Pairing Perfection: Red Wines to Serve with Minestrone Soup
Spring is the season of renewal, and what better way to refresh your palette than with a delicious and wholesome minestrone soup? Defined Dish's Whole30 Minestrone Soup is a perfect dish to welcome in the warmer weather, with its abundance of nutrient-dense vegetables and beans. But to truly elevate the flavors of the dish, we recommend pairing it with just the right wine. Here are our top recommendations:
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
This medium-bodied red wine has notes of dark fruit and earthiness that pair perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of the minestrone soup. Its moderate tannins and acidity also help to balance out the soup's heartiness. In addition to minestrone soup, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is also a great pairing choice for other tomato-based dishes, pizza, and pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces. It is also a good choice for pairing with hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino.
Rosso di Montalcino
Made from the same grape as Brunello di Montalcino but aged for a shorter period, Rosso di Montalcino is a medium-bodied red wine with notes of cherries, plums, and spice. Its bright acidity and silky tannins make it a great match for the soup's tomato-based broth.
Barbera
The high acidity and bright fruit flavors of Barbera help to cut through the richness of the soup, while its low tannins ensure that it won't overpower the dish.
Barbera's versatility also makes it a great pairing choice for other tomato-based dishes, as well as for roasted or grilled meats, pizza, and pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces.
Chianti Classico
A medium-bodied Chianti Classico is a classic pairing with Italian cuisine, and its tannins and acidity will help balance out the soup's richness while enhancing its earthy flavors. Wines from the Classico region - as opposed to Chianti that doesn’t say “Classico” on the bottle - will be richer and generally more expressive of the rustic and historic terroir.
Rosé
For a lighter option, try pairing this soup with a dry and crisp Rosé. Its fruity and floral notes complement the fresh herbs and vegetables in the soup, making for a refreshing and satisfying pairing. Keep it Tuscan by opting for a Sangiovese-based rosé with rustic aromas of dried herbs—it makes for a perfect complement to the spices in the soup.
If you’re in the mood for a white wine, you want to go for a selection that has bright acidity and bold flavors that will cut through the rich and hearty flavors of the soup without getting overpowered. Opt for a light to medium-bodied wine with citrusy and fruity notes to complement the dish. Some of my favorite options include Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Soave, and Riesling. These wines have the perfect balance of acidity and fruitiness to create a harmonious pairing with the soup.
No matter which wine you choose, enjoy it alongside this delicious and wholesome Whole30 Minestrone Soup from Defined Dish, and let the flavors transport you to the rolling hills of Tuscany.