicely with Taurasi Riserva. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness and saltiness of the meats, while its depth complements their savory flavors.
• Pâté: Duck pâté or a rich country-style pâté pairs beautifully with the wine’s complexity and tannins.

Roasted and Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, especially when drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with herbs like thyme and rosemary, pair excellently with Taurasi Riserva.
• Mushroom Dishes: Wild mushroom risotto or grilled portobello mushrooms bring out the earthy qualities of the wine. The deep flavors of the mushrooms complement the wine’s robust structure.

Game Meat

• Venison: A hearty venison stewor roast venison with herbs and a rich sauce works wonderfully with Taurasi Riserva, as the wine’s acidity and tannins cut through the gamey flavors of the meat.
• Wild Boar: Wild boar stew  or braised wild boar pairs beautifully with the wine’s earthy character and deep fruit notes.

Hearty Mediterranean Dishes

• Osso Buco: Osso Buco (braised veal shanks) with a rich sauce made from tomatoes, carrots, and onions pairs wonderfully with Taurasi Riserva. The wine’s tannins help cut through the richness of the meat, while its acidity balances the sauce.
• Eggplant Parmesan: Eggplant Parmesan (Melanzane alla Parmigiana) with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan is a fantastic pairing. The wine’s acidity complements the richness of the dish.

Pizza

• Pizza with Sausage: Italian sausage pizza  with fennel or spicy sausage works beautifully with Taurasi Riserva. The bold, savory flavors of the sausage pair well with the wine’s dark fruit and earthy notes.
• Margherita Pizza: A classic Margherita pizza with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is a great pairing if the wine has a fruit-forward profile.

Dessert Pairings (if wine is fruit-forward)

• Dark Chocolate: A rich dark chocolate dessert, such as a flourless chocolate cake or chocolate mousse, works excellently with Taurasi Riserva, especially if the wine has berry or plum notes.
• Berries and Cream: A berry tart or blackberry cobbler enhances the wine’s fruit flavors, particularly if the wine has a fruit-forward profile.