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The Best Wines for Pasta
- 8 min reading time
You might think that any old bottle of red will do when tossing together a pasta dish, but there’s actually a wine that pairs perfectly with this classic Italian cuisine.
From light and fruity merlots to earthy cabernet sauvignons, we’ve got the best wines for pasta recipes that will have your taste buds singing “bravo!”.
Top 12 Best Wines for Pasta
1. Sangiovese
Sangiovese is one of the most popular red wines for pasta. It is a dry, medium-bodied wine with moderate tannins and high acidity. Sangiovese is produced in many regions of Italy, but it is most commonly associated with the Tuscan region.
Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are all made from Sangiovese grapes. Sangiovese pairs well with many different types of pasta dishes, especially those that contain tomato sauce or other bold flavors.
The wine can also stand up to heartier meats like beef and pork. If you are looking for a Sangiovese to pair with your next pasta dish, look for one that has been aged for at least two years. This will help soften the tannins and make the wine more approachable.
2. Barbera
Barbera wine is a versatile red wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of pasta dishes. The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the richness of the pasta, while the fruitiness pairs well with the tomato-based sauces often used in Italian cuisine.
Barbera also works well with other strong flavors, such as garlic and basil. When choosing a Barbera wine for your pasta dish, look for one that has moderate tannins and good acidity.
A medium-bodied Barbera will have just enough body to stand up to the hearty flavors of most pasta dishes without overwhelming them.
3. Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico wine is the perfect pairing for a classic Italian pasta dish. The bold flavors of the wine stand up to the hearty pasta, and the acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Whether you’re making a simple spaghetti with red sauce or a more complex lasagna, Chianti Classico is always a good choice. If you’re looking for a specific recommendation, we suggest Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico.
This medium-bodied wine has notes of cherry, spice, and leather, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of pasta dishes. It’s also affordably priced, so you can enjoy it without breaking the bank.
4. Nero d’Avola
Nero d’Avola is a red wine that is perfect for pairing with pasta dishes. The bold flavor of Nero d’Avola can stand up to hearty sauces, and the wine’s natural acidity helps to balance out the richness of the dish.
When choosing a Nero d’Avola for your pasta pairing, look for a bottle that has good structure and moderate tannins. You’ll want a wine that is fruit-forward and has enough body to stand up to the pasta, but not so much that it overpowers the dish.
5. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine is a great choice for pairing with pasta dishes. This medium-bodied red wine has firm tannins and a fruity flavor that makes it a perfect match for hearty Italian pasta dishes.
If you’re looking for a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine to pair with your next pasta dish, we’ve got some great recommendations for you. Our top pick for a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine to pair with pasta is the Collefrisio Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva. This wine has intense aromas of blackberry and cherry, with hints of spice and tobacco.
It’s full-bodied and well-balanced, with firm tannins and a long finish. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine to pair with pasta, we recommend the Terre di Chieti Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
6. Pinot Nero
If you’re looking for a hearty red wine to pair with your favorite pasta dish, look no further than Pinot Nero. This Italian varietal is known for its full-bodied flavors and rich texture, making it the perfect choice for a hearty Italian meal.
Pinot Nero wines are typically made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, giving them their signature deep red color. When shopping for a Pinot Nero wine, look for labels that say “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano” or “Chianti Classico.” These wines will have the most authentic Italian flavor and will be sure to please your taste buds.
7. Merlot
Merlot is a type of red wine that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes. It has a medium body and is slightly fruity, making it a great choice for those who don’t typically like red wines.
And when it comes to choosing a Merlot, we always recommend going with a California or Italian variety. If you’re looking for a specific dish to pair your Merlot with, we highly recommend our Spaghetti Bolognese.
The heartiness of the Bolognese sauce pairs perfectly with the fruitiness of the Merlot, and you’ll be sure to enjoy every last bite.
8. Lambrusco
It is light and refreshing and has a slightly sweet taste that goes well with tomato-based sauces. Lambrusco is also fairly inexpensive, so it is a good option for those on a budget. If you are looking for a red wine to pair with your pasta, Lambrusco is a good option.
It is not as heavy as some other red wines, so it will not overwhelm the flavor of your sauce. Lambrusco also has a nice acidity that can help cut through the richness of some pasta dishes. Lambrusco wine is available at most grocery stores and liquor stores. If you are having trouble finding it, you can ask your local wine shop for a recommendation.
When pairing Lambrusco with pasta, it is important to remember that the wine should be slightly sweeter than the sauce. This will help balance out the flavors and prevent the wine from being too overpowering.
9. Primitivo
This full-bodied red wine has a rich flavor that can stand up to hearty sauces, but it’s still relatively light and won’t overwhelm a delicate pasta dish. Plus, the natural sweetness of Primitivo makes it a good match for tomato-based sauces.
A light white wine is a good choice for delicate pasta like angel hair, while a heavier red wine pairs well with a heartier dish like lasagna.
And, of course, you always want to use a good quality wine when cooking with pasta – after all, the sauce will concentrate the flavors of the wine and amplify any flaws.
10. Zinfandel
This robust wine has all the flavors you need to stand up to a hearty pasta dish, and it’s also versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own. When choosing a Zinfandel wine, look for one that is medium-bodied and has notes of blackberry and spice.
A good Zinfandel will have a long finish that lingers on the palate, making it the perfect pairing for a rich pasta dish. If you’re unsure of what type of pasta to pair with your Zinfandel, try a classic like spaghetti or penne.
Both of these pasta can stand up to the bold flavors of this red wine, and they’ll also complement the wine’s fruitiness. No matter what you pair it with, Zinfandel is sure to add some extra zing to your next meal.
11. Grenache
Grenache wine is a versatile, food-friendly wine that pairs well with a variety of pasta dishes. Whether you’re making a simple tomato sauce or a more complex dish, Grenache can be a great choice.
When pairing Grenache with pasta, look for a wine that has good acidity to balance out the richness of the pasta. A Grenache with too much alcohol can be overwhelming, so choose one that is medium-bodied and has moderate alcohol content.
If you’re making a tomato-based pasta dish, look for a Grenache with bright fruit flavors to complement the acidity of the tomatoes. For creamier pasta dishes, look for a Grenache with softer fruit flavors and a rounder body.
12. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold flavors and acidity, which make it the perfect partner for rich and hearty pasta dishes. Plus, cabernet sauvignon is one of the most popular wines in the world, so you’re sure to find a bottle that you’ll love.
When choosing a cabernet sauvignon to pair with pasta, it’s important to consider the sauce. If your pasta dish is loaded with tomato sauce, you’ll want to choose a cabernet sauvignon with high acidity to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
On the other hand, if your pasta is topped with a cream-based sauce, you’ll want to find a cabernet sauvignon that’s on the fruitier side. And if you’re making a meat-based pasta dish, look for a cabernet sauvignon with bold tannins to stand up to the heartiness of the meat.
Conclusion
A light and fruity white wine pairs well with most seafood-based pasta, while a bold red wine can stand up to heartier dishes like bolognese.
As long as you consider the flavors of both the dish and the wine, you can’t go wrong. With a little bit of experimentation, you may find that you have a new favorite pairing for your next pasta night at home.