a sparkLing tourof ITALY^’S iconic Regional
cuisines

The vibe: The scent of sun-warmed greenery as you stroll through the woods.

The notes: The refreshing, intense aroma of fresh citrus fruits, smooth hints of grape, and well-balanced minerality

The Cuisine: Italy often conjures images of vast rolling hills lined with lush vineyards that flank beautiful old villas. In the case of Piedmont, that’s exactly what you’ll find—along with the picturesque Alps and miles of coastline. This region of northern Italy is also home to forested white truffle farms and fields of arborio rice paddies, so it’s no wonder Piedmont is known far and wide for its creamy risotto and simple pasta dishes topped with shaved truffles.

The PAIRING: Here you’ll also find a variety of regional cheeses, like truffle-flecked Crutin and funky blue Castelmagno. Wash down these umami-packed foods with S.Pellegrino Essenza Pink Grapefruit & Citrus. It blends light minerality with a bright aroma and taste that adds a twist of zesty flavor but won’t overwhelm your meal.

The Vibe: Dipping beneath the arched porticos of a medieval town.

The NOTES: The strong aroma of fine red fruits, harmonious taste paired with moderately savory flavor, and a finish of intense fruit.

The Cuisine: Known far and wide for its flavorful pastas, from buttery tortelli to tagliatelle topped with beef-and-vegetable Bolognese ragù, Emilia-Romagna is also home to grab-and-go fare like piadina Romagnola, a flatbread often stuffed with mortadella, cheese, and fresh greens, and erbazzone, a crisp pastry filled with cooked summer greens.

The Pairing: Dishes from savory to sweet find an unexpectedly delightful pairing in the subtle flavors of S.Pellegrino Essenza Dark Morello Cherry & Pomegranate. Its depth of flavor will carry you through to the end of any meal with ease, pairing effortlessly with decadent tenerina chocolate cake without overwhelming your palate.

The Vibe: Basking in the energy and mouthwatering aromas of a bustling Italian city.

The NOTES: A fresh contrast of tastes featuring intense aromas that mingle with minerality and a slight tingling of bubbles.

The Cuisine: Whether you’re wandering the streets of Rome to admire the Italian capital’s centuries-old architecture or spending the day along Lazio’s coast, you’ll find restaurants across this region serving up some of the country’s most enticing cuisine. Think fresh pasta dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara, and flavor-packed sautéed vegetables from spinaci alla Romana (spinach with raisins and pine nuts) to ceci al rosmarino (chickpeas with onions, rosemary, and olive oil).

The Pairing: Finding a sparkling accompaniment for this variety of cuisine is no easy feat, but S.Pellegrino Essenza Tangerine & Wild Strawberry is up to the task. Its intense aromas and captivating flavor are balanced by bubbly minerality, so it’s not too sweet and will provide a fresh pop of flavor alongside bright, colorful chicken dishes like pepper-packed pollo alla Romana from first bite to the last.

The Vibe: History-hunting among ancient Greek monuments set against an active volcano.

The NOTES: The refreshing, elegant intensity of citrus enhanced by refined bubbles for a burst of freshness.

The Cuisine: The lemon is an oft-unsung hero of Italian cuisine, particularly in Sicily, where lemon trees have grown and flourished for centuries. The piquant citrus fruit features heavily in Sicilian dishes, from zesty pastas and fresh greens to marinated poultry and seafood.

The Pairing: Whether lemon is the star of a dish or not, however, many foods benefit from the bright zing of flavor lent by a sip of S.Pellegrino Essenza Lemon & Lemon Zest. Pop open a can to enjoy alongside Sicilian classics like caponata-topped crostini and observe how the sparkling freshness of lemon allows flavors like olive, caper, and tomato in the eggplant-based dish to shine. Or drink it alongside boiled octopus (a favorite street food in Palermo), orange and fennel salad, stuffed artichokes, or the region’s famous pasta con le sarde.

The Vibe: Soaking up the sun by the seaside as seagulls circle above.

The NOTES: The intense aroma of red fruits mellowed by sweet citrus, enhanced by gentle acidity and a pleasant sweetness.

The Cuisine: Lovers of spicy food will take particular pleasure in sampling the cuisine of Calabria, the region along Italy’s southern coast where piquant Calabrian peppers reign.

The Pairing: Quell the heat of a spicy Calabrian pizza—the region’s thin-crust take on the Italian classic pie—or a chili-filled sandwich or pasta dish with S.Pellegrino Essenza Blood Orange & Black Raspberry. The blend of sweet citrus with the subtle acidity of raspberry flavors provides a pleasant counterbalance to the chili heat. Not a fan of spice? No problem; the sweet and tart flavor of this Essenza sparkling mineral water is a natural alongside savory Calabrian seafood dishes like swordfish and squid, or salty-sweet bites of fresh melon with prosciutto and cheese.