The Best Italian Soups to Pair with Wine

Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, and when it comes to soups, there’s a delightful variety to choose from. Pairing these comforting dishes with the right wine can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Here are some of the best Italian soups and their perfect wine pairings.

Minestrone
Minestrone is a classic Italian vegetable soup, often made with beans, pasta, and seasonal vegetables. Its rich and hearty texture makes it a comforting choice for any meal. When pairing wine, consider a medium-bodied white like Pinot Grigio. The crisp acidity of the wine complements the freshness of the vegetables and balances the dish's richness.

Pasta e Fagioli
This traditional pasta and bean soup is both filling and flavorful, usually consisting of macaroni, cannellini beans, and aromatic herbs. A great wine pairing for Pasta e Fagioli is Chianti. The wine’s fruity notes and tannins harmonize with the dish, enhancing its savory flavors and making for a satisfying experience.

Stracciatella
Stracciatella is an Italian egg drop soup that features a delicate broth flavored with spinach and Parmesan cheese. To complement the lightness of this soup, a glass of Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice. The wine's herbal notes and crisp finish enhance the soup’s subtle flavors, creating a refreshing combination.

Italian Wedding Soup
This hearty soup features meatballs, greens, and pasta, making it a favorite among many. The robust flavors of the meatballs and the seasoning call for a full-bodied red wine like Barbera. Its acidity and berry flavors will contrast beautifully with the savory components of the soup, enhancing each bite.

Ribollita
This Tuscan bean soup is packed with vegetables and thickened with bread. Ribollita's depth and rustic nature go perfectly with a glass of Rosso di Montalcino. The wine’s bright acidity and berry notes match the soup's earthy flavors, making for a well-rounded pairing.

Gnocchi in Brodo
A comforting bowl of gnocchi in broth is a staple in Italian households. The light stock and potato gnocchi require a wine that doesn’t overshadow the dish. A fruity Verdicchio enhances the delicacy of the gnocchi while maintaining a refreshing quality that complements the broth.

Tomato Basil Soup
This favorite is rich in flavor, with ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. Pair it with a light red wine like Dolcetto. The wine’s soft tannins and cherry notes harmonize beautifully with the sweet and savory elements of the soup, creating a comforting combination.

Choosing the right wine can significantly enhance the experience of enjoying these delicious Italian soups. Whether you prefer a crisp white or a robust red, the perfect pairing will elevate your meal to new heights. Experimenting with these combinations will not only satisfy your taste buds but also allow you to explore the enchanting world of Italian cuisine and its wonderful pairings.