Soju pasta sauce wine matching recommendations

Eric Guido of Snooth.com posted an article about Penne ala Vodka, matching it with several Italian wines. Since my Soju pasta sauce recipe is a very close adaptation of this same sauce, I believe his recommendations will match well with my dish as well.

Here are Mr. Guido's recommendations:

1. Feudo di San Nicola Negro Amaro ' 2004.

"Black and bitter" in Italian, not surprisingly Negroamaro has origins in the Southern Italy's Puglia region and is an important grape both on its own and as a blending grape. It contributes a rich, slightly rustic mouthfeel to a finished wine imbued with a slightly burnt, earthy quality that accentuates deep, roasted plum and mocha toned fruit.

I would not consider this the #1 choice for my Penne ala Soju recipe simply because Mr. Guido's version featured pancetta. I think the boldness of this wine might clash a little with my more delicate, vegetarian version.

2. Cataldi Madonna, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007.

The nose is certainly Montepulciano with big blackberry fruit, ripe cherry, christmas spice and a hint of funk. The palate is soft with red fruits, sour apple and clove which is carried by a brisk acidity to the long and staying finish. It's simple but in a beautiful way.

If this wine can go head-to-head with pancetta, this wine may also be a bit overpowering for my recipe unless you decide to throw in some protein (such as ground beef) into your dish.

3. Andrea Oberto Barbera d'Alba ' 2008.

This wine showed aromas of cherry and new leather on the nose. Leading to a palate full of cranberry, sour cherry, cedar and bitters. A medium bodied and easy drinking Barbera, made in a light style with crisp acidity, which gives it a very refreshing finish. It paired well with the vodka sauce, as its streamlined acidity cut through the rich sauce and left you with a cleansed palate for the next bite.

Out of the three wine varieties recommended by Snooth for pairing with Penne ala Vodka, I believe the Andrea Oberto Barbera d'Alba ' 2008 would be the best match for my Koreanfornian adaptation.

All these wines can be purchased in the USA either in your local wine store or from snooth.com.