Prosciutto Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Prosciutto

Welcome to the world of prosciutto wine pairing, where the salty, savory flavors of prosciutto meet their perfect match in the form of delicious wine.

If you’re a fan of this Italian cured meat, then you know that it pairs well with a variety of wines.

But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you find the best wines for your next prosciutto feast.

Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for prosciutto wine pairing.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover your new favorite wine to pair with prosciutto.

But first, what wine goes with prosciutto?

The classic Italian wine to pair with prosciutto is Sangiovese. Other excellent options include Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Lambrusco. Sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne are also good choices for light appetizers featuring prosciutto.

Why Consider Serving Wine With Prosciutto?

When it comes to Italian cuisine, prosciutto is a staple that can be found in many traditional dishes.

This delicious cured meat has a salty and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of wines.

But why should you consider serving wine with prosciutto?

1. First, wine can help to balance out the rich flavors of prosciutto. The saltiness of the meat can be quite intense, but a good wine pairing can help to cut through that saltiness and enhance the other flavors in the dish.
2. Second, serving wine with prosciutto can elevate the overall dining experience. Wine has a way of making a meal feel more special and sophisticated, and the right pairing can bring out the best in both the food and the wine.
3. Third, wine and prosciutto are a match made in heaven from a cultural perspective. Both are deeply rooted in Italian tradition and are often enjoyed together in Italy.
4. Lastly, serving wine with prosciutto can be a great way to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a night in with friends, a thoughtfully selected wine pairing can take your meal to the next level.

The 7 Best Red Wines For Prosciutto

While there are many red wines that can pair well with prosciutto, these 7 options are sure to impress.

1. Chianti – This classic Tuscan wine is made from the Sangiovese grape and is known for its cherry fruit flavors, firm tannins, and high acidity. Chianti’s earthy undertones and savory notes make it a perfect match for prosciutto.
2. Barbera – This red wine from Piedmont is another great option for pairing with prosciutto. With its juicy red fruit flavors and low tannins, Barbera complements the saltiness of the meat without overwhelming it.
3. Barolo – Made from the Nebbiolo grape, Barolo is a full-bodied red wine with strong tannins and complex flavors. While it can be a bit overpowering on its own, it pairs beautifully with prosciutto by bringing out the meat’s savory flavors.
4. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – This medium-bodied red wine from the Abruzzo region of Italy is a great choice for those who prefer a softer wine with less tannins. Its fruity flavors and hint of spice make it a perfect match for prosciutto.
5. Nero d’Avola – Hailing from the island of Sicily, Nero d’Avola is a full-bodied red wine with rich flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and a hint of spice. Its boldness pairs well with the strong flavors of prosciutto.
6. Dolcetto – This red wine from Piedmont is known for its soft tannins and fruity flavors of raspberry and black cherry. It’s a versatile wine that can complement the saltiness of prosciutto without overwhelming it.
7. Sangiovese – Of course, we can’t forget the star of Tuscan wine – Sangiovese. This grape is widely grown in the region and is used to make a variety of wines such as Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Rosso di Montalcino. Its cherry fruit flavors, sturdy tannins, and elevated acidity make it a perfect pairing for prosciutto.

The 7 Best White Wines For Prosciutto

While red wine is often the go-to choice for pairing with prosciutto, white wine can also be a great option, especially for those who prefer a lighter wine.

Here are 7 white wines that pair beautifully with prosciutto:

1. Pinot Grigio – This light-bodied white wine from northern Italy is crisp and refreshing with flavors of green apple and citrus. Its acidity cuts through the saltiness of prosciutto, making it a great pairing option.
2. Vermentino – Hailing from Sardinia, Vermentino is a crisp and refreshing white wine with flavors of citrus, green apple, and a hint of salinity. Its bright acidity makes it a perfect pairing for prosciutto.
3. Soave – This white wine from the Veneto region is made from the Garganega grape and is known for its floral aromas and flavors of peach and almond. Its gentle flavors and light body make it a great pairing for prosciutto.
4. Fiano – Hailing from southern Italy, Fiano is a full-bodied white wine with flavors of honey, apricot, and a hint of spice. Its complexity makes it a great pairing for prosciutto.
5. Greco di Tufo – This white wine from Campania is made from the Greco grape and is known for its floral aromas and flavors of white peach, lemon, and a hint of minerality. Its bright acidity and rich flavors make it a perfect match for prosciutto.
6. Gavi – This white wine from Piedmont is made from the Cortese grape and is known for its crisp acidity and flavors of lemon, green apple, and a hint of almond. Its light body and refreshing flavors make it a great pairing for prosciutto.
7. Trebbiano d’Abruzzo – This white wine from Abruzzo is crisp and refreshing with flavors of lemon, green apple, and a hint of mineral. Its acidity cuts through the saltiness of prosciutto, making it a great pairing option.

