Parmigiano Reggiano is a symbol of Italian culinary heritage, admired worldwide for its distinctive flavour and centuries-old cheesemaking tradition. The “King of Cheeses” enhances any dish, yet it can also be enjoyed on its own — in shavings or cubes — to savour its full complexity. Like any fine food, however, it truly shines when paired with a drink capable of highlighting its many nuances and aromas, namely wine.
Choosing the right wine to pair with Parmigiano Reggiano means finding a balance of textures and sensations that complement each other. In this guide from Caseificio Milanello, you’ll discover the best pairings to take you on a journey through flavours and aromas, turning every bite into a memorable experience.
General rules for pairing wine and Parmigiano Reggiano
When it comes to wines that pair well with Parmigiano Reggiano, there’s no absolute rule — but there are reliable principles that help you find the ideal match.
The first factor to consider is ageing: a young Parmigiano has a delicate, milky taste, while an extra-aged cheese is far more complex, savoury and crumbly. The second factor is the wine structure: a light-bodied wine risks disappearing next to an intense cheese, while an overly tannic one may overpower a young Parmigiano.
The key is always balance between aromas, texture and intensity:
- White wines and sparkling wines: fresh and lively, perfect for young and delicate Parmigiano. Their acidity cleanses the palate and enhances the cheese’s milky notes.
- Light or medium-bodied red wines: ideal for medium-aged Parmigiano, as they complement its savouriness without masking it.
- Full-bodied red wines and sweet meditation wines: the perfect match for aged Parmigiano, whose aromatic richness can stand up to the depth and structure of these wines.
A common mistake? Serving a bold, tannic red wine with a young Parmigiano — the wine will overpower its delicate flavour. Similarly, a light white wine would lack presence in combination with a 36-month cheese. The rule of thumb is simple: the more mature the Parmigiano, the more structured and intense the wine should be.
Caseificio Milanello wines to pair with Parmigiano Reggiano
As mentioned above, the ageing period has the greatest influence on the flavour of Parmigiano Reggiano. From young, mild wedges to strong, mature ones, each requires a specific type of wine to
Here’s how to choose the best match from the product selection available in our shop.
Which wine to pair with young Parmigiano Reggiano
Our 13-month Parmigiano Reggiano offers a delicate flavour with buttery, milky notes and a soft texture. It’s the ideal cheese for those who appreciate gentler tastes and enjoy it in cubes or in fresh salads. The best pairings are fresh, sparkling wines with lively, floral aromas and bright acidity that enhance the subtle sweetness of the cheese.
From our catalogue, we recommend Spergolino and Lambrusco L’Incontro.
The right wine for medium-aged Parmigiano Reggiano
At this stage, Parmigiano reaches the perfect balance: it is versatile, ideal for any occasion (as for a lunch or dinner party), and excellent when served in shavings or as a seasoning for first courses. Recommended wines should accompany its savoury flavour without dominating, offering fruity notes, moderate body and the right blend of structure and acidity.
Among our most popular Lambrusco selections, we suggest Concerto, Oro, and Ottocentonero. For those looking for something more distinctive to accompany our 27-month Parmigiano, Spumante Spergola offers a refined, complex alternative with great freshness and minerality.
The ideal wine for aged Parmigiano Reggiano
Beyond 36 months, Parmigiano Reggiano becomes a true sensory experience thanks to its pronounced granular texture, tyrosine crystals and rich, lingering aroma. It’s a cheese made for meditation — perfect for tasting sessions or as a “savoury dessert” at the end of a meal. In this case, the cheese’s aromatic power should match the wine’s depth in a perfect harmony of intensity and elegance.
From our product range, we recommend two types of Lambrusco, Lambrusco Oro and Lambrusco Ottocentonero, as for the wines to pair with Parmigiano Reggiano. The former offers fruity aromas and a balanced mix of body and acidity, while the latter has greater structure, a dry palate and an intense finish. If you prefer a touch of minerality and refined complexity, Spumante Spergola is an excellent alternative that pairs beautifully with mature cheeses.
Table etiquette: how to pair wines with Parmigiano Reggiano
The King of Cheeses can be used to prepare several recipes, such as appetisers, main courses or even desserts. Choosing the right wine according to the moment in which Parmigiano Reggiano is savoured is essential for the perfect experience.
During an aperitif or when the cheese is served as a starter, sparkling and lively wines are ideal, creating a light and friendly start to the meal. At
Il Parmigiano Reggiano è un formaggio capace di regalare emozioni diverse a seconda della stagionatura e dell’occasione in cui viene servito. Abbinarlo al vino giusto significa esaltarne le caratteristiche, trovare l’equilibrio tra freschezza e intensità , e trasformare ogni assaggio in un momento speciale.
Ora non resta che sperimentare: scopri la selezione di Parmigiano Reggiano e i vini disponibili sullo shop del Caseificio Milanello e crea i tuoi abbinamenti ideali per rendere ogni pasto un’esperienza indimenticabile.
