Best Wine for Pasta Sauce
Wine pairing can be a daunting task, particularly when you’ve taken on the task of hosting a gathering. Or maybe you simply want to elevate your personal dining experience. When pairing wine, you want to be mindful of the overall mouthfeel and flavor profile. Italian cuisine is often bold with complex flavors (creamy, tomato-based, garlic, basil, etc). You want to choose a wine that compliments those elements. Since taste is subjective, it really does take a lot of trial and error.
Here are some simple, palate-proof wine pairings for [common pasta] sauces. Note that I recommended Italian wines - if it grows there, it goes there.
Disclaimer: I’m not Italian, so don’t come at me (suggestions and corrections are welcomed in the comments section).
Marinara or Ragù/alla Bolognese
Common Dish: Spaghetti or Lasagna
Flavor Profile: Tomato, onions, garlic, herbs
Recommended: Medium to full bodied red
Varietal: Sangiovese, Nebbiolo
Alfredo
Common Dish: Fettuccini Alfredo
Flavor Profile: rich and creamy
Recommended: Dry white
Varietal: Garganega, Verdicchio
Pesto
Common Dish: Commonly with penne pasta, traditionally with trenette pasta
Flavor Profile: herbaceous and light, basil, pine nuts
Recommended: Dry white
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
Cacio e Pepe
Common Dish: Commonly with spaghetti pasta
Flavor Profile: zesty, Pecorino, pepper
Recommended: Full body white
Varietal: Trebbiano Toscano (a good chardonnay will work)
Vodka Sauce
Common Dish: Penne alla Vodka
Flavor Profile: complex and rich, vibrant
Recommended: Light body red
Varietal: Valpolicella
Carbonara
Common Dish: Commonly with spaghetti or tagliatelle pasta
Flavor Profile: rich and creamy, guanciale
Recommended: Sparkling
Varietal: Franciacorta
Hopefully these recommendations can guide you in the right direction when planning your next get together, a mellow night in, or give you more confidence when ordering wine at a restaurant (because not every restaurant has a savvy somm on deck).
Share in the comments your favorite pasta dish!
~Asia