Fra Diavolo, meaning “Brother Devil” in Italian, is a fiery, robust seafood pasta dish that demands a wine pairing equally bold and flavorful. Its spicy tomato sauce, typically featuring shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari, presents a complex challenge to wine selection. Choosing the wrong wine can result in a clash of flavors, leaving you with a less-than-satisfying culinary experience. But fear not, pairing the right red wine with fra diavolo is achievable, and the result can be a truly divine meal.
Understanding the Fra Diavolo Flavor Profile
Before diving into specific wine recommendations, it’s crucial to dissect the key characteristics of fra diavolo. The dish is defined by its intense spiciness, derived from chili peppers or red pepper flakes. The tomato sauce adds acidity and sweetness, while the seafood introduces salinity and a delicate briny flavor. The interplay of these elements dictates the type of red wine that will harmonize best with the dish.
The spice level is the most important factor. A wine too delicate will be overwhelmed, while a wine with aggressive tannins can exacerbate the heat, creating an unpleasant burning sensation. We need to find a wine that can stand up to the spice, complement the tomato, and enhance the seafood’s natural flavors.
Red Wine Characteristics to Consider
When selecting a red wine for fra diavolo, several factors should be considered:
- Body: A medium-bodied red wine is generally the best choice. Lighter-bodied wines may disappear against the robust sauce, while full-bodied wines can overpower the seafood.
- Acidity: Acidity in wine is critical for cutting through the richness of the tomato sauce and cleansing the palate between bites.
- Tannins: Tannins, the compounds that create a drying sensation in the mouth, should be moderate to low. High-tannin wines can clash with the spiciness and amplify the heat.
- Fruit Flavors: Look for wines with bright fruit flavors like cherry, raspberry, or plum, which can complement the sweetness of the tomato sauce and the savory notes of the seafood.
- Alcohol Level: High-alcohol wines can accentuate the spiciness, making the dish feel even hotter. Opt for wines with moderate alcohol levels (around 12.5% – 14%).
Ideal Red Wine Pairings for Fra Diavolo
Considering the above characteristics, several red wines emerge as excellent contenders for pairing with fra diavolo.
Sangiovese: The Italian Staple
Sangiovese, the primary grape of Chianti Classico and other Tuscan wines, is a classic choice for Italian cuisine. Its medium body, bright acidity, and cherry fruit flavors make it a fantastic match for tomato-based sauces. Look for a Chianti Classico with moderate tannins and earthy notes. The acidity will cut through the richness of the sauce, while the fruit flavors will complement the seafood.
A Rosso di Montepulciano is another excellent Sangiovese-based option. It is typically lighter and fruitier than Chianti Classico, making it a more approachable pairing for those sensitive to tannins.
Pinot Noir: Elegance and Versatility
Pinot Noir, known for its delicate fruit, earthy notes, and moderate tannins, can be a surprisingly good pairing for fra diavolo, especially if the dish isn’t excessively spicy. A Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Oregon, or California can offer a delightful counterpoint to the dish’s boldness. The wine’s bright acidity will cut through the sauce, while its red fruit flavors will enhance the seafood.
Choose a Pinot Noir with a lighter body and avoid those with overly oaky or jammy characteristics. The goal is to find a wine that complements the dish without overwhelming it.
Côtes du Rhône: A Southern Rhône Blend
Côtes du Rhône, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes from the Rhône Valley in France, offers a fruit-forward and spicy profile that can stand up to the heat of fra diavolo. These wines typically exhibit flavors of red and black fruit, along with notes of pepper and herbs, making them a harmonious match for the dish’s complex flavors.
The Grenache component contributes a juicy, fruity character, while the Syrah adds spice and structure. Look for a Côtes du Rhône with moderate tannins and a balanced acidity to avoid clashing with the spiciness of the dish.
Other Red Wine Options
While Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, and Côtes du Rhône are excellent choices, other red wines can also work well with fra diavolo, depending on the specific preparation and spice level.
- Dolcetto: This Italian red wine is known for its fruity and slightly bitter flavors, making it a good match for tomato-based dishes.
- Valpolicella: A light-bodied Italian red wine with bright cherry flavors, Valpolicella can be a refreshing pairing for a less spicy fra diavolo.
- Zinfandel: A California Zinfandel, with its jammy fruit flavors and smoky notes, can be a bolder pairing for a spicier fra diavolo. However, choose a Zinfandel with moderate alcohol levels to avoid exacerbating the heat.
Pairing Tips and Considerations
While the above recommendations provide a solid foundation, here are some additional tips to consider when pairing red wine with fra diavolo:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re concerned about finding a wine that can handle the spice, consider adjusting the amount of chili peppers or red pepper flakes in the dish. You can always add more spice later if needed.
- Consider the Seafood: The type of seafood used in the fra diavolo can also influence the wine pairing. For example, a dish with more delicate seafood like scallops may pair better with a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir, while a dish with heartier seafood like shrimp and mussels can stand up to a Côtes du Rhône.
- Taste as You Cook: As you’re preparing the fra diavolo, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings accordingly. This will help you get a better sense of the dish’s overall flavor profile and choose a wine that complements it.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Ultimately, the best wine pairing is the one that you enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different red wines to find your perfect match.
The Importance of Temperature
Serving temperature is also crucial for maximizing the enjoyment of your wine pairing. Red wines are generally best served slightly below room temperature, around 60-65°F (15-18°C). This allows the wine’s aromas and flavors to fully express themselves without being masked by excessive warmth. Avoid serving red wines too warm, as this can make them taste flabby and alcoholic.
When White Wine Might Be Better
Although this article focuses on red wine pairings, it’s worth noting that some sommeliers may suggest a dry rosé or even a crisp, high-acid white wine like Vermentino or Pinot Grigio, especially if the fra diavolo is particularly spicy. Ultimately, personal preference is key.
Enjoying Your Fra Diavolo Wine Pairing
Pairing red wine with fra diavolo can be a delightful culinary adventure. By considering the dish’s flavor profile, the characteristics of different red wines, and the above tips, you can create a harmonious pairing that elevates your dining experience. Remember to experiment and trust your palate to find the perfect match for your taste preferences. The key is to find a wine that complements the spiciness, acidity, and seafood flavors of the dish, creating a balanced and enjoyable meal.
What is Fra Diavolo sauce, and why does it pose a pairing challenge?
Fra Diavolo is a spicy Italian-American seafood sauce, typically made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and plenty of red pepper flakes. The intense heat from the chili peppers is the primary reason it’s challenging to pair with wine. The capsaicin in the peppers can clash with certain wine characteristics, amplifying bitterness or overpowering delicate flavors.
The goal of a successful pairing is to find a wine that can stand up to the spice without being overwhelmed, while also complementing the seafood’s flavors. High tannins, often found in bolder red wines, can become accentuated and unpleasant when paired with spicy foods. Conversely, wines lacking acidity might be flattened by the sauce’s vibrancy.
What characteristics should I look for in a red wine to pair with Fra Diavolo?
When choosing a red wine for Fra Diavolo, focus on options that are fruit-forward, low in tannins, and possess a good level of acidity. Fruit-forward wines, like those with notes of cherry or raspberry, can offer a cooling counterpoint to the heat. Low tannins prevent the wine from becoming bitter or astringent when interacting with the spice.
Acidity is crucial for cutting through the richness of the sauce and cleansing the palate. Ideally, the wine should also have a moderate alcohol level, as high alcohol can exacerbate the sensation of heat. Consider wines that are light to medium-bodied, allowing the seafood flavors to remain prominent.
Why are certain red wines generally unsuitable for pairing with Fra Diavolo?
Full-bodied red wines, especially those high in tannins like Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo, are generally not recommended for Fra Diavolo. The tannins in these wines can clash with the capsaicin in the chili peppers, resulting in a bitter and unpleasant taste experience. The wine’s structure can easily overpower the delicate flavors of the seafood.
Similarly, oaky or heavily oaked red wines should be avoided. The oak tannins can amplify the bitterness created by the spice, and the oak flavors may clash with the tomato base and seafood. Ultimately, the goal is to find a wine that complements the dish rather than competing with it, and bold reds are typically too assertive for Fra Diavolo.
What are some specific red wine recommendations for pairing with Fra Diavolo?
Several red wines can work well with Fra Diavolo. Consider a lighter-bodied Italian red like a Rosso Piceno from the Marche region. Its bright acidity, cherry fruit notes, and low tannins make it a good match. Alternatively, a Frappato from Sicily offers similar characteristics with a distinctive earthy undertone.
Another option is a Gamay from Beaujolais. These wines are known for their fresh red fruit, high acidity, and minimal tannins. Look for Beaujolais-Villages or Cru Beaujolais selections. Lastly, a Pinot Noir from a cooler climate (like Oregon or Burgundy) can also be a good choice, provided it’s not overly oaky or earthy.
What if I strongly prefer a white wine with seafood? Are there any viable options for pairing with Fra Diavolo?
While this FAQ focuses on red wine pairings, there are certainly white wines that can complement Fra Diavolo. If you prefer white, look for options with high acidity, a touch of residual sugar, and aromatic fruit notes. A dry Riesling from Alsace or Germany could be an excellent choice.
The slight sweetness in some Rieslings can help tame the spice, while the high acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce. Another possibility is a Gewürztraminer, known for its aromatic qualities and subtle sweetness. Avoid overly oaky white wines like Chardonnay, as they can clash with the spice in a similar way to oaked red wines.
Can the specific type of seafood in the Fra Diavolo dish influence the wine pairing?
Yes, the specific seafood components in the Fra Diavolo can influence the ideal wine pairing. For example, if the dish features primarily shrimp and scallops, a lighter-bodied red like Frappato or Rosso Piceno might be perfect. These wines complement the delicate sweetness of these shellfish.
If the Fra Diavolo includes richer seafood like lobster or mussels, a slightly bolder red like a Beaujolais-Villages could be a better match. The fuller body can stand up to the more intense flavors. Consider also the preparation method; grilled or pan-seared seafood might pair well with a slightly richer wine than poached seafood.
Beyond wine, are there any other beverages that complement Fra Diavolo well?
While wine is a classic pairing, other beverages can also complement Fra Diavolo. A crisp, refreshing Italian beer like Peroni or Moretti can be a surprisingly good choice. The carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites, and the bitterness can balance the spice.
For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or lemon. The citrus acidity helps cut through the richness of the sauce and refreshes the palate. Alternatively, a well-made Italian soda with a hint of orange or blood orange can provide a complementary sweetness and acidity.