A Guide to Italian Wine and Food Pairings at Carmine's

At Carmine's, we carefully select our wines based on quality, authenticity, and regional diversity. Our selection features wines like Vernaccia from Tuscany, which is known for its vibrant and crisp profile. From Piedmont, we offer robust Barbera wines. Sicily's volcanic soils give us bold Nero d'Avolas, while Veneto is recognized for its delicate Pinot Grigio. We also include Merlot from Marche, known for its structured reds. Each wine is chosen to complement our menu and enhance your dining experience.

The Importance of Wine Pairing

Pairing wine with food is an art that enhances the dining experience by balancing and complementing flavors. The right wine can elevate the taste of a dish, bringing out hidden notes and creating a harmonious blend. For instance, a crisp white wine like Vernaccia can cut through rich, buttery sauces, while a robust red like Merlot can enhance the savory depth of a hearty meat dish. At Carmine's, we carefully select our wines to match our menu, ensuring each pairing brings out the best in the food and the wine. This thoughtful approach to pairing makes each meal more enjoyable and memorable.

Expert Guidance for the Perfect Pairing

At Carmine's, our staff undergoes training programs to equip them with in-depth knowledge of our wine selection. Our team is always ready to help you navigate our extensive wine list and select a wine that perfectly complements your chosen dish, making your dining experience exceptional.

A Few of Our Favorite Pairings

Chicken Scaloppine W/ Lemon & Butter & Vernaccia, Delle Macie 

Vernaccia di San Gimignano from Delle Macie is a crisp white wine with good acidity, subtle floral aromas, and mineral notes. Its green apple, pear, and citrus flavors make it a great match for lighter dishes. The wine’s acidity helps cut through the richness of the lemon and butter sauce in Chicken Scaloppine, creating a refreshing balance. The citrus notes in the Vernaccia enhance the lemon in the dish, while its mineral character complements the savory chicken, making each bite more enjoyable. 

Shrimp Marinara (Gluten-free) paired with Pinot Grigio, Tiefenbrunner

Pinot Grigio from Tiefenbrunner is a light and crisp white wine with bright acidity and subtle fruity flavors. Its notes of green apple, citrus, and a hint of pear make it an excellent match for seafood dishes like Shrimp Marinara. The wine’s acidity helps to balance the tomato-based marinara sauce, cutting through its richness and complementing the shrimp. 

Chicken Cutlet paired with Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita

Pinot Grigio from Santa Margherita is known for its crisp and clean profile, with flavors of green apple, lemon, and a touch of minerality. This wine pairs well with the simplicity of a chicken cutlet, as its light body and bright acidity enhance the subtle flavors of the dish. The Pinot Grigio's refreshing nature balances the savory and lightly fried chicken, making the meal feel light and satisfying. 

Chicken Marsala paired with Merlot, Falesco

Merlot from Falesco is a smooth, medium-bodied red wine with rich fruity flavors and soft tannins. Its notes of dark cherry, plum, and a touch of spice make it an ideal match for Chicken Marsala. The wine’s fruitiness complements the sweetness of the Marsala wine sauce, while its smooth texture balances the savory flavors of the chicken and mushrooms.

Salmon Oreganata paired with Sauvignon Blanc, Carmine's-Ronchi Di Manzano

Sauvignon Blanc from Carmine's-Ronchi Di Manzano is a vibrant white wine with high acidity and fresh, herbaceous flavors. It has notes of citrus, green apple, and a touch of grassy character. This wine pairs excellently with Salmon Oreganata, a dish that features oregano and lemon. The acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the salmon, while its citrus notes enhance the lemon in the dish. 

Broiled Porterhouse Steak (Gluten-free) paired with Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano, Caterina Dei

Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano from Caterina Dei is a full-bodied red wine with robust tannins and flavors of dark fruit, leather, and a touch of earthiness. This wine pairs wonderfully with a Broiled Porterhouse Steak. The wine's tannins help to cut through the richness of the steak, while its dark fruit flavors complement the savory and slightly charred notes of the meat. The earthy undertones of the wine add depth to the pairing, making each bite of the steak more flavorful and satisfying. 

Chicken Saltimbocca paired with Sangiovese-Malbec Blend, Ferrari Carano, "Siena"

The Sangiovese-Malbec blend from Ferrari Carano, "Siena," is a medium-bodied red wine with a mix of fruity and earthy flavors. It offers notes of cherry, plum, and a hint of spice, along with smooth tannins. This blend pairs well with Chicken Saltimbocca, a dish that features prosciutto and sage. The wine's fruitiness complements the savory flavors of the prosciutto, while its earthy undertones enhance the herbal notes of the sage. The smooth texture of the wine balances the richness of the dish.