You might try an Italian dessert wine (or port), instead of a regular dinner red wine ... that would be thicker and sweeter.. I'll be some grated orange or lemon zest would be good too, although not real authentic.
Zuccotto looks beautiful, and is quite easy to make: Line a bowl with spongecake, fill it with a creamy filling, cover the bottom with more sponge cake, and chill it well. Beautiful presentation, and can be made a day ahead too!
--------------- Espelette Pepper|Fruit Vinegar
general rule for pairing wine with food is red meat with red wine and white meat like fish or seafood with white wine but it all depends on personal preference...
i've tried eating pasta with bolognese sauce paired with an orvieto(white wine) and its really good