The Ultimate Guide to Food Pairings with Amarone della Valpolicella Wine
Scopri gli abbinamenti perfetti per l’Amarone della Valpolicella: dai piatti di carne ai formaggi e dessert, i consigli per esaltare ogni sfumatura di questo vino.
Amarone della Valpolicella is truly one of a kind, much like the land it comes from. Our Cesari Amarone is a bold and elegant wine made from Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, cultivated between 150 and 500 meters above sea level on calcareous, clay-rich soils of glacial-alluvial origin, and trained using the traditional Pergola Veronese system.
With its powerful yet refined character, Amarone stands out among Valpolicella wines thanks to its aromas of ripe fruit, cherry, and preserves. On the palate, it’s warm, structured, and velvety, thanks to the unique process of appassimento (grape drying), followed by aging in oak barrels and bottle refinement, the timing of which varies based on the producer’s style. These stages make Amarone della Valpolicella an unmistakable symbol of the region.
Pairing Amarone: What’s the Best Pairing?
Amarone della Valpolicella is a structured, full-bodied wine that calls for bold pairings. It’s perfect with red meats and some of the great classics of Italian cuisine, but it can also surprise with desserts and international dishes. Let’s explore the best food pairings for Amarone—and what to avoid!
Best Meat Pairings with Amarone della Valpolicella: From Grilled Cuts to Game
One of Amarone’s most classic pairings is with red meat, particularly game. It’s a perfect match for grilled meats, a Scottona or Chianina beef tagliata, and even more elaborate dishes like pheasant with walnuts and truffle, woodcock on toasted bread, or duck, whether served as a main or starter.
Amarone also excels when paired in contrast with braised meats or slow-cooked stews, enhancing their depth and richness. For these bold dishes, the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Bosan offers an exceptionally refined and majestic choice.
Perfect Cheese Pairings for Amarone Wine: Aged and Blue Cheeses That Shine
Aged cheeses bring out Amarone’s bold structure beautifully. Outstanding pairings include Taleggio, Reblochon, Pecorino di Fossa, and Parmigiano Reggiano aged over 36 months. For adventurous palates, blue cheeses can add exciting contrasts, opening the door to surprisingly harmonious combinations.
Pasta and Risotto Pairings with Amarone della Valpolicella: Classic Italian Matches
If you’re planning a traditional Italian meal, Amarone della Valpolicella pairs wonderfully with risottos and other rich pasta dishes. Some top choices include the iconic Risotto all’Amarone, mushroom risotto, and fresh tagliatelle, lasagna, or stuffed pasta with mushrooms or truffle.
For these comforting first courses, “Il Bosco” Amarone—warm, silky, and delicately complex—is a perfect match.
Pairing Amarone della Valpolicella with International Dishes: Bold and Spicy Options
For fans of global flavors, Amarone della Valpolicella pairs surprisingly well with spicy and sweet-savory international cuisines. It’s an excellent match for Chinese duck à l’orange, American barbecue or burgers, and even smoked or glazed pork, such as pulled pork or honey-glazed ham.
The enveloping, well-balanced profile of the Amarone Classico Cesari makes it an ideal companion to these intense and layered dishes.
How to Pair Amarone Wine with Desserts: Chocolate, Tarts, and More
Sweet pairings with Amarone may come as a surprise—but they’re absolutely worth exploring. Some of the best include bitter dark chocolate, which complements Amarone’s richness, and cocoa-based desserts that are not overly sweet or creamy.
You can also try spiced cookies or fruit tarts—especially with cherry or plum—which beautifully echo the wine’s fruity notes.
Foods to Avoid with Amarone Wine: What Doesn’t Work and Why
Amarone is a powerful, structured wine that needs equally robust flavors to shine. Avoid pairing it with light dishes like fish or fresh vegetables, which can be easily overwhelmed. Also steer clear of acidic or bitter foods, which may clash with Amarone’s soft, round character.
In these cases, a Valpolicella Classico, served slightly chilled in warmer months, or a Bianco Garda might be a more suitable choice.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Amarone Wine Pairings
Thanks to its depth and aromatic complexity, Amarone della Valpolicella offers a wide range of exciting and delicious pairing opportunities. Whether served with red meats, aged cheeses, rich pasta dishes, or chocolate desserts, this wine never fails to impress—and to elevate any culinary experience.
Curious to discover new pairings with Amarone della Valpolicella? We invite you to visit our winery for a guided tasting and explore the full expression of this extraordinary wine.