For some holiday food and wine pairing ideas, we turned to Franciacorta, a DOCG in Lombardy that has just become a Michelin Italy Destination Partner. In fact, the 67th Italian edition of the world’s most famous gastronomic guide was recently presented here.
Franciacorta, a classic method sparkler, pairs perfectly with any meal, enhancing the aromas while softening any strong flavors as it tempers the fatty components. Well suited to myriad ingredients and cooking techniques, the versatile Franciacorta pairs well with both traditional and innovative recipes. Franciacorta Satèn goes well with tortellini in brodo while Franciacorta Rosé pairs splendidly with spaghetti with clams and tomatoes. Franciacorta Riserva is lovely alongside stockfish all'anconetana (a recipe from Le Marche comprising anchovies capers, olives, and vegetables). In short, the different wines enhance the particularities of the different grapes, and the aging on yeast and various dosages result in a wide range of pairing ideas.
Below, the chefs from three Michelin-starred restaurants in Lombardy share some fanciful ideas for the holidays.
Chef Davide Oldani - D’O RESTAURANT - Cornaredo (near Milan)
I am a great supporter of an important Italian project. I have been a cook for 35 years and have followed the whole path, taking giant steps along the way. I am very familiar with the companies that are doing something indelible for Italian enology: they not only give life to a high-quality product, but they are also very good at talking about wine in the most appropriate manner for conversing with the public. Unity is strength and Franciacorta is a great wine, thanks to the work of the producers who are committed to pursuing the goal of quality, with the entrepreneurial flair that belongs to the province of Brescia.
It is a versatile wine with infinite food pairing possibilities. I particularly appreciate the combination by contrast and an immediate pairing that comes to mind is the Satèn with my caramelized onions: acidity, sapidity, and softness with a fine and sensual bubble.
I also love Franciacorta Rosè very much and I think it is perfect, thanks to its structure and delicacy, with my lamb, which I serve with a delicate Jerusalem artichoke sauce. Or for something simpler, we can always enjoy a garlic-free Driss Milanese salami with a Franciacorta Pas Dosè, which pleasantly contrasts the fat of the salami with the elegant freshness of the wine.
Nadia Santini – RISTORANTE DAL PESCATORE SANTINI - Canneto sull'Oglio (near Mantua)
Starting from the refermentation in the bottle, Franciacorta producers have come to represent a distinct style that's recognized internationally. Our restaurant is about an hour away from Franciacorta so we consider the wine an integral part of our territory. We offer it to those who come to visit us and want to get to know the local flavors.
The lobster terrine with caviar goes perfectly with an elegant and fresh Extra Brut Franciacorta made predominantly from Chardonnay. Our sea bass with Sorrento lemon sauce pairs nicely with Franciacorta Blanc de Blanc. Franciacorta Brut works wonderfully with our pumpkin tortello with butter and Parmigiano Reggiano as the dish is best enhanced by a wine of greater complexity. Lastly, a low dosage Rosé with marked structure goes excellent alongside our venison saddle with blackberry sauce.
Chicco and Bobo Cerea – RISTORANTE DA VITTORIO – Brusaporto (near Bergamo)
The warm steamed fish salad goes perfectly with Franciacorta Satèn. The delicacy of steamed fish, combined with our mayonnaise and gentle pesto, is found in the wine’s freshness and lightness. Alternatively, the risotto alla parmigiana with bread, grapes, and white truffle is enhanced with Franciacorta Dosage Zéro R S 2007. The creamy rice, decisive in flavor and texture, finds an almost infinite persistence thanks to the white truffle. Accompanied by a very intense Franciacorta, which with the evolved aromas of pandolce [a holiday confection that means “sweet bread”] and saffron is powerful but, at the same time, packs great elegance and persuasion–a perfect marriage!
If you’re curious to discover more pairings from the chefs behind some of Italy’s finest dishes, head to the official Franciacorta Instagram and YouTube pages. Here, the chefs offer tips and tricks for enhancing each ingredient of their innovative recipes with a nice glass of Franciacorta.