New MUSHROOMS and WINE combinations, make your dishes unforgettable!

Mushrooms, a real delicacy, but how can we pair them with wine?

After the first article on the subject that YOU CAN FIND HERE I thought of writing a second one, after all there are so many recipes and so many pairing possibilities. To choose well you need to pay particular attention, since mushrooms are distinguished more by their refined aroma than by the strength of their flavor. It is easy to fall into errors that can compromise the harmony between dish and wine.

In fact, the true beauty of mushrooms lies in their aromatic profile, in the variety of scents they release. This makes mushrooms as delicious as they are vulnerable: an incorrect cooking method or improper storage can compromise their taste.

Remember that mushrooms are incredibly versatile, they can be used in many recipes, ranging from appetizers to main courses. Their flexibility makes them protagonists or perfect in different combinations, allowing you to create ever-changing pairings.

We find mushrooms everywhere, from stuffed pasta to soups, or in delicious risottos with which I pair a medium-bodied red wine with smooth tannins, such as the Pippo by Cantine Luchin which is made from pure Ciliegiolo grapes and which brings the craftsmanship and mastery of Walter de Battè to the glass.

Do you already want to prepare a mushroom risotto? ⇒ CLICK HERE , otherwise continue reading to discover other combinations.

What are the culinary secrets of mushrooms?

One of the most fascinating things is that, despite being treated like vegetables, they actually belong to a completely different kingdom: that of mushrooms. There are thousands of edible varieties, each with its own flavor profile and texture, and some species are considered authentic rarities. In addition, porcini mushrooms are highly prized for their ability to enhance any dish, while shiitake mushrooms, native to Asia, are famous not only for their taste but also for their health properties.

So, to pair wine and mushrooms, you must first consider the variety you have in front of you and the intensity of its aroma: porcini, chanterelles and ovoli have a particular aroma that must be respected, especially if served raw. The choice of the right wine will also depend on the recipe. Will the mushrooms be the central element or part of a complex composition?

For an optimal pairing, it is best to choose a wine that reflects the characteristics of the mushrooms themselves: fragrant, elegant, and with a moderate structure.

Mushroom risotto, especially when made with porcini mushrooms, is a dish that releases a harmony of intense flavors and aromas, a must for lovers of autumn dishes. The preparation involves the use of fresh or dried mushrooms, which give the risotto their rich and earthy flavor, and a delicate sauté of onion, often blended with white wine to add a touch of acidity. The hot broth is added gradually, allowing the rice to release its starch, creating a creamy and velvety consistency that envelops each grain.

As a pairing, I recommend Pippo by Cantine Luchin , a choice that further elevates the taste experience. This red wine is made from Dolcetto grapes and benefits from the precious collaboration of the “Poet of the Cinque Terre”, Walter De Battè . This wine stands out for the freshness of its aromas, this structure is perfect to accompany mushrooms, with their decisive and enveloping profile. The freshness of the wine contrasts and balances the creaminess of the risotto, while its delicate tannins add a light persistence that blends harmoniously with the softness of the mushrooms.

The synergy between Pippo and risotto will create a game of contrasts and harmonies, in which the vibrant character of the wine and the depth of the mushrooms enhance each other, giving a unique and refined taste experience.

Goofy - Luchin

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Do you want to pair polenta with mushrooms and wine?

Here we are talking about a rustic and enveloping dish, in which the simplicity of the ingredients and the strong flavor of the mushrooms find a perfect balance. The soft consistency of the polenta, enriched by the earthy and aromatic taste of the mushrooms. A true comfort food.

For a pairing with great personality I choose the Etna Rosso DOC by La Gelsomina , this wine, born from the volcanic slopes of Etna, is a perfect representative of Sicily, with a strong and profound personality that comes from being composed of 50% Nerello Mascalese grapes and 50% Nerello Cappuccio.

We can say that this pairing is a meeting of two worlds that share a passion for the land and authentic flavors. The refined tannins of the wine embrace the softness of the polenta, while the freshness and notes of red fruit balance with the aromatic intensity of the mushrooms, creating a combination that enhances the complexity of both elements, managing to give the meal a feeling of completeness and harmony.

With this Etna Rosso DOC you will discover the powerful and magnetic character of Sicily, all through a wine capable of conquering the palate and paying homage to tradition. There is no better companion for polenta with mushrooms, capable of enhancing the simplicity and richness of a traditional dish, transforming every bite into a sensory experience that speaks of territory, authenticity and passion.

Etna Rosso Doc - The Gelsomina

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A pairing for a mushroom soup?

Here we are talking about a soft, warm and flavourful dish, the mushroom cream soup is a real delight, perfect for warming up autumn evenings. With its creaminess and the strong flavour of mushrooms, it is an essential treat when the cold starts to make itself felt and you are looking for a bit of comfort at the table. This dish, sometimes called "cream of mushrooms", enhances the simplicity of the ingredients and offers a genuine and deep taste.

The ideal pairing for a mushroom cream soup is Cinqueterre DOC Marina di La Polenza , a white wine obtained from Vermentino, Bosco and Albarola grapes. This wine fully expresses the character of the Ligurian territory, with an aromatic profile that recalls sea breezes and the scents of the Mediterranean scrub, a white that stands out for its floral and fruity notes, accompanied by a pleasant freshness that lingers in the mouth for a long time.

The softness of the cream soup finds a perfect balance with the liveliness of the Marina : the freshness of the wine balances the creaminess of the dish, while the fruity and slightly savoury notes enhance the aroma of the mushrooms without overpowering it. The Vermentino, Bosco and Albarola grapes work together to offer an elegant structure, capable of accompanying the cream soup with harmony, giving lightness and depth at the same time.

This pairing creates a play of contrasts between the velvety texture and the minerality of the wine, each bite marries perfectly, giving an experience that speaks of nature, sea and simplicity, transforming an autumn dinner into a moment of pure pleasure.

Cinqueterre Doc Marina - The Polenza

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Pairing wine and mushrooms offers a unique gastronomic experience, where the variety of recipes allows you to explore ever new combinations. Whether it's a mushroom cream soup, a risotto, a polenta or any other dish based on these wonderful ingredients, wine will make the difference. Now get inspired and find your ideal pairing!