Vini da abbinare al radicchio

An undisputed star of the autumn and winter season, radicchio is a noble and versatile vegetable, celebrated for its unmistakable bitter note. Whether it's the prized radicchio rosso tardivo di Treviso, or that of Chioggia or Verona, this trait makes it delicious on the palate yet particularly tricky when it comes to choosing the right wine.

The golden rule for pairing is to avoid red wines that are too structured and tannic: the tannin would clash with the bitterness of radicchio, creating a metallic, unpleasant sensation in the mouth. The perfect solution is instead to opt for white wines of great elegance, smoothness and roundness, able to wrap the palate and rebalance the flavor of the dish.

Soave and elegant whites: the perfect pairing

To balance radicchio’s bitterness and accompany rich preparations such as savory pies, quiches and risottos creamed with flavorful cheeses (like Taleggio or Gorgonzola), the go-to choice is Soave. Thanks to the Garganega grape from which it is made, this great Venetian white offers floral aromas, a delicate almond note and, above all, a glyceric softness ideal for smoothing the vegetable’s edges.

No less captivating are the alternatives based on other great white varieties. An elegant Pinot Bianco, a Chardonnay (perhaps with a light touch of oak) or a Friulano provide exactly the structure, the enveloping texture and the moderate acidity required to accompany radicchio roasted in the oven or sautéed in the pan. For those who prefer to stay within the bounds of Lake Garda, a seductive Lugana (from Turbiana grapes) will enhance every radicchio-based recipe with extraordinary finesse.