Wine & cuisine in Emilia-Romagna: the culinary heart of Italy

Emilia-Romagna – wealth, pleasure & “La Dolce Vita”

If Italy is the home of good food, then Emilia-Romagna is the country’s pantry. The region, which stretches from the peaks of the Apennines to the humid Po Valley and the Adriatic Sea, is home to more protected designations of origin (DOP and IGP) than any other region in Europe. It is a land of contrasts: The wealthy, bourgeois “Emilia” in the west meets the lively, rural “Romagna” in the east. Here, handmade pasta, fine mature products and wines full of character merge into a culture of enjoyment that is unparalleled anywhere in the world.

Wine culture: from sparkling joie de vivre to deep red

The wines of Emilia-Romagna are as diverse as its landscapes. They are designed to perfectly accompany the region’s rich, often fatty cuisine:

  • Lambrusco: Forget everything you know about sweet mass-produced wines. Genuine Lambrusco (e.g. from Sorbara or Castelvetro) is dry, tangy and the ultimate answer to the region’s fatty cured meats. Its carbonic acid cleanses the palate after every mouthful.

  • Sangiovese di Romagna: The proud backbone of the eastern region. It is often earthier and stronger than its Tuscan cousin and the perfect partner for meat dishes.

  • Albana di Romagna: The first white grape variety in Italy to receive DOCG status – a wine with structure that shines both dry and as a noble sweet passito variant.

  • Pignoletto: The fresh, often sparkling white wine from the hills around Bologna.

The “Big Three” and the treasure of Modena

No text about this region would be complete without a mention of the culinary sanctuaries that have established Emilia-Romagna’s worldwide reputation:

  • Parmigiano Reggiano: The “king of cheeses”. Only produced here, it is often matured for 24, 36 or more months and develops that crystalline structure that goes perfectly with a glass of Albana or even a dry Lambrusco.

  • Prosciutto di Parma: The world-famous Parma ham, which gets its incomparable sweetness from the sea breeze and the strict maturing rules.

  • Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale: In the attics of Modena and Reggio Emilia, this “black nectar” matures for decades in ever smaller wooden barrels. A drop on mature cheese is a revelation.

The art of the dough roller: pasta & street food

Emilia-Romagna is the land of the sfogline – women who have mastered the art of rolling out pasta dough wafer-thin using only a rolling pin.

  • Hand-filled pasta: whether tortellini (traditionally served in meat broth), tortelloni with ricotta or the famous cappelletti.

  • Ragù alla Bolognese: The original recipe from Bologna has little to do with the globally popular “Bolognese”; it is a slowly braised masterpiece made from beef, pork and a little tomato.

  • Piadina Romagnola: The street food symbol of the Adriatic coast – an unleavened flatbread, usually filled with creamy squacquerone cheese and rocket.

Wine & food: Pairing at the highest level

The cuisine of Emilia-Romagna is famous for its richness (butter, cream, bacon). The region’s wines act as a necessary counterpoint here: the acidity and bubbles of a Lambrusco di Sorbara literally cut through the creaminess of a lasagne verde, while a structured Sangiovese Riserva stands up to the depth of a braised veal shank (ossobuco).

Top 10 recipes with wine recommendations from Emilia-Romagna

Wine with food: Dark spiced chocolate cake Pampepato alongside a glass of Sangiovese Passito wine.
Pampepato di Ferrara (dark, spicy chocolate cake)

A monumental festive pastry from the heart of the Italian Renaissance If you are looking [...]

19
Feb
Wine with the meal: Zuppa Inglese layered dessert alongside a glass of Albana Passito sweet wine.
Zuppa Inglese (traditional layered dessert with Alchermes)

The sweet seduction of Emilia-Romagna between sponge cake and liqueur tradition If you are looking [...]

19
Feb
Wine with food: Tender Culatello ham with butter curls next to a glass of Malvasia white wine.
Culatello di Zibello (The most exclusive ham with curly butter)

The aristocratic jewel of the Po Valley for discerning gourmets If you are looking for [...]

19
Feb
Wine with the meal: Mixed meat platter Bollito Misto alongside a glass of Sangiovese red wine.
Bollito Misto (mixed boiled meat with salsa verde and mostarda)

The royal art of cooking as a northern Italian table ceremony When it comes to [...]

18
Feb
Wine with food: Pumpkin pasta cappellacci alongside a glass of Albana white wine.
Cappellacci di Zucca (pumpkin dumplings from Ferrara with sage butter)

The culinary jewel of the Renaissance city of Ferrara If you are looking for the [...]

18
Feb
Wine with the meal: Pisarei e Faso bean dumplings alongside a glass of Gutturnio red wine.
Pisarei e Faśö (flour and bread dumplings with beans)

The hearty soul of rural cuisine from Piacenza If you are looking for the perfect [...]

18
Feb
Wine with the meal: Rich Brodetto fish soup alongside a glass of Pagadebit white wine.
Brodetto di Pesce (rich fish soup from the Adriatic coast)

A maritime masterpiece from the coastal towns of Cesenatico and Rimini If you are looking [...]

