London's Hidden Italian Wine Gems: Beyond Pinot Grigio
Italian culinary traditions have recently earned a prestigious spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and they deserve far more interesting companions than generic Pinot Grigio. London's dining scene offers exceptional opportunities to explore Italy's diverse wine culture through carefully curated lists and expert pairings.
Sale e Pepe Mare: Knightsbridge's Anticipated Opening
The most anticipated restaurant opening this week brings the beloved Knightsbridge original Sale e Pepe to a new location. This establishment has earned local adoration through dishes like their exceptional parmigiana di melanzane, which our waitress confessed surpassed even her Nonna's version—a statement approaching Italian familial treason that the dish's saucy satisfaction might actually justify.
Don't overlook their signature spigola al sale, featuring whole sea bass baked in salt and flambéed tableside. The result proves so exquisite that even the fish might consider it an honor to be served this way. Michele Orbolato, the restaurant's head of wine, recommends pairing this dish with a quality Soave that "enhances the delicacy of the fish without overpowering it."
Forget the boring, generic Soaves of the 1990s—this is the exceptional variety, particularly the superb "La Rocca" by producer Pieropan. If you secure a seat at Sale e Pepe Mare, order the bluefin tuna otoro with crispy brioche and complement it with a glass of Friulano.
Friulano offers the dry freshness of Pinot Grigio but carries more weight and delicate nuttiness. "It's elegant, with subtle notes of white flowers and almond, perfectly complementing the richness and delicacy of the dish," explains Orbolato.
2Veneti: Marylebone's Venetian Institution
The most fascinating and fabulously food-friendly wine discovery awaits at 2Veneti, a beloved Marylebone institution celebrating twenty years of serving exquisite Venetian cuisine. Under gregarious owner Simon Piovesan's passionate direction, their list boasts over two hundred Italian wines spanning classics and curiosities.
During my visit, I sampled a Trentodoc traditional method sparkling wine, a voluptuous Piave (Piovesan notes only three producers in Italy make this), and a remarkable 'Roncaja.' This last bottle, officially known as Colli Pesaresi Roncaglia DOC, represents the best Italian wine you've likely never encountered.
A blend of rare native grape Albanella (related to Albariño) and Pinot Noir, this white wine delivers everything: freshness and versatility with citrus notes, salinity, and structure capable of handling even the most challenging dishes.
2Veneti's smoked burrata with radicchio and blood oranges? Perfectly matched. The creaminess of traditional baccalà mantecato (whipped salt cod that proves 100 percent more delicious than it sounds)? Absolutely nailed. A simple pasta enhanced with anchovies and onion? Complete perfection. 2Veneti invites diners to embrace and enjoy Northern Italy's finest offerings.
The Italian Job: Three Top Italian Wines
Pasqua Hey French! You Could Have Made This But You Didn't, £38, Majestic
I admire this wine's playful confidence in breaking conventions to create a multi-vintage blend of Garganega, Pinot Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc. Complex and silky with cool stone notes, tropical fruits, and whispers of chamomile. A truly beguiling bottle.
L'Ornato Custoza, £13.99, Virgin Wines
A crisp, easy-drinking white crafted from a unique blend of Cortese, Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, and Incrocio Manzoni. Ripe orchard fruits, sun-warmed citrus, and delicate blossoms transport you directly to an Italian summer.
The Society's Exhibition Barolo, £29, The Wine Society
The Exhibition range consistently delivers exceptional quality, and here Silvano Bolmida has produced a finely honed example of the intriguing Nebbiolo grape. Refined, powerful, and full of vitality. Enjoy with game dishes or truffle pasta.
