Top 3 Wine Pairings for Cacio e Pepe

Considered a comfort food by Italian Americans and known to many as the “Italian Mac-n-Cheese”, Cacio e Pepe is a traditional Italian pasta dish that originated in Roma. The name translates to “cheese and pepper,” which are the primary ingredients used to create this delectable dish. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that consists of spaghetti or tonnarelli pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese (or alternatively Parmigiano Reggiano), freshly ground black pepper, and a few other basic ingredients like olive oil. The combination of the salty, creamy cheese and the earthy pepper creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.

When it comes to pairing wine with Cacio e Pepe, we’re looking for wines that can enhance the creaminess of the cheese, balance the spiciness of the black pepper, and bring out the subtleties in the dish. This can be done a couple ways:

1. Complementary Flavors: Pairing wines that have similar flavors to the dish can create a harmonious balance. For Cacio e Pepe, wines with creamy, slightly salty, and earthy characteristics can be excellent complements.

2. Contrasting Flavors: Pairing wines with contrasting flavors can create an exciting contrast that heightens the dining experience. In the case of Cacio e Pepe, wines with bright acidity and fruity notes can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the dish.

3. Regional Pairings: Pairing wines from the same region as the dish can create a sense of authenticity and enhance the cultural experience of the meal. Cacio e Pepe being an Italian dish, we’ll focus on Italian wines for our pairings.

Before we reveal the three recommended pairings, it should be noted that while many dishes pair best with only a red wine or only a white wine, Cacio e Pepe is versatile enough to pair with either.  Here are the top 3 wine pairings for Cacio e Pepe:

Wine Pairing 1: Ribolla Gialla

Ribolla Gialla is a white wine that originates from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG) region of Italy. It is known for its citrus notes, mineral undertones, and brisk, peppery acidity.  It is the latter that makes it such a good pairing for Cacio e Pepe.  When paired with Cacio e Pepe, Ribolla Gialla’s peppery acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the spiciness of the pepper.  Additionally, the light body of the wine helps to balance out the heavy pasta dish.

Wine Pairing 2: Pinot Nero

Pinot Nero, more commonly known internationally as Pinot Noir, is a good choice for pairing with Cacio e Pepe because it’s a light-bodied red wine with moderate acidity. The acidity helps to cut through the richness of the cheese and the pepper, while the fruitiness of the wine complements the flavors of the pasta. A good Pinot Nero to pair with Cacio e Pepe is one that’s made from grapes grown in a cool climate. These grapes tend to produce wines with more acidity and less alcohol, which makes them a good match for the dish.

Wine Pairing 3: Chianti Classico

The combination of acidity and tannins in Chianti Classico makes it a good pairing with Cacio e Pepe. The acidity helps to cleanse the palate after each bite, while the tannins help to add complexity and depth to the flavors. In addition, the flavors of Chianti Classico complement the flavors of Cacio e Pepe. The red fruit aromas and flavors of Chianti Classico can be found in the Pecorino Romano cheese, while the earthy undertones of Chianti Classico can be found in the black pepper.

Conclusion

While the recommended Italian wines pair exceptionally well with Cacio e Pepe, you can experiment with other wine options too. Wine pairing is subjective, and personal preferences play a significant role. Feel free to substitute the recommended wines with alternatives that you enjoy and feel will complement the flavors of Cacio e Pepe. That said, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices. So next time you indulge in Cacio e Pepe, don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of one of these Italian wines for a truly memorable meal. Salute!