Top 10 Wine Pairings With Italian Cuisine for elegant waterfront dining in Sydney
In Italy, wine is an inseparable part of the meal, a thread woven into the very fabric of daily life and celebration. Food and wine have grown up together for centuries, each shaping the other across the country’s diverse regions. This beautiful marriage of flavours is something we cherish at Ecco. A great wine elevates a dish, creating a conversation between the ingredients on the plate and the history in the glass. This experience becomes truly unforgettable when set against the backdrop of Sydney’s spectacular harbour.
Waterfront dining in sydney is a sensory immersion. The gentle sounds of the water and the fresh sea breeze create a unique tranquillity, a perfect escape that feels both luxurious and wonderfully relaxed. To help you navigate this delightful world, we’ve chosen ten exceptional Italian wines from our collection. Each one tells a story of its homeland and offers a perfect pairing for an elegant waterfront meal.
1. NV Bianca Vigna Prosecco, Veneto
Nothing says celebrazione quite like the cheerful pop of a Prosecco cork. Hailing from Veneto in north-eastern Italy, Prosecco has a history rooted in village life and festive gatherings. Bianca Vigna’s expression is a brilliant example of why this sparkling wine is adored worldwide. It greets you with a fine, persistent effervescence and bright notes of green apple, pear, and delicate white flowers. Its crisp, clean finish awakens the palate, making it a flawless beginning to any meal.
This Prosecco is the ideal partner for a classic antipasti platter. Imagine sipping a chilled glass as you enjoy paper-thin slices of prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil. The wine’s acidity and bubbles cut through the richness of cured meats and cheeses, cleansing your palate and preparing it for the courses to come. It’s no wonder Italian hosts almost always offer a glass of Prosecco to welcome their guests; it’s an instant invitation to relax and enjoy the moment.
2. 2023 Contesa Pecorino, Abruzzo
Pecorino is a fascinating grape with a story of rediscovery. Once thought to be lost, this ancient varietal was found again in Abruzzo and has since been revived by passionate winemakers. The Contesa Pecorino is a testament to this revival, offering a wine that is both complex and wonderfully refreshing. It presents a distinct mineral-driven character, with lively notes of grapefruit zest, white peach, and a subtle salinity that speaks of Italy’s Adriatic coast.
This wine’s crispness and slight saline quality make it a natural match for fresh seafood. Paired with a plate of freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, the Pecorino’s citrus notes act like a squeeze of lemon, while its minerality enhances the oysters’ natural brininess. It’s equally brilliant with grilled calamari, where its acidity cuts through the char and elevates the delicate flavour of the seafood. It truly is a perfect reflection of coastal dining traditions, connecting the shores of Abruzzo with the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour.
3. 2022 Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige
Few wines have captured the world’s imagination like Pinot Grigio, and Santa Margherita is largely responsible for its global fame. Originating from the mountainous region of Alto Adige, this wine set the standard for what a classic Italian Pinot Grigio should be. Clean, crisp, and effortlessly elegant. Its pale straw hue hints at the delicate aromas of golden apple, citrus, and a hint of fresh pear. On the palate, it is light-bodied and dry with a zesty acidity that makes it incredibly food-friendly.
This wine’s refreshing character shines brightest alongside dishes that share its vibrancy. A elegant pasta with a zesty lemon and butter sauce or a classic spaghetti al pesto finds its perfect counterpart in Santa Margherita’s Pinot Grigio. The wine’s acidity complements the lemon and cuts through the richness of the pesto, really pulling out the fresh basil without overpowering it. Wine experts often praise its "universal appeal," noting that its clean profile makes it a reliable and delightful choice for spring and summer dining.
4. 2023 Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige
While also from Alto Adige, the Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio offers a different, more textural expression of the grape. Alois Lageder is a pioneer of biodynamic winemaking in Italy, and this commitment to holistic, sustainable agriculture is reflected in the wine’s depth and character. This Pinot Grigio has a fuller body than many of its counterparts, with notes of ripe pear, almond, and a distinct stony minerality. It has a beautiful weight on the palate, balanced by that signature crisp acidity.
This added complexity makes it a superb partner for richer, more savoury dishes. A creamy mushroom risotto, for example, is transformed when paired with this wine. Alois Lageder’s crispness cuts through the creaminess of the Arborio rice and Parmesan, while its pear and almond notes beautifully complement the earthy flavour of the mushrooms. The practices used in the vineyard are said to increase the wine’s vitality and ability to express its terroir, resulting in a pairing that feels deeply connected and harmonious.
5. 2022 Poliziano Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, Toscana
Just saying the word "Chianti" conjures images of the sun-drenched Tuscan countryside. This iconic wine, rooted around Siena, is the heart and soul of Italian red wine for many. The Poliziano Chianti Colli Senesi is a beautiful representation of the Sangiovese grape, offering bright cherry and raspberry flavours, layered with subtle notes of dried herbs, violet, and a touch of earth. Its lively acidity and fine, rustic tannins make it a wonderfully versatile food wine.
The timeless rule of "what grows together, goes together" is no more apt than with Chianti and tomato-based dishes. Its vibrant acidity mirrors that of ripe tomatoes, creating a seamless pairing with classics like a simple pizza Margherita or a fresh Caprese salad. The wine’s herbal notes echo the oregano and basil in the sauce, while its tannins provide just enough structure to stand up to the richness of melted mozzarella. It’s a pairing that feels both classic and utterly comforting.
6. 2021 Bruno Rocca Nebbiolo Fralu, Piemonte
From the prestigious hills of Barbaresco in Piemonte comes Nebbiolo, a grape responsible for some of Italy’s most revered and age-worthy wines. The Bruno Rocca Fralu is an elegant and approachable expression of this noble variety. Deceptively light in colour, it unfolds with a powerful bouquet of rose petals, cherry, liquorice, and a hint of tar. On the palate, it reveals firm, structured tannins and a long, persistent finish.
Nebbiolo’s robust structure and complex aromatics demand a dish of equal stature. It finds its ultimate match in slow-braised meats like Osso Buco alla Milanese. The wine’s tannins slice through the richness of the veal shank and marrow, cleansing the palate with each sip. At the same time, its floral and earthy notes complement the savoury depth of the dish, creating a dining experience that is profound and deeply satisfying. Sommeliers rightly celebrate Nebbiolo for this incredible complexity, which allows it to transform a meal into a memorable event.
7. 2018 Masi Costasera Amarone, Veneto
Amarone della Valpolicella is a wine born of patience and tradition. It is crafted in Veneto using the ancient technique of appassimento, where grapes are dried on bamboo racks for months to concentrate their sugars and flavours before fermentation. The result, as showcased by Masi’s Costasera, is a wine of incredible richness and intensity. It is full-bodied and velvety, with powerful notes of baked cherry, plum jam, dark chocolate, and warm spice.
This luxurious profile makes Amarone the perfect partner for intensely flavoured and opulent dishes. A slow-cooked Lamb Ragu with fresh Pappardelle is an exceptional pairing. The wine’s concentrated fruit and velvety texture envelop the rich, savoury notes of the lamb, while its underlying structure prevents the dish from feeling heavy. It’s a decadent and warming combination, ideal for a special occasion or a cool evening overlooking the harbour. Winemakers and critics alike praise Amarone for its unique ability to be both powerful and elegantly balanced.
8. 2022 Unda Benta Luna Vermentino di Sardegna
The island of Sardinia produces wines with a unique personality, shaped by the relentless sun and constant Mediterranean breezes. Vermentino is its star white grape, and the Unda Benta Luna is a stunning example of its coastal character. This wine is bursting with freshness, offering vibrant aromas of green apple, lime, and white flowers, underscored by a distinct saline minerality and a hint of bitter almond on the finish. It’s like a refreshing sea spray in a glass.
This Vermentino’s zesty, saline qualities make it an outstanding companion for seafood, particularly dishes with a bit of spice. Paired with a spicy seafood linguine tossed with prawns, clams, and a touch of chilli, the wine works magic. Its crisp acidity and citrus notes cool the heat of the chilli, while its minerality elevates the fresh flavours of the seafood. Sardinian winemakers often speak of their Vermentino as capturing the essence of the island, and this pairing brings that coastal spirit directly to your table.
9. 2022 Monte Tondo Valpolicella DOC, Verona
Often overshadowed by its bigger sibling, Amarone, Valpolicella Classico is a charming red near Verona. Made primarily from the Corvina grape, it is light-to-medium-bodied, bright, and juicy. The Monte Tondo Valpolicella is brimming with flavours of fresh red cherries, raspberries, and a hint of spice. With its soft tannins and lively acidity, it’s an incredibly easy-drinking wine that’s made for the table.
This is the kind of wine you’ll find on almost every table in a Veronese trattoria, enjoyed with a wide range of hearty comfort foods. It’s a perfect match for classics like a traditional lasagna or veal parmigiana. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce, while its fresh cherry fruit complements the savoury meat. It’s an unpretentious yet delicious pairing that embodies the warm, generous spirit of everyday Italian dining.
10. 2025 Borgo Maragliano La Caliera Moscato d’Asti, Piemonte
To conclude a great Italian meal, something a little sweet is often in order. Moscato d’Asti, from the Piemonte region, is a festive and joyful wine that is perfect for dessert or celebration. The 2025 Borgo Maragliano La Caliera is lightly sparkling (frizzante) and delightfully aromatic, with intoxicating notes of ripe peach, apricot, honeysuckle, and fresh grapes. It is sweet but beautifully balanced by refreshing acidity, and its low alcohol content makes it a light and uplifting finisher.
This Moscato is a heavenly match for a wide range of desserts. It pairs beautifully with a creamy panna cotta or a classic tiramisu. The wine’s gentle fizz and bright fruit cut through the richness of the cream and mascarpone, while its sweetness complements the dessert without being overwhelming. Italian dessert chefs adore Moscato d’Asti because it cleanses the palate and ends the meal on a high, celebratory note, leaving you with a smile.
A Wine-First Journey with Watefront Dining in Sydney
Each of these wines offers a unique journey through Italy’s rich culinary landscape, and when paired thoughtfully, they transform an excellent meal into an extraordinary one. At Ecco, we believe that exploring these pairings is one of the greatest joys of Italian dining. Our wine list is more than just a collection of bottles; it’s a carefully curated selection designed to enhance the authentic, seasonal flavours crafted in our kitchen.
We see ourselves as a destination for anyone who appreciates the beautiful synergy between food and wine. Whether you are a seasoned aficionado or simply curious to discover something new, our team is here to guide you. We invite you to join us for unparalleled waterfront dining in Sydney, to experience for yourself how the perfect wine, paired with a delicious meal and an unbeatable view, can create a truly special memory.
We invite you to book a table and discover your new favourite pairing or enquire about our upcoming wine-tasting events for a deeper dive into the world of Italian viticulture.
