Mezzetta antipasto and olives are delicious by themselves, but they are especially tantalizing when paired with wine and cheeses. Olives are cured in oil, salt or brine, and are often packed in vinegar. Acidity and salt make foods wine-friendly, which is why olives are a great wine partner.
Pairings
Perfect Pairings
Spicy Olives
Spicy Olives with heat from jalapeños or other chilis, can make strong, robust wines, such as big reds, taste too strong. As a general rule, olives prepared with a lot of spice, seasoning or heat go well with milder, fruitier wines, wines with moderate to no oak, and that are dry or off-dry in sweetness level. Some examples are Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, lighter-style Chardonnay or Viognier, dry or off-dry Riesling or Rosé, white Rhône blends, and sparkling wine. Young, fresh, unaged cheeses, like goat cheese, fresh mozzarella and ricotta also partner well with stronger-flavored olives and milder wines.
Mild Olives
Milder Olives in simple cures without a lot of added seasoning or spice, or meaty types stuffed with cheese or garlic, can handle the bigger, bolder reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, red Rhône blends, Syrah, Italian red varieties like Sangiovese or Barbera (components of a Chianti-style wine), Pinot Noit or even a rich, oaky Chardonnay or Viognier. As cheese ages, it becomes more salty and tart, which make aged cheeses friendlier with bigger wines (remember, salt and acid makes wines taste smoother and milder). So, add a delicious dry, aged cheese, and you've got the party started!
Have fun exploring, but don't be worry too much about the ideal match. The goal is synergy and balance. The elements should complement each other and your taste buds! The "perfect" pairing is as simple as good food, good wine, and good company. We've listed our more popular olives and antipasto items with some suggested wine and cheese partners to get you started.
- Napa Valley Bistro Italian Olive Antipasto
- Region - Italy
- Wine - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
- Cheese - Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano
- Napa Valley Bistro Olive Medley
- Region - Various Mediterranean
- Wine - Merlot, Sangiovese
- Cheese - Asiago, Ricotta Salata (Aged Ricotta)
- Napa Valley Bistro Jalapeño Olives
- Region - Spain
- Wine - Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc
- Cheese - Monterey Jack, Muenster
- Super Colossal Green Olives with Pimentos
- Region - Spain
- Wine - Chardonnay, Viognnier
- Cheese - Emmenthal, Fontina
- Spanish Manzanillo Olives with Pimento
- Region - Spain
- Wine - Sherry, Cava
- Cheese - Pepper Jack, Gruyére
- Spanish Queen Olives with Pimento
- Region - Spain
- Wine - Chardonnay, Merlot
- Cheese - Blue Cheese, Gouda
- Marinated Cracked Deli Olives
- Region - Spain
- Wine - Pinot Noir, Merlot
- Cheese - White Cheddar, Provolone
- Homestyle Cured Pitted Olives
- Region - Spain
- Wine - Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cheese - Swiss, Provolone
- Jalapeño Stuffed Olives
- Region - Spain
- Wine - Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño (dry Spanish White Wine)
- Cheese -- Manchego, Aged Gouda
- Garlic Stuffed Olives
- Region - Spain
- Wine - Pinot Noir, Syrah
- Cheese - Asiago, Buffalo Mozzarella
- Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives
- Region - Greece
- Wine - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Cheese - Parmigiano Reggiano, Aged Gouda
- Feta Stuffed Olives
- Region - Italy
- Wine - Chardonnay, Rosé
- Cheese - Asiago, Pecorino Romano
- Anchovy Stuffed Olives
- Region - Italy
- Wine - Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay
- Cheese - Gorgonzola, Aged Provolone
- Queen Garlic Olives
- Region - Spain
- Wine - Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cheese - Camembert, St. Andre
- Olives with Fresh Garlic
- Region - Spain
- Wine - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- Cheese - Boursault, Humboldt Fog
- Olives with Garlic & Jalapeños
- Region - Spain
- Wine - Riesling, Sparkling Wine
- Cheese - Monterery Jack, Teleme
- Mediterranean Niçoise Olives
- Region - France
- Wine - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Cheese - Aged Blue, Parmigiano Regiano
- Sicilian-Style Colossal Green Olives
- Region - Sicily
- Wine - Sparkling Wine, Pinot Grigio
- Cheese - Ricotta, Fresh Mozzarella
- Pitted Greek Calamata Olives
- Region - Greece
- Wine - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Cheese -Romano, Feta
- Whole Greek Calamata Olives
- Region - Greece
- Wine - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Cheese - Romano, Feta