Top 3 Wine Pairings for Sunday Sauce

Italian American culture is built on tradition. Tradition holds a special place in the hearts and homes of all Italian American families.
One such tradition, known as “Sunday Sauce,” is a cherished culinary experience that takes place every Sunday. If you’re an Italian American and a novice wine enthusiast, you might wonder which wines would complement this traditional meal. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top three Italian wine pairings for Sunday Sauce: Valpolicella, Primitivo, and Chianti Classico.

Introduction: What is “Sunday Sauce”?

Before diving into the specific wine pairings, let’s understand what the “Sunday Sauce” tradition entails. Every Sunday, Italian American families come together to prepare and enjoy a rich and hearty tomato-based sauce. This sauce simmers for hours, filling the house with
mouthwatering aromas. Every household does Sunday Sauce different, but the meal typically includes a variety of meats, such as sausages, meatballs, and braciole, which are slow-cooked in the sauce. It’s a time for families to gather, share stories, and create lasting memories.

Valpolicella Wine and Sunday Sauce

Valpolicella is a renowned Italian red wine hailing from the Veneto region. This wine is made primarily from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes, resulting in a medium-bodied and fruit-forward flavor profile. Valpolicella possesses a vibrant acidity that pairs exceptionally well with tomato-based sauces like Sunday Sauce.

The fruity notes of Valpolicella, including cherry, plum, and raspberry, provide a delightful contrast to the rich and savory flavors of
the sauce. The wine’s moderate tannins help cleanse the palate between bites, allowing you to fully appreciate the complexity of the meal. Valpolicella’s versatility also makes it a great choice if your Sunday Sauce incorporates
different types of meats.

Primitivo Wine and Sunday Sauce

Originating from the Puglia region in southern Italy, Primitivo is a robust and full-bodied red wine. It shares a genetic link with
California’s Zinfandel grape, known for its bold and jammy characteristics. Primitivo boasts a luscious dark fruit profile, with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and spice.

Pairing Primitivo with Sunday Sauce brings together the wine’s robustness and the sauce’s hearty flavors. The wine’s intense fruitiness, coupled with its smooth tannins, complements the richness of the dish. The layers of flavor in Primitivo enhance the overall dining experience, making it a wine that can stand up to the robust flavors of the traditional Sunday Sauce.

Chianti Classico Wine and Sunday Sauce

Chianti Classico, a well-known Tuscan red wine, holds a special place in Italian wine culture. This wine is made predominantly from
Sangiovese grapes, which impart vibrant flavors and a distinctive acidity. Chianti Classico is known for its elegant and well-structured profile, making it an excellent choice for pairing with Sunday Sauce.

The flavors of Chianti Classico range from red cherry and plum to hints of earthiness and spice. These characteristics beautifully
complement the flavors found in Sunday Sauce. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce, cleansing the palate and allowing you to fully appreciate the depth of flavors in both the wine and the dish.

Chianti Classico’s medium to high tannins provide a pleasant grip that balances the sauce’s robust meat flavors. As you savor each bite of the Sunday Sauce, the wine’s structure and tannins enhance the overall dining experience. With its traditional roots and ability to elevate the flavors of the meal, Chianti Classico is a classic choice for Italian American families
enjoying their cherished Sunday Sauce tradition.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the vibrant acidity of Valpolicella, the boldness of Primitivo, or the classic charm of Chianti Classico, these top
three Italian wine pairings are sure to impress. Celebrate your Italian American heritage and elevate your Sunday Sauce tradition with these delightful wine choices.

And as always: DRINK WHAT YOU LOVE!