Spaghetti in red wine , also known as “spaghetti all’ubriaco”, is a traditional Italian dish whose origin is rooted in the region of Tuscany. The history of this dish is linked to the tradition of cooking pasta with wine, creating a dish with a unique and characteristic flavor.
History
The use of wine in the preparation of pasta dishes has ancient roots and dates back to Roman times. During Roman times, wine was often used as an ingredient to cook foods and to give them a distinctive flavor.
Spaghetti with red wine , in their modern version, are mainly associated with Tuscan cuisine. In Tuscany, particularly in the Siena area, local red wine, such as Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino, is used to cook pasta, giving it an intense red color and a rich flavor.
The preparation of spaghetti in red wine involves cooking pasta in a sauce prepared with red wine, garlic, olive oil, chili pepper and sometimes tomatoes. The pasta absorbs the flavor of the wine during cooking, creating a dish with a distinctive character and a slight wine aftertaste.
In recent years, spaghetti in red wine has gained popularity outside of Tuscany and has become a popular dish in different parts of Italy and even abroad. The variations of the recipe may vary slightly from one region to another, but the basis remains the pasta cooked in red wine.
Spaghetti in red wine is an example of how Italian cuisine has been able to exploit the use of wine as an ingredient to create dishes with unique and tasty characteristics. The combination of pasta and wine, two fundamental elements of Italian cuisine, creates a particular taste experience that recalls the tradition and authenticity of Italian gastronomy.
Spaghetti in red wine is a rich and tasty dish, perfect for special dinners or for a romantic occasion. Here is the recipe to prepare spaghetti in red wine:
Ingredients for 4 people:
- 400 g spaghetti
- 1 bottle of red wine (preferably a full-bodied wine like Chianti)
- 1 red onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 400 g peeled tomatoes
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- salt and pepper to taste
- grated Parmesan cheese to serve
Procedure:
- In a saucepan, brown the chopped onion and the crushed garlic cloves in extra virgin olive oil until golden brown.
- Add the peeled tomatoes to the saucepan, chopping them with a fork. Add the fresh rosemary and cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- Pour the red wine into the saucepan and cook over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, until the wine has been reduced to half.
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water until they are al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and add them to the casserole with the red wine sauce. Mix the spaghetti well with the sauce and cook for a couple of minutes over medium heat, until the spaghetti have absorbed all the sauce.
- Serve the spaghetti in red wine, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a fresh rosemary leaf.
Wine pairing
Spaghetti in red wine can be paired with different types of wine that go well with the rich and intense flavor of the dish. Here are some pairing tips:
- Tuscan red wine: Since spaghetti in red wine has Tuscan origins, a great pairing choice is a red wine from Tuscany. You can consider wines such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. These wines have a good structure and a red fruit profile that harmonizes well with the flavor and acidity of the dish.
- Italian red wine: In addition to Tuscan wines, there are other Italian options that are well suited to spaghetti in red wine. For example, you can try a Barbera from Piedmont, an Aglianico from Southern Italy or a Valpolicella from the Veneto region. These wines offer good acidity, soft tannins and a variety of aromas that blend with the flavors of the dish.
- Medium-bodied red wine: If you prefer a medium-bodied red wine that is not too tannic or structured, you can opt for a Pinot Noir from South Tyrol or a Merlot. These wines offer a softness and delicacy that integrate well with spaghetti in red wine.
- Light red wine: If you prefer a lighter and fruitier red wine, you can consider a wine like Dolcetto or Bardolino. These wines have a fresh and fruity character that goes well with the lightness of the flavors of spaghetti in red wine.
Remember that wine-food pairing is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Explore and experiment with different combinations to find the match that suits your tastes and preferences.