Carbonara is a simple, yet amazing dish. It’s easy to make, yet has a world of complexity to it and deserves the best wine pairing. With this in mind, we thought we’d prepare the best wine and Carbonara pairing, and share it with you!
Take a look at our video, recipe and Catarratto crash course below!
WATCH
INGREDIENTS & METHOD
Here at The Grape Kitchen we’re all for chopping and changing. Some Carbonara enthusiasts may dispute the authenticity of our Carbonara, due to the ingredients we used. However, we still consider this dish Carbonara or at least Carbonara style. So as always we say feel free to experiment and do it to your preferred taste!
Ingredients
5 bunches of fresh Tagliatelle (or Spaghetti if you want to be completely traditional)
30 month aged Parmigiano-Reggiano (Pecorino if you want to be completely traditional)
1 x Pack diced Pancetta (Guanciale if you want to be completely traditional)
1 x Free range egg
Extra virgin Olive Oil
Black pepper
Serves two people – Adjust Accordingly
Method
- Add water to saucepan, add a few twists of salt to the water and let it slowly to come to the boil
- Take your frying pan, put it on a low-medium heat. When hot, add olive oil. Wait a minute or so, then add pancetta
- When pancetta is starting to brown/crisp add the fresh pasta to the simmering water for two mins (If you’re using dried pasta then you’ll want to allow 10-12 mins, so put it in the water at the same time as the pancetta)
- While the pasta is in the water pour yourself a glass of Dea Del Mare Catarratto Pinot Grigio
- Drink some of the Dea Del Mare Catarratto Pinot Grigio. You need to make sure that it’s going to make a good Carbonara pairing after all.
- After two minutes, combine the pasta and pancetta, along with some of the pasta water
- Stir together and grate a generous amount of the Parmigiano-Reggiano into the mix, along with black pepper to your taste
- Stir all ingredients together until the water has reduced and cheese melted
- TAKE OFF THE HEAT! We can’t stress this enough. We’re about to add the egg but you need to let the food rest for at least one minute to avoid getting scrambled eggs
- Add the egg and more Parmigiano-Reggiano, stir in so it coats the whole dish.
- Garnish with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional, but since when has more cheese been a bad thing?)
CATARRATTO CRASH COURSE
This is Sicily’s most planted grape variety, however if you haven’t heard of it before then don’t worry! The Grape Kitchen is here to help with our Catarratto crash course.
What is Catarratto?
Catarratto is a white/green grape that produces medium-bodied white wines. It is often used in blends and has seen a decline in production in recent years. However, a number of producers have reduced yields and made some wonderful single varietal Catarrattos of great quality.
Where is Catarrato Grown?
Sicily. It’s cultivated all over the Island and as mentioned, it is Sicily’s most planted grape. It’s pretty much exclusive to Sicily and is among many regional/indigenous grape varieties like Inzolia, Grillo and Nero d’Avola that give Sicilian wine it’s unique and distinct characteristics.
What Does Catarratto Wine Taste Like?
Fresh. It produces simple and easy drinking wine. It’s high in acidity and normally expresses quite simple aromas of lemon, apple, and floral blossom. The Catarratto that we paired with the Carbonara was blended with Pinot Grigio so this was a truly citrussy, acidic and refreshing white wine.
Can Catarratto be Aged?
Not extensively. As mentioned, there are producers making great quality Catarratto but in general it is meant to be consumed young when it is at its most fruity and expressive. It will usually age for up to three years.
Well that was our Catarratto and Carbonara pairing recipe. Let us know what you thought! Also, don’t forget….
The Grape Kitchen is an independent online wine shop, specialising in great wines at affordable prices. Wine and food are our lives and we pride ourselves on great wine, great pairings and great customer service.
We offer free nationwide delivery on orders above £90, or £7.50 if under. Residents of South Yorkshire get free same working day delivery on orders placed before 2pm! All you need to do is use the code SYorks21
