Pairing Wine With Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom Risotto is a delicious Italian dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. This creamy and indulgent rice-based creation combines arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich blend of onions, garlic, white wine, and vegetable broth. The rice is slowly cooked to perfection, allowing it to absorb the flavorful broth while releasing its natural starch, resulting in a velvety and luscious texture.

The star of the dish, earthy and tender mushrooms, infuse every bite with a rich umami flavor. Finished with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, mushroom risotto delivers a harmonious blend of taste and texture that is sure to please. The best wines to pair with mushroom risotto are those that complement its earthy, savory flavors without overpowering the dish.

Light bodied reds with earthy notes will make a wonderful match, while full-bodied, oaky whites bring a lovely contrast to the creamy texture, but won’t be overpowered by the meaty mushrooms.

Wine Flavors To Pair With Mushroom Risotto

White Wine Characteristics
Characteristic	Detail
Acidity	Medium – High
Tannins	Low
Fruitiness	Medium – high
Spiciness	Low
Body	Medium – Full

Red Wine Characteristics
Characteristic	Detail
Acidity	Medium – High
Tannins	Low
Fruitiness	Medium – high
Spiciness	Low
Body	Light – Medium

Best Red Wine To Pair With Mushroom Risotto

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is an excellent pairing choice. The wine is fruit-forward and earthy, with hints of mushroom making it a perfect complement to the dish.

Barolo

Barolo is another lovely red with hints of mushroom on the palate. It is full bodied, but its fruity notes and floral aromatics make it ideal for rich dishes like risotto.

Merlot

The ripe fruit flavors and soft texture of Merlot balance the creamy richness of the risotto and the umami flavors of the mushroom.

Barbera

This wine’s acidity and light tannins, along with its red fruit flavor complement the creaminess of the risotto while bringing balance to the savory mushrooms.

Sangiovese

An Italian wine for an Italian dish, Sangiovese has cherry and berry notes with hints of spice and herbs that work well with the savory profile of mushroom risotto.

Best White Wine To Pair With Mushroom Risotto

Chardonnay

The creamy, buttery quality of an oaked Chardonnay pairs well with risotto’s texture, and the flavors of apple and citrus contrast nicely with the mushrooms.

Pinot Gris

This acidic white will act as a palate cleanser between bites, cutting through the richness of the dish, while the delicate fruit flavors will complement, not overpower the risotto’s savory qualities.

Viognier

The rich, oaked version of this full bodied white has stone fruit flavors and subtle aromas of smoke and vanilla. It would provide an interesting contrast to mushroom risotto that is sure to intrigue.

Albariño Albariño is a Spanish white with vibrant acidity, a hint of salinity, and stone fruit flavors, making it a delightful contrast to this rich, savory dish.