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Photo via Chef Ozzy Amelotti/Vivere
Pairing is like synergy—the interaction between food and wine has a greater combined effect than the sum of its parts. They work together to create something new.
While the most important rule of thumb is to eat and drink what you like and enjoy, there are several factors that sommeliers consider while pairing, such as preparation of the dish, location, origin, and similarities.
Below is a list of Italian restaurants in Chicago that share the affinity for pairings that make magic…
Vivere {71 West Monroe Street, Chicago; 312.332.4040}
Housing three restaurants in one location, Italian Village in downtown Chicago is a must-visit. Part of the dynamic trio is seasonal, contemporary restaurant, Vivere. Just in time for spring, Executive Chef Ozzy Amelotti and Wine Director Jared Gelband have created a pairing for Italian Village’s regional wine series.
Dish: Fettuccine con Anatra e Funghi: Housemade paprika fettuccine, braised duck meat, sautéed with figs, Port Morel mushrooms, roasted hazelnuts, roasted leek, butter, and Parmesan cheese
Wine Pairing: Montesole, Lacryma Christi Rosso DOC 2015, Campania, Italy
Wine Description/Pairing: “This is a 100-percent expression of Piedirosso, a native grape of Campania located in southern Italy. It’s definitely a favorite region and grape of mine. The wine’s combination of medium body and soft, elegant tannins play very well into the fattiness of the duck without overpowering the rest of the dish, while it’s elevated acidity helps cut through the savory butter sauce. On the palate, Montesole Rosso offers the fruit of blackberries and blueberries but it’s the earthy and chocolaty flavors that play a role in complementing the morels, hazelnuts, and figs.” –Wine Director Jared Gelband
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Photo via The Florentine
The Florentine {151 West Adams Street, Chicago; 312.660.8866}
With a focus on sourcing seasonal ingredients, The Florentine located in the Financial District of the Chicago Loop within the JW Marriott offers classic Italian cuisine. Beverage Director Fidelma Cunniffe uses the wine to complement the dishes of Chef Zachary Walrath for elegant pairings.
Dish: Wild Mushroom Ravioli
Wine Pairing: Bottega Vinaia Pinot Noir (Trentino-Alto-Adige, 2015)
Wine Description/Pairing: “Our Wild Mushroom Ravioli pairs perfectly with this pinot noir. The velvety mouthfeel, red cherry notes, and earthiness are a fabulous compliment to the wild mushrooms, and the taleggio marries well with the bright, structured finish of the wine.” –Beverage Director Fidelma Cunniffe
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Photo via Oggi Trattoria
Oggi Trattoria {1118 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.733.0442}
When considering Italian wine and food components, similar textures often work well together. For example, since tomatoes are high in acid, dishes with tomato sauces pair well with acidic wines like Sangiovese, a lighter bodied red wine. Try a taste of this pairing at Oggi Trattoria.
Dish: Linguine Con Gamberi Alla Diavolo: linguine with fresh shrimp sautéed with a fresh spicy tomato sauce.
Wine Pairing: Sangiovese
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Photo via Coco Pazzo
Coco Pazzo {300 West Hubbard Street, Chicago; 312.836.0900}
Aromatic foods pair well with aromatic wines. Nebbiolo, a red wine from Northern Italy, is tannic, earthy, and beautifully scented. At Coco Pazzo, the Ricotta e Fave has fried polenta, wood roasted mushrooms, sunchoke sauce, and most important for this pairing: a garnish of black truffle. The wet earth and dried fruit aroma of the black truffle pairs well with a Nebbiolo. Try either a big, robust Barolo or its more elegant counterpart, Barbaresco.
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Photo via Ceres’ Table
Ceres’ Table {3124 North Broadway Street, Chicago; 773.922.4020}
Vermentino is a light skinned, crisp, refreshing white wine. Its flavors of lemon and slight brine lend itself nicely to seafood dishes. If you find yourself in the Lakeview neighborhood, stop by Ceres’ Table for their Whole Grilled Branzino with grilled lemon and sea salt. The wine list at Ceres’ Table is extensive and fully dedicated to Italy—offering a variety of Vermentino by either the glass, the carafe, or the bottle.
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Photo via Bella Notte
Bella Notte {1374 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.733.5136}
Chianti is a dry red wine from the highly romanticized Tuscany in Central Italy, named after the region rather than the grape (Sangiovese). While Chianti is delightful with so many dishes, Bella Notte’s broiled Veal Chop Oreganato served with lemon, olive oil, and roasted potatoes emerges as the best pairing option because of its preparation. The density and coarser texture of the meat and the char from intense heat during the broil of the veal chop stand up to Chianti’s woody and rich profile. Give this well-established, family-owned restaurant in West Town a try to satiate your craving.
Becky Wills | Contributor
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