Pasta and wine are two of the most beloved staples of Italian cuisine. While it may seem like pairing them together is a no-brainer, finding the perfect match can be a bit more complicated than you think.
With so many types of pasta and wine available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which combinations work best. In this ultimate guide to pairing pasta with wine, we'll explore some general guidelines to follow, as well as specific pairings to try.
General Guidelines for Pairing Pasta with Wine
Before we dive into specific pasta and wine combinations, let's go over some general guidelines to follow when pairing the two together.
( 1 ) Match the weight of the pasta with the weight of the wine.
This is a general rule of thumb for any food and wine pairing, but it's especially important when it comes to pasta. Lighter pasta dishes like spaghetti with olive oil and garlic pair well with lighter-bodied wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, while heavier dishes like lasagna or carbonara pair better with fuller-bodied wines like Chianti or Merlot.
( 2 ) Consider the sauce.
The sauce is often the most dominant flavor in a pasta dish, so it's important to take it into account when choosing a wine pairing. Tomato-based sauces pair well with acidic wines like Chianti or Sangiovese, while cream-based sauces pair well with fuller-bodied whites like Chardonnay or Viognier.
( 3 ) Pair regional dishes with wines from the same region.
Italian wines are often named after the region they come from, and for good reason. The wine and food from a certain region often complement each other perfectly. For example, a pasta dish from Tuscany like Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu pairs well with a Tuscan wine like Chianti.
Specific Pairings to Try
Now that we've gone over some general guidelines, let's dive into some specific pasta and wine pairings to try.
( 1 ) Spaghetti Carbonara and Chardonnay
Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish made with eggs, pancetta or bacon, and Parmesan cheese. The creaminess of the dish pairs well with the full-bodied and slightly oaky flavors of Chardonnay.
( 2 ) Penne alla Vodka and Pinot Noir
Penne alla Vodka is a popular pasta dish made with a creamy tomato sauce and vodka. The acidity of the tomato sauce pairs well with the light-bodied and fruity flavors of Pinot Noir.
( 3 ) Linguine with Clams and Sauvignon Blanc
Linguine with Clams is a light and fresh pasta dish that pairs well with a crisp and acidic wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The flavors of the wine and the clams complement each other perfectly.
( 4 ) Pesto Pasta and Pinot Grigio
Pesto Pasta is a simple and flavorful dish made with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The lightness of the dish pairs well with the light-bodied and crisp flavors of Pinot Grigio.
( 5 ) Lasagna and Chianti
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish made with layers of pasta, meat, tomato sauce, and cheese. The richness and depth of the dish pair well with the full-bodied and robust flavors of Chianti.
( 6 ) Spaghetti with Meatballs and Zinfandel
Spaghetti with Meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that pairs well with the bold and fruity flavors of Zinfandel. The sweetness of the meatballs pairs well with the jammy flavors of the wine.
( 7 ) Bucatini all'Amatriciana and Sangiovese
Bucatini all'Amatriciana is a spicy pasta dish made with tomato sauce, guanciale or pancetta, and pecorino cheese. The bold flavors of the dish pair well with the earthy and robust flavors of Sangiovese, a wine that is often associated with the region of Tuscany.
( 8 ) Rigatoni with Sausage and Barolo
Rigatoni with Sausage is a hearty pasta dish that pairs well with the full-bodied and tannic flavors of Barolo, a wine that is often considered the king of Italian wines. The richness of the sausage and tomato sauce can stand up to the boldness of the wine.
( 9 ) Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Vermentino
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is a simple and flavorful pasta dish that pairs well with the light-bodied and citrusy flavors of Vermentino. The bitterness of the broccoli rabe is balanced out by the acidity of the wine.
( 10 ) Gnocchi with Pesto and Sauvignon Blanc
Gnocchi with Pesto is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that pairs well with the crisp and refreshing flavors of Sauvignon Blanc. The herbal flavors of the pesto are complemented by the grassy notes of the wine.
( 11 ) Farfalle with Mushrooms and Pinot Noir
Farfalle with Mushrooms is a hearty and earthy pasta dish that pairs well with the light-bodied and fruity flavors of Pinot Noir. The richness of the mushrooms is complemented by the subtle flavors of the wine.
( 12 ) Cacio e Pepe and Vernaccia
Cacio e Pepe is a simple and classic pasta dish made with black pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese. The salty and spicy flavors of the dish pair well with the light-bodied and citrusy flavors of Vernaccia, a wine that is often associated with the region of Tuscany.
( 13 ) Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu and Barbaresco
Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that pairs well with the full-bodied and tannic flavors of Barbaresco. The gamey flavors of the wild boar are balanced out by the boldness of the wine.
( 14 ) Ravioli with Sage and Brown Butter and Chardonnay
Ravioli with Sage and Brown Butter is a decadent pasta dish that pairs well with the full-bodied and buttery flavors of Chardonnay. The richness of the brown butter is complemented by the subtle flavors of the wine.
Conclusion
Pairing pasta with wine can be a delightful and flavorful experience. By following some general guidelines and experimenting with specific pairings, you can elevate your pasta dishes to new heights. Whether you prefer light and refreshing wines or full-bodied and robust wines, there is a perfect pairing out there for every pasta dish. So the next time you sit down to enjoy a bowl of your favorite pasta, make sure to have a glass of wine on hand to complete the experience.
