You don't need to know anything about wine to drink well at an Italian dinner. Follow one rule — match the wine to the region and the weight of the dish — and start with these five bottles from Scottadito's Italian wine list. Our list at 788A Union Street in Park Slope leans Tuscan, with bottles from producers like Antinori, Santa Cristina and Guado al Tasso, plus a selection by the glass and carafe for weeknight dinners.
Three Simple Pairing Rules
What grows together goes together. Tuscan wine with Tuscan food is the easiest pairing there is.
Match the weight. Light dishes (seafood, salads) want lighter wines; rich ragù and grilled meats want fuller reds.
Acid loves tomato. Sangiovese, the grape behind Chianti and Brunello, has the bright acidity to stand up to tomato sauces.
5 Bottles to Try
1. Col de Salici Prosecco Superiore DOCG (Veneto)
Style: crisp, fruity sparkling wine. Pair with: antipasti, the Affettati Misti board, Calamari Fritti and pizzette. Bubbles and salt are a perfect match, and it's available by the glass — an easy way to start the night.
2. Guado al Tasso Vermentino, Bolgheri (Tuscany)
Style: a coastal Tuscan white with yellow fruit, white flowers and citrus. Pair with: Polipo alla Griglia, Branzino al Cartoccio and the Fettuccine Zafferano Frutti di Mare. Vermentino is what Tuscans drink with seafood.
3. Santa Cristina Chianti Superiore (Tuscany)
Style: a juicy, food-friendly Sangiovese. Pair with: Spaghetti Pomodoro, the Margherita pizzetta, Pollo Parmigiana — anything with tomato. Available by the glass and carafe, it's the ideal weeknight red.
4. Antinori Pian delle Vigne Rosso di Montalcino (Tuscany)
Style: medium-bodied, with red currants, raspberries and floral notes — the younger sibling of Brunello. Pair with: Pappardelle Scottadito with turkey ragout, Pappardelle ai Funghi and the Casserola di Pollo e Salsiccia.
5. Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany)
Style: one of Italy's great reds: ripe red fruit, chocolate, tobacco and spice with a long finish. Pair with: the Agnello Scottadito rack of lamb or the grilled hanger steak. This is the bottle for an anniversary or a promotion. For a true splurge, the list also includes Antinori's Tignanello, the pioneering Super Tuscan.
Quick Pairing Guide by Dish
Seafood and salads: Vermentino, Prosecco, or Santa Cristina Orvieto.
Tomato-sauce pastas and pizza: Chianti Superiore or Chianti Classico.
Ragù, mushrooms and pork: Rosso di Montalcino or Barbera d'Asti.
Lamb and steak: Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo or Tignanello.
Dessert: Prunotto Moscato from Piedmont.
Why Make It a Weeknight
Wednesday and Thursday dinners are quieter, which means more time with your server to talk through the list and taste before you choose. It's the best time to try something new. Our list is updated regularly, so ask what's open by the glass tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Scottadito have Tuscan wine?
Yes. The list features Tuscan wines including Chianti, Chianti Classico, Vermentino from Bolgheri, Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino and Tignanello, plus bottles from Piedmont, Puglia, the Veneto and beyond.
Can I order wine by the glass?
Yes. Sparkling, white, rosé and red wines are available by the glass, and many by the carafe.
What wine goes with pasta?
For tomato-based pasta, choose a Sangiovese such as Chianti. For ragù or mushroom pasta, try Rosso di Montalcino. For seafood pasta, a Tuscan Vermentino.
Ask for a Pairing and Book Dinner
Tell your server what you're ordering and ask for the pairing — that's what we're here for. Book dinner, Wednesday through Sunday, or call 718-636-4800.