Culinary declaration of love with fresh citrus notes and nutty butter
If you are looking for the ideal wine to accompany a romantic dinner, these heart-shaped ravioli are an excellent choice. The fine balance of creamy ricotta and ethereal sage makes the interplay between wine and food a special experience. These handmade dumplings captivate with their delicate filling, which is given an invigorating lightness by fresh lemon zest. The sage butter coats the pasta with a nutty sheen and provides a spicy depth that harmonizes perfectly with the delicate pasta dough. It is a dish that combines craftsmanship and attention to detail, making it the perfect choice for special occasions. The combination of the mildness of the cheese and the freshness of the lemon calls for an accompaniment that supports these nuances without overwhelming them with too much strength. Such a fine pasta dish impressively demonstrates how a few high-quality ingredients in the right combination can develop a brilliant flavor that lingers long in the memory and gently caresses the palate.
Ideal wine accompaniment: Pinot Blanc Pfalz QbA (Pfalz, Germany)
A delicate Pinot Blanc from the Palatinate is the ideal partner for heart-shaped ravioli with a ricotta and lemon filling. This wine is characterized by its subtle acidity and elegant structure, which harmonizes perfectly with the creamy texture of the ricotta filling. On the nose, Pinot Blanc often develops delicate aromas of white pear, yellow apple and a hint of citrus fruit, which wonderfully underlines the freshness of the lemon zest in the pasta. As the sage butter has a certain fatty structure, the dish requires a wine with sufficient melting properties to create a harmonious mouthfeel. The mineral notes that are often found in quality Palatinate wines also give the dish a fine depth. A Pinot Blanc never pushes itself to the fore, but acts as a charming companion, skillfully framing the essential oils of the sage and the nutty nuances of the browned butter. It is a pairing that focuses on elegance and subtlety and ensures that the fine flavor nuances of the handmade pasta come into their own with every sip, perfectly rounding off the culinary experience.
More wine recommendations for Heart ravioli with ricotta and lemon filling in sage butter
Soave Classico DOC (Veneto, Italy)
A Soave Classico made from the Garganega grape offers a wonderful floral aroma and a fine almond note on the finish, which goes excellently with the nutty sage butter. The moderate acidity and mineral freshness of this Italian classic support the ricotta filling in a very pleasant way. The wine is very balanced on the palate and has a lightness that perfectly complements the character of the fresh pasta. The subtle notes of white flowers in particular harmonize wonderfully with the lemon aroma of the filling and ensure a very harmonious and Mediterranean taste experience that underlines the Italian soul of this recipe.
Lugana DOC (Lombardy, Italy)
A Lugana from Lake Garda is known for its structure and lively fruit, often reminiscent of ripe apricots and citrus fruits. This characteristic makes it an excellent accompaniment to the lemony notes of ravioli. The wine has enough body to stand up to the intensity of the sage butter, but always remains elegant and fresh. Its mineral vein adds tension to the pairing and ensures that the combination of creamy filling and spicy butter never seems too heavy. It is a very popular choice for pasta dishes with light sauces, as it takes the freshness of the dish to a new level.
Grüner Veltliner Kamptal DAC (Kamptal, Austria)
A Grüner Veltliner from the Kamptal brings the typical pepper and a fine herbal spiciness, which corresponds phenomenally with the fresh sage in the dish. The tangy acidity and the aromas of green apple give the ravioli an additional dynamic and ideally refresh the palate after the rich butter. This wine is a very lively partner that brings out the earthy and ethereal components of sage. It offers an exciting alternative for anyone who prefers a slightly spicier pairing without disturbing the fine balance of the ricotta and lemon filling, and ensures a long-lasting and refreshing finish.
Chardonnay Napa Valley AVA (California, USA)
A Chardonnay from Napa Valley is an interesting choice for a rather opulent wine pairing. The wine develops buttery and nutty aromas due to its subtle wood maturation, which surround the sage butter like a mirror image. The ripe fruit notes of melon and peach form an exciting contrast to the acidity of the lemon. Despite its strength, a high-quality Chardonnay from the USA has a good structure that supports the creamy core of the ravioli. It is a luxurious combination that makes the dish appear very full-bodied and festive and is particularly appealing to lovers of full-bodied white wines who are looking for a harmonious combination of roasted aromas and fruit.
Silvaner Rheinhessen QbA (Rheinhessen, Germany)
A Silvaner from Rheinhessen is characterized by its fine earthiness and herbaceous nature, which builds a natural bridge to sage. The wine is generally low in acidity and very digestible, making it a gentle companion for ricotta filling. With its subtle notes of herbs and green fruit, it underlines the artisanal character of the fresh pasta. It is very honest and unobtrusive on the palate, allowing the lemon note of the dish to remain clearly in focus. It is a very down-to-earth yet sophisticated pairing that impresses with its calmness and perfect balance with the vegetable components of the recipe.
The recipe:

Heart ravioli with ricotta and lemon filling in sage butter
Cooking utensils
- 1 Pasta machine or rolling pin
- 1 Heart cookie cutter
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Pan
- 1 Bowl for the filling
Ingredients
- 200 g Pasta flour Tipo 00
- 2 Eggs Size M
- 250 g Ricotta
- 1 Organic lemon Abrasion
- 50 g Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 80 g Butter
- 1 bunch of fresh sage
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- A pinch of nutmeg
Preparation
PREPARATION:
- Knead a smooth pasta dough from the flour and eggs.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and leave to rest for 30 minutes.
- For the filling, mix the ricotta, lemon zest and Parmesan.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Wash the sage and pluck the leaves from the stalk.
COOKING STEPS:
- Roll out the pasta dough very thinly using a machine or rolling pin.
- Place small heaps of the filling on a pastry sheet, spacing them apart.
- Carefully place a second pastry sheet on top.
- Press firmly around the filling to avoid air bubbles.
- Cut out the ravioli with the heart cutter.
- Press the edges firmly together again if necessary.
- Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil.
- Allow the ravioli to simmer gently for approx. 3 to 4 minutes.
- In the meantime, melt the butter in a pan.
- Add the sage and brown the butter lightly.
DIRECTIONS:
- Lift the ravioli out of the water with a slotted spoon.
- Add directly to the sage butter in the pan.
- Toss carefully until all the ravioli are coated with butter.
- Serve on preheated plates.
- Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan and fresh pepper.
SUPPLEMENTS:
- Small tomato salad with pine nuts
- Grilled green asparagus
- Focaccia with rosemary