The 5 Best Rosé Wines For Prosciutto

Rosé wine can be a great option for pairing with prosciutto, especially during the warmer months when lighter wines are preferred.

Here are 5 rosé wines that pair beautifully with prosciutto:

1. Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo – This rosé wine from Abruzzo is made from the Montepulciano grape and is known for its bright acidity and flavors of cherry, raspberry, and a hint of spice. Its fruitiness and acidity make it a great pairing for prosciutto.
2. Rosato di Toscana – This rosé wine from Tuscany is made from a blend of Sangiovese and other red grapes. It’s known for its bright acidity and flavors of red fruit and citrus. Its versatility and acidity make it a great pairing for prosciutto.
3. Bardolino Chiaretto – This rosé wine from Veneto is made from a blend of red grapes and is known for its delicate flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of floral. Its light body and refreshing flavors make it a great pairing for prosciutto.
4. Rosé di Montepulciano – This rosé wine from Tuscany is made from the Sangiovese grape and is known for its bright acidity and flavors of red fruit, watermelon, and a hint of spice. Its fruitiness and acidity make it a great pairing for prosciutto.
5. Rosé Prosecco – This sparkling rosé wine from Veneto is made from the Glera and Pinot Noir grapes. It’s known for its delicate flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of floral. Its light bubbles and refreshing flavors make it a great pairing for prosciutto.

3 Other Wines To Pair With Prosciutto

While red, white, and rosé wines are the most common choices for pairing with prosciutto, there are a few other options that are worth considering:

1. Lambrusco – This sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna is known for its fruity flavors and low tannins. Its sweetness pairs well with the saltiness of prosciutto and its bubbles make it a fun and festive pairing option.
2. Moscato d’Asti – This sweet sparkling white wine from Piedmont is known for its aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, and honey. Its sweetness can complement the saltiness of prosciutto, making it a great pairing option for those who prefer a sweeter wine.
3. Prosecco – This sparkling white wine from Veneto is known for its light bubbles and crisp acidity. Its refreshing flavors of green apple and citrus make it a great pairing for prosciutto.

5 Tasty Dinner Serving Ideas

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a meal with family and friends, these ideas will help you create a memorable dining experience:

1. Prosciutto and melon skewers – This simple appetizer is a classic Italian combination. Skewer cubes of ripe cantaloupe with thinly sliced prosciutto for a sweet and savory pairing that pairs well with a light white wine.
2. Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus – For a delicious side dish, wrap thin slices of prosciutto around fresh asparagus spears and roast in the oven until tender. Pair with a medium-bodied white wine or a light red wine.
3. Prosciutto and fig crostini – Top toasted baguette slices with creamy goat cheese, thinly sliced prosciutto, and fresh figs for a delicious and elegant appetizer that pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine.
4. Prosciutto and arugula pizza – Top a homemade pizza crust with fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced prosciutto, and peppery arugula for a delicious and easy dinner. Pair with a medium-bodied red wine or a crisp white wine.
5. Prosciutto-wrapped chicken breasts – For a hearty main course, wrap chicken breasts in prosciutto and bake until cooked through. Serve with roasted vegetables and a medium-bodied red wine for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

When it comes to serving temperature, it’s important to keep in mind the characteristics of the wine.

Generally, red wines are served at room temperature or slightly cooler (around 60-65°F), while white and rosé wines are served chilled (around 45-55°F).

This helps to bring out the best in the wine and ensures that it complements the flavors of the prosciutto.

As for glassware, it’s best to choose a glass that is appropriate for the type of wine you’re serving.

For red wines, choose a glass with a large bowl and a wide opening to allow for proper aeration. This helps to release the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhances the overall tasting experience.

For white and rosé wines, choose a glass with a smaller bowl and a narrower opening to help maintain the wine’s cooler temperature and preserve its delicate aromas and flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, prosciutto is a delicious Italian staple that pairs beautifully with a variety of wines.

Whether you prefer a bold and complex red wine, a crisp and refreshing white wine, or a light and fruity rosé, there’s a wine out there that can complement the salty and savory flavors of prosciutto.

When it comes to choosing the right wine for your prosciutto pairing, it’s important to consider the characteristics of the wine and how they will interact with the flavors of the meat.

Additionally, serving the wine at the appropriate temperature and choosing the right glassware can enhance the overall dining experience.

So, what wine pairs well with prosciutto?

The perfect wine to pair with prosciutto is Sangiovese, a dry Italian red wine. Other great options include Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. For a white pairing, try Gavi di Gavi or Soave Classico. Rosé also goes well with prosciutto if you’re looking for something lighter.

We hope that this guide to prosciutto wine pairing has inspired you to try new wine and food combinations and to experiment with different flavors and textures.