17
Feb
Wine with food: Marinated eel with laurel alongside a glass of Fortana red wine.
Anguilla Marinata (marinated eel from the Valli di Comacchio)

A maritime delicacy between the canals of the Adriatic coast and ancient tradition If you [...]

17
Feb
Wine with the meal: Warm tigelle with cunza alongside a glass of Lambrusco red wine.
Tigelle (crescentine with herb lard filling)

The convivial pan-fried pastry from the Apennines for authentic moments of pleasure If you are [...]

17
Feb
Wine with the meal: Salama da Sugo on mashed potatoes alongside a glass of Fortana red wine.
Salama da Sugo (spicy sausage specialty from Ferrara)

The archaic taste miracle of Renaissance cuisine for connoisseurs If you are looking for the [...]

16
Feb
Wine with food: Hearty Erbazzone vegetable pie alongside a glass of Lambrusco red wine.
Erbazzone (savory chard and spinach cake with bacon and cheese)

The rustic specialty from Reggio Emilia for hearty moments of pleasure If you are looking [...]

16
Feb
Wine with food: Deep-fried gnocco fritto with cold cuts alongside a glass of Lambrusco white wine.
Gnocco Fritto (lard-fried pastry pillows with the finest cold cuts)

The crispy gold of Emilia-Romagna as a convivial prelude If you are looking for the [...]

15
Feb
Wine with the meal: Passatelli in brodo in a strong broth alongside a glass of Albana white wine.
Passatelli in brodo (bread dough pasta in strong meat broth)

A rustic classic from the Emilian soul for cold days If you are looking for [...]

15
Feb
Wine with food: Cotoletta alla Bolognese with melted cheese alongside a glass of Lambrusco red wine.
Cotoletta alla Bolognese (veal cutlet with Parma ham and cheese)

The magnificent culmination of Bolognese meat cuisine between tradition and opulence If you’re looking for [...]

15
Feb
Wine with food: Stuffed Piadina Romagnola next to a glass of Sangiovese red wine.
Piadina Romagnola (flatbread with squacquerone, rocket and Parma ham)

The culinary landmark of the Adriatic coast as an authentic street food delight When it [...]

14
Feb
Wine with food: Tortelloni di Magro in sage butter alongside a glass of Pignoletto white wine.
Tortelloni di Magro (large dumplings with ricotta and spinach in sage butter)

The fine vegetarian pasta art of Emilia-Romagna for connoisseurs If you are looking for the [...]

14
Feb
Wine with the meal: Tagliatelle al Ragù with meat sauce alongside a glass of Gutturnio red wine.
Tagliatelle al ragù (egg pasta with original meat ragout)

The authentic soul of Bologna on a plate for true gourmets If you are looking [...]

14
Feb
Wine with the meal: Layered lasagne verde alla Bolognese alongside a glass of Sangiovese red wine.
Lasagne Verde alla Bolognese (green pasta with ragù and béchamel)

The timeless epitome of Emilian hospitality and pasta art If you are looking for the [...]

13
Feb
Wine with food: Tortellini in brodo in clear broth alongside a glass of Lambrusco di Sorbara.
Tortellini in brodo (hand-filled meat pasta in clear broth)

A heart-warming piece of Emilian culinary culture for festive moments When it comes to finding [...]

13
Feb

Latest food recommendations with wines from Emilia-Romagna

Strawberry and rocket salad with goat's cheese and balsamic reduction on a white plate, Crémant d'Alsace sparkling wine flute, spring-like outdoor setting
Strawberry and rocket salad with goat’s cheese and balsamic reduction

Spring on a plate – fresh, sweet, spicy, creamy If you are looking for wine [...]

05
May
Wine with food: Dark spiced chocolate cake Pampepato alongside a glass of Sangiovese Passito wine.
Pampepato di Ferrara (dark, spicy chocolate cake)

A monumental festive pastry from the heart of the Italian Renaissance If you are looking [...]

19
Feb
Wine with the meal: Zuppa Inglese layered dessert alongside a glass of Albana Passito sweet wine.
Zuppa Inglese (traditional layered dessert with Alchermes)

The sweet seduction of Emilia-Romagna between sponge cake and liqueur tradition If you are looking [...]

19
Feb
Wine with food: Tender Culatello ham with butter curls next to a glass of Malvasia white wine.
Culatello di Zibello (The most exclusive ham with curly butter)

The aristocratic jewel of the Po Valley for discerning gourmets If you are looking for [...]

19
Feb
Wine with the meal: Mixed meat platter Bollito Misto alongside a glass of Sangiovese red wine.
Bollito Misto (mixed boiled meat with salsa verde and mostarda)

The royal art of cooking as a northern Italian table ceremony When it comes to [...]

18
Feb
Wine with food: Pumpkin pasta cappellacci alongside a glass of Albana white wine.
Cappellacci di Zucca (pumpkin dumplings from Ferrara with sage butter)

The culinary jewel of the Renaissance city of Ferrara If you are looking for the [...]

