Wine Pairings with Aperitifs

Aperitif: My personal podium

The aperitivo is a moment of conviviality and taste, in which the right wine can bring out the best in the nibbles and create a perfect balance of flavours. Whether it is finger food, cured meats, cheeses or light fried food, the wine pairing has to be enjoyable, fresh and stimulating. Let's discover the best wines to pair with an aperitivo.

Characteristics of the Aperitif and General Pairings

The choice of wine depends on several factors:
  • Type of nibbles: fried food, cured meats, cheeses or raw dishes affect the choice of wine.
  • Structure and salinity: light aperitifs call for fresh, lively wines, while richer ones go well with more structured wines.
  • Effervescence: the bubbles are perfect for cleansing the palate and making the aperitif more enjoyable.

Best Wine and Food Pairings for the Aperitif

Recommended Sparkling Wines

  • Prosecco Superiore DOCG – Perfect for finger food and light aperitifs, thanks to its freshness.
  • Champagne Brut – Ideal to accompany fried food and creamy cheeses.
  • Franciacorta Satèn – Excellent for aperitifs based on raw fish and tartare.

Recommended White Wines

  • Sauvignon Blanc – Perfect for raw vegetables, pinzimonio and fresh salads.
  • Vermentino di Sardegna DOC – Excellent with cured meats and delicate cheeses.
  • Gavi DOCG – Ideal for light aperitifs based on fish or seafood.

Recommended Rosé Wines

  • Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC – An excellent choice for cured meats and aged cheeses.
  • Provence Rosé – Ideal for aperitifs with finger food and fresh dishes.

Mistakes to Avoid in Pairing

Avoid very tannic red wines (e.g. Barolo, Amarone) because they are too intense for an aperitif. Watch out for overly aromatic wines (e.g. Gewürztraminer) which can overpower delicate flavours. Avoid wines that are too sweet if the aperitif is salty or spicy, so as not to create imbalances of taste.

Aperitif: My personal podium

  • 1
    Champagne Extra Brut “Origin’Elle” Non-vintage - Françoise Bedel

    Champagne Extra Brut “Origin’Elle” Non-vintage - Françoise Bedel

    • Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
    • Region: Champagne, Côte des Blancs, France
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  • 2
    Champagne 1er Cru Les Vignes de Vrigny Extra Brut Non-vintage - Egly-Ouriet

    Champagne 1er Cru Les Vignes de Vrigny Extra Brut Non-vintage - Egly-Ouriet

    • Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
    • Region: Champagne, France, Vallée de la Marne
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  • 3
    Shaman, Grand Cru 2019 - Marguet

    Shaman, Grand Cru 2019 - Marguet

    • Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
    • Region: Champagne, France, Reims
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All those I have tried