Wine Pairings for Penne con Porri
Bianco: Pinot Grigio (Elena Walch, Peter Zemmer, Cantina Valle Isarco, St. Michel-Eppan)
Rosso: Lacrima di Morro d’Alba (Mario Lucchetti, Stefano Manicelli, Cantina Romagnoli)
This Sunday Pasta has a faintly sweeter touch between the leeks and the fat of the pancetta. A bit of succulence in the wine works nicely here, so it’s best to avoid tannin and new oak. Though leeks are quite sweet, they also show the earthiness of the onion and garlic family, of which they are all a part. Riper styles of Pinot Grigio exhibit both of these characteristics and are my choice for this dish. Still, reds can work beautifully, and I would choose a Lacrima di Morro d’Alba for its flat-out vibrant fragrance, as well as to match the leeks’ underlying earthiness.
For Pinot Grigio wines that have broadness to match this dish, I prefer Alto Adige to the typically leaner styles of the Veneto. Elena Walch, Peter Zemmer, Cantina Valle Isarco and St. Michel-Eppan are all sure bets.
For Lacrima di Morro d’Alba wines from Italy’s eastern Marche coast, somewhat like with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, just about everything in the US is delicious. Watch out for Mario Lucchetti, Stefano Manicelli and Cantina Romagnoli.
Cin cin!
Christy Canterbury, Master of Wine (MW)
Wine Editor
@canterburywine
p.s. Check out our recipe for Penne con Porri.