18
Feb
Wine with the meal: Pisarei e Faso bean dumplings alongside a glass of Gutturnio red wine.
Pisarei e Faśö (flour and bread dumplings with beans)

The hearty soul of rural cuisine from Piacenza If you are looking for the perfect [...]

18
Feb
Wine with the meal: Rich Brodetto fish soup alongside a glass of Pagadebit white wine.
Brodetto di Pesce (rich fish soup from the Adriatic coast)

A maritime masterpiece from the coastal towns of Cesenatico and Rimini If you are looking [...]

17
Feb
Wine with food: Marinated eel with laurel alongside a glass of Fortana red wine.
Anguilla Marinata (marinated eel from the Valli di Comacchio)

A maritime delicacy between the canals of the Adriatic coast and ancient tradition If you [...]

17
Feb
Wine with the meal: Warm tigelle with cunza alongside a glass of Lambrusco red wine.
Tigelle (crescentine with herb lard filling)

The convivial pan-fried pastry from the Apennines for authentic moments of pleasure If you are [...]

17
Feb
Wine with the meal: Salama da Sugo on mashed potatoes alongside a glass of Fortana red wine.
Salama da Sugo (spicy sausage specialty from Ferrara)

The archaic taste miracle of Renaissance cuisine for connoisseurs If you are looking for the [...]

16
Feb
Wine with the meal: Zampone slices on lentils next to a glass of Lambrusco red wine.
Zampone e Lenticchie (stuffed pig’s trotter with lentils)

The splendid tradition of Emilia-Romagna for a happy new year When it comes to the [...]

16
Feb
Wine with food: Hearty Erbazzone vegetable pie alongside a glass of Lambrusco red wine.
Erbazzone (savory chard and spinach cake with bacon and cheese)

The rustic specialty from Reggio Emilia for hearty moments of pleasure If you are looking [...]

16
Feb
Wine with food: Deep-fried gnocco fritto with cold cuts alongside a glass of Lambrusco white wine.
Gnocco Fritto (lard-fried pastry pillows with the finest cold cuts)

The crispy gold of Emilia-Romagna as a convivial prelude If you are looking for the [...]

15
Feb
Wine with the meal: Passatelli in brodo in a strong broth alongside a glass of Albana white wine.
Passatelli in brodo (bread dough pasta in strong meat broth)

A rustic classic from the Emilian soul for cold days If you are looking for [...]

15
Feb
Wine with food: Cotoletta alla Bolognese with melted cheese alongside a glass of Lambrusco red wine.
Cotoletta alla Bolognese (veal cutlet with Parma ham and cheese)

The magnificent culmination of Bolognese meat cuisine between tradition and opulence If you’re looking for [...]

15
Feb
Wine with food: Stuffed Piadina Romagnola next to a glass of Sangiovese red wine.
Piadina Romagnola (flatbread with squacquerone, rocket and Parma ham)

The culinary landmark of the Adriatic coast as an authentic street food delight When it [...]

14
Feb
Wine with food: Tortelloni di Magro in sage butter alongside a glass of Pignoletto white wine.
Tortelloni di Magro (large dumplings with ricotta and spinach in sage butter)

The fine vegetarian pasta art of Emilia-Romagna for connoisseurs If you are looking for the [...]

14
Feb
Wine with the meal: Tagliatelle al Ragù with meat sauce alongside a glass of Gutturnio red wine.
Tagliatelle al ragù (egg pasta with original meat ragout)

The authentic soul of Bologna on a plate for true gourmets If you are looking [...]

14
Feb
Wine with the meal: Layered lasagne verde alla Bolognese alongside a glass of Sangiovese red wine.
Lasagne Verde alla Bolognese (green pasta with ragù and béchamel)

The timeless epitome of Emilian hospitality and pasta art If you are looking for the [...]

13
Feb
Wine with food: Tortellini in brodo in clear broth alongside a glass of Lambrusco di Sorbara.
Tortellini in brodo (hand-filled meat pasta in clear broth)

A heart-warming piece of Emilian culinary culture for festive moments When it comes to finding [...]

13
Feb
Wine with the meal: Hearty pap with spicy chakalaka and a glass of South African Chenin Blanc.
Pap with chakalaka (corn porridge & spicy vegetable sauce)

Discover the culinary soul of South Africa The search for the ideal wine to pair [...]

18
Jan
Wine with food - lentil and mushroom Bolognese with herbs and pecorino on a rustic wooden table with a Chianti glass
Lentil and mushroom Bolognese with herbs & pecorino

Hearty, aromatic and surprisingly elegant A great example of how wine and food can work [...]

01
Nov
Wine with food Baked camembert with wild berries, nuts, mushroom salad and pet nat in an autumnal setting
Baked camembert with wild berries, nuts & mushroom salad

Elegant autumn cuisine with creamy cheese and fruity, hearty flavors Wine with food means finding [...]

03
Oct