— Tradizioni · 3 min read
Which wine with pizza, pasta or fish? A guide to Italian food and wine pairing
Published · Updated
Wine pairing with pizza is easier than it sounds. A few pointers about tomato, cheese, seafood and grilled meat are all you need. Here is our short guide, using examples from the Il Magi menu.
Four simple principles
- Tomato is acidic, so it loves wines with freshness. Soft, fruity Italian reds are often a safe bet.
- Cheese brings richness; acidity or bubbles cleanse the palate between bites.
- Seafood calls for crisp, dry whites that respect its delicacy.
- Grilled red meat can handle more structured reds.
Which wine with pizza?
With a tomato-based Margherita (€12) or Marinara, a soft Italian red works wonders: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (glass €6 · bottle €27) is easy and fruity, while Chianti Classico DOCG (bottle €36) adds a little more grip. For a spicy Diavola, stay with a fruity, low-tannin red.
White pizzas change the game. With Quattro Formaggi Bianca or the burrata-topped Il Magi pizza (€22), try a fresh Pinot Grigio (glass €8 · bottle €38) or Prosecco (glass €7 · bottle €30).
Which wine with pasta?
Let the sauce decide.
Tomato or meat sauces
Spaghetti ragù (€18) or the Orecchiette del Chef pair with Montepulciano, or a Valpolicella Ripasso (bottle €42) for a festive dinner.
Cream or cheese
Carbonara, four-cheese gnocchi or smoked salmon pappardelle prefer a fresh white such as Soave Classico (glass €6 · bottle €28).
Seafood pasta
For Linguine allo scoglio (€29), choose a crisp white: Vermentino from Sardinia (glass €7 · bottle €32) or Soave Classico. A light rosé like Bardolino Chiaretto (glass €6 · bottle €28) is lovely in summer.
Which wine with fish?
With fish, dry whites rule: Sancerre (glass €8 · bottle €38), Chablis (glass €9 · bottle €42) or the elegant Gavi di Gavi (bottle €48). For the fried and grilled Gran Misto di Mare, bubbles are a great idea: Prosecco or Champagne Brut (bottle €65).
Grilled meat and fondue
The Tagliata al Magi deserves a red with character, such as Primitivo di Manduria (glass €7 · bottle €34), or Barolo DOCG (bottle €75) for a special occasion. With a cheese fondue, Alpine tradition suggests a dry white: Côtes du Rhône Blanc (glass €6 · bottle €28) or Pinot Grigio.
And with dessert?
A glass of Prosecco brings lightness to a tiramisu; Champagne Demi-Sec (bottle €65) suits fruity desserts.
By the glass or by the bottle?
Our wine list features French and Italian whites, reds, rosés, Prosecco and Champagne. Many are served by the 15 cl glass, others by the 75 cl bottle only. Ordering by the glass lets you change wines with each course. Read more about the Italian meal, or go alcohol-free with our mocktails.
Book your table
A good pairing turns dinner into a real Italian moment. Browse the menu and book your table.
Please drink responsibly. Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health.
Frequently asked questions
What wine goes with pizza?
With a tomato-based pizza, a soft, fruity Italian red is a safe choice, such as Montepulciano d'Abruzzo or Chianti Classico. With a white pizza topped with cream or cheese, go for a fresh white like Pinot Grigio, or a glass of Prosecco for its refreshing bubbles.
Red or white wine with seafood pasta?
A crisp, dry white is usually best, as it respects the seafood and matches garlic and lemon. With our linguine allo scoglio, Vermentino from Sardinia or Soave Classico are classic pairings. A light rosé such as Bardolino Chiaretto can also work well, especially in summer.
Can I order wine by the glass at Il Magi?
Yes. Much of our wine list is served by the 15 cl glass, in white, red, rosé and Prosecco. Some wines are available by the 75 cl bottle only, and these are clearly marked on the menu. Ordering by the glass lets you vary your pairings throughout the meal.
What wine goes with cheese fondue?
Tradition suggests a dry white wine, which brings freshness against the melted cheese. On our list, Côtes du Rhône Blanc or Pinot Grigio are good companions. Our cheese fondue is served for a minimum of two people and must be ordered when you book.
Related articles
← Back to the journal
Cucina· 4 min read
Italian restaurant in Charleroi: Il Magi's cooking, from antipasto to dolce
Antipasti, primi, secondi, dolci: how a proper Italian meal unfolds, course by course, told through the Il Magi menu in Montignies-sur-Sambre.
Read the article →
Aperitivo· 3 min read
Italian-style tapas: the art of sharing in Charleroi
Cicchetti, stuzzichini, aperitivo: Italy turned sharing into an art. Here is how to build your table of small plates at Il Magi.
Read the article →
Aperitivo· 2 min read
Mocktails: alcohol-free dolce vita at Il Magi
Fruity, fresh, bitter or savoury: our ten house mocktails, Italian alcohol-free aperitifs and food pairing ideas.
Read the article →