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What Wine Goes With Pasta and Red Sauce? (10 Best Wines)

Hey there, foodies and wine lovers!

Are you ready for a saucy, slurp-tastic adventure?

Well, get ready to twirl your forks and clink your glasses, because we’re about to talk about the ultimate culinary combination: pasta with red sauce and wine!

But hold up, before you start thinking this is just another stuffy article about pairing food and wine, let me tell you, it’s not.

Nope, this isn’t your grandmother’s wine pairing guide.

So buckle up, folks, because we’re about to embark on a wild ride through the world of pasta, sauce, and vino.

Get ready to learn about the 10 best wines to pair with this classic Italian dish, and get ready to have some serious fun doing it.

Let’s go!

Read Also: Arrabiata Wine Pairing – Best Wines To Pair With Arrabiata

Pasta And Red Sauce

Why Consider Serving A Wine With Pasta And Red Sauce?

Ah, the age-old question: to wine or not to wine with your pasta and red sauce? Well, let me tell you, my friends, the answer is a resounding yes! And here’s why:

  1. Wine brings out the flavors in your food: Pasta and red sauce are already a match made in heaven, but when you add wine to the mix, it’s like fireworks in your mouth. The acidity in the wine helps bring out the flavors in the sauce, making every bite burst with deliciousness.
  2. Wine makes your meal more enjoyable: Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good glass of wine? Not only does it make your meal taste better, but it also makes the whole experience more enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great excuse to break out your fancy wine glasses and feel like a sophisticated adult for a change.
  3. Wine sets the mood: There’s something about a nice glass of wine that just sets the mood for a relaxing and enjoyable meal. Whether you’re dining solo or with a group of friends, adding wine to the mix can make your meal feel like a special occasion.
  4. Wine can be a conversation starter: If you’re dining with friends or family, selecting a wine to pair with your pasta and red sauce can spark some great conversation. You can talk about the flavor profiles of different wines, where they come from, and even share some fun wine-related stories.
  5. Wine is versatile: The great thing about wine is that there’s a type for every palate and every budget. Whether you prefer a bold red or a crisp white, there’s a wine out there that will pair perfectly with your pasta and red sauce. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things!

5 Tips For Picking A Wine With Pasta And Red Sauce

Alrighty, folks, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of wine pairing. Here are my top 5 tips for picking a wine to go with your pasta and red sauce:

  1. Consider the acidity: As I mentioned earlier, the acidity in wine is what helps bring out the flavors in the sauce. So, when selecting a wine, look for one that has a similar level of acidity to the sauce you’re using. For example, if you’re using a tomato-based sauce, a wine with higher acidity (like a Chianti or Barbera) would be a great choice.
  2. Match the intensity: The intensity of your wine should match the intensity of your dish. In other words, a bold red wine would pair well with a hearty meat sauce, while a lighter white wine would be better suited to a lighter, veggie-based sauce.
  3. Don’t be afraid to contrast: While matching the intensity is important, sometimes it can be fun to mix things up with a contrasting wine. For example, a spicy Arrabiata sauce would pair well with