What to Pair Arneis With
Arneis is a delightfully crisp white wine from Italy’s Piedmont region that offers wonderful versatility in food pairing. Known for its fresh stone fruit flavours, herbal notes, and mineral finish, Arneis complements a wide range of dishes whilst maintaining its distinctive character.
Understanding Arneis’s Flavour Profile
Arneis wines typically feature:
- Crisp acidity that cleanses the palate and enhances food flavours
- Stone fruit notes such as peach, apricot, and pear
- Herbal undertones including fresh herbs and sometimes a hint of almond
- Mineral finish that reflects its Piedmontese terroir
Classic Food Pairings for Arneis
Seafood and Fish
Fresh Shellfish pairs beautifully with Arneis:
- The wine’s acidity complements oysters, mussels, and clams
- Stone fruit notes enhance the natural sweetness of shellfish
- Mineral finish echoes coastal flavours
Grilled Fish works excellently with Arneis:
- Light preparations of sea bass, sole, or trout
- The wine’s crisp nature balances delicate fish flavours
- Herbal notes complement herb-crusted preparations
Italian Cuisine
Risotto is a natural match for this Piedmontese wine:
- Mushroom risotto particularly complements Arneis’s earthy undertones
- Seafood risotto benefits from the wine’s crisp acidity
- The creamy texture provides a lovely contrast to the wine’s freshness
Fresh Pasta with light sauces pairs wonderfully:
- Pasta with olive oil, garlic, and herbs
- Light cream-based sauces
- Pesto preparations from Liguria
Cheese Pairings
Fresh Cheeses are ideal companions:
- Mozzarella di bufala and burrata
- Fresh goat’s cheese with herbs
- Ricotta-based dishes
Aged Cheeses from Piedmont work particularly well:
- Robiola and other soft-ripened cheeses
- Young Gorgonzola (not too pungent)
- Toma Piemontese
International Cuisine Matches
Asian Preparations
Light Asian Dishes complement Arneis beautifully:
- Steamed dim sum and dumplings
- Sushi and sashimi
- Thai salads with fresh herbs
- Vietnamese spring rolls
Mediterranean Flavours
Mediterranean Vegetables work excellently:
- Grilled courgettes, aubergines, and peppers
- Ratatouille and caponata
- Stuffed tomatoes with herbs
- Artichoke preparations
Specific Dish Recommendations
Vitello Tonnato
- Perfect match: This classic Piedmontese dish of cold veal with tuna sauce
- Arneis’s acidity cuts through the rich tonnato whilst complementing the delicate veal
Bagna Cauda
- Excellent pairing: The warm anchovy and garlic dip traditional to Piedmont
- The wine’s freshness balances the intensity of anchovies and garlic
Fritto Misto di Pesce
- Ideal combination: Mixed fried seafood
- Arneis’s crisp acidity cuts through the fried batter whilst enhancing seafood flavours
Herb-Crusted Chicken
- Great match: Roasted chicken with rosemary, thyme, and lemon
- The wine’s herbal notes echo the seasoning whilst its acidity brightens the dish
Tips for Successful Pairing
- Serve well-chilled: Arneis shows best when served at 8-10°C (46-50°F)
- Consider the season: Light spring and summer dishes work particularly well
- Match the intensity: Avoid overpowering Arneis with heavily spiced or rich dishes
- Embrace Italian tradition: When in doubt, pair with dishes from Piedmont or northern Italy
Conclusion
Arneis is a wonderfully food-friendly wine that shines with fresh, light preparations. Its combination of crisp acidity, stone fruit flavours, and herbal notes makes it particularly suited to seafood, light Italian dishes, and fresh ingredients. The key is to let both the wine and food complement each other without one overwhelming the other.