Guide to Delightful Wine Pairings for San Valentine’s at Osteria Amore

What better way to celebrate this special day for amore with authentic Italian cuisine and the perfect wine to compliment it? Fall in love all over again with the perfect pairing at Osteria Amore.

Tagliata di Angus | Angus ribeye, barolo sautéed mushrooms. Paired with 2015 Dievole Chianti Classico.

Osteria Amore in Salt Lake City offers not only the most authentic and flavorful in Italian cuisine, but an abundance of classic wines from Italy decorate our wine list as well. From full-bodied reds to a vibrant selection of whites, there is something to satisfy any palate.

Owners Eduardo Daja and Marco Cuttaia select those wines that have proven to be special vintages from some of the most renowned wineries found throughout Italy. Working with suppliers from italy, all of our available wines are selected to complement our food menu’s outstanding entrees.

A selection of Casanova Di Neri wines.

Owners Marco Cuttaia and Eduardo Daja with Casanova Di Neri wine supplier Gianlorenzo Neri during a wine tasting for local restauranteurs.

It’s science! What makes for a great wine pairing.

For many, it can be a bit intimidating to pick up a wine list and begin to decide which is the best wine to pair with the appetizer and entrée selected in order to bring out the best taste in both the wine and the food. Tradition may dictate that red wine goes with red meat and white wine with fish, but why is that?

Yes, red usually pairs best with beef dishes because of the way it enhances both flavors. Reds tend to be higher in tannins, which are naturally occurring compounds found in red wine. Much of the flavor of red meat comes from the fat released into the mouth, with tannins softening that fat and releasing the wonderful flavor that one enjoys from a delicious filet or ribeye.

White wine tends to be more acidic than red. Like fresh lemon squeezed over fish, white wine naturally complements a great piece of fish, bringing out it’s mouth-watering flavor.

Red or white isn’t black and white.

Can one have white with meat and red with fish? The answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

There are some that enjoy a fine meal, no matter what the entrée selected may be, with a glass of white wine. Whether it’s a juicy steak or a scrumptious piece of grilled salmon, for them, white pairs perfectly. On the other hand, red wine lovers also abound. While not usually pairing a red with a piece of fish, many of those that will only enjoy a bottle or glass of red will almost always opt for an entrée of red meat so they can enjoy their favorite wine.

The wait staff at Osteria Amore can help pair food and wine perfectly because of their experience with both. They have been well trained in both the wine list and the dining menu, and they can readily make a recommendation that will enhance the dining experience. Below are some pairings that will go together very nicely for a romantic dinner.

Perfecto red pairings.

The Marchesi Barbera Ruvei, from the Piedmont region in Northern Italy, is a 2017 red that pairs perfectly with a delicious steak. Together with the Filet Mignon, this combination will exceed the expectations of any filet enthusiast.

The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a superior red wine, with its grapes meticulously selected. It is perfect when combined with the Saltimbocca alla Romano.

The perfect wine with pasta is the Cavit Pinot Noir from Veneto. This classic pairs extremely well with the Sapori di Mare.

For those who enjoy a nice glass of Chianti, there are a couple from Tuscany that complement one of the dozen different pizzas to choose from. The 2014 Renzo Masi Chianti Rufina Riserva or the Ruffino Chianti are excellent choices.

Impeccable white pairings.

With its appealing aroma of citrus, the Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio, from far northern Italy, is a favorite of many regular guests at Osteria Amore. It is very enjoyable when paired with the Pollo ai Capperi di Pantalleria.

A wonderful wine when paired with the Trancio di Salmone is the Vosca Chardonnay. From Italy’s northeast region of Veneto, this combination is light, yet satisfying.

Another Chardonnay from Veneto is the Scaia Bianco. This is a very nice light white wine with floral and citrus scents. Paired with Polpo Alla Griglia, this makes for a most inviting dining experience.

An excellent selection from Osteria Amore’s collection of whites is the Sangiovese la Mozza. This 2014 fine wine from Tuscany paired with the Lasagna Verdi will be extremely pleasing to any pasta devotee.

Not to be forgotten is the expansive variety of sparkling wines. Two prosecco’s, the Indigenous Prosecco Brut and the Adami Garbel Prosecco 13 are both excellent choices to be enjoyed with an antipasti or dinner.

With five different champagnes, from the Moet Imperial Brut Champagne to the Dom Perignon Blanc, aficionados of bubbly are sure to be delighted.

Enjoy a special, and memorable, night at Osteria Amore. Candlelight, a bottle of wine and a delicious meal…that’s amore!