Help with wine pairings.. Shells with which wine?

Question

I'm more and more getting into wine. I am having a few friends over for dinner and serving Shells, stuffed with roccotta and other cheeses on and smothered with a slightly sweet tomato sauce.

My wine collection is rather small and of course my guests can request other wines..but what wines would go best with this meal.

Please, if your expertise does not go beyond "red wine"... do not answer.

Thanks

Answer 1

I would serve Barbera or Sangiovese.

Barbera is often used as a blending grape. As a varietal it can exhibit aromas of berries, plums, or cherries with hints of vanilla, toasty, or smoky flavors.  Tomato based pasta dishes are perfect matches to serve with this type of wine.  Barbera is an Italian red wine. However, California is producing some wonderful Barbera.

Sangiovese is a medium bodied dry red wine with earthy aromas and berry, plum, spicy, or floral flavors. It has a smooth texture. Sangiovese is the main grape used to produce Italian Chianti.  Sangiovese goes especially well with pasta and other Italian foods.  Sangiovese grapes is one of the types of wines that came from the Tuscany region of Italy. California is making some delicious Sangiovese as well.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

pinot noir is my favorite red, it is a little smoother than a lot of your cabernets and merlots. i don't know much about italian wine. my advice is to pick a liquor store you like and give them all your business. they will be happy to help you. just tell them what you want to spend