How to decide between red or white wine

Knowing how to choose the right wine is a very important skill, especially in the Italian kitchen. While there are many different types of wine, people generally choose between red and white when cooking or dining.  Here are some distinctions between the two and some ways to decide which works best for your meal.

White wine is usually divided into two main categories: sweet and dry. As a general rule, white wines are always served cold (9-12 degrees Celsius)-- the sweeter the wine, the colder it must be served. White wines go well with white meat dishes like chicken and fish, as well as white pasta sauces. Many Italian cooks will add white wine directly to cream or lemon pasta sauces to add a complex and delicious “zing” to the meal.

Red wine is also highly appreciated by Italian chefs. Red wine is frequently used when preparing red sauces (tomato-based), as well as a basting sauce for meats. It's commonly drunk at the dinner table when a red meat- like beef-- is prepared. Unlike white wines, reds are served at the room temperature (unless they are sweeter, then they can be chilled). Italians believe that a glass of red wine a day is very healthy and helps the blood circulation.

Italy is the world's second wine producer followed by Spain and Argentina, so it's no wonder they put such an emphasis on wine. You can analyze wines by color, taste, bouquet, flavor, alcohol or sugar content, but for the simplest distinction, you can choose either red or white.  With an Italian meal paired with the perfect wine accompaniment, you cannot go wrong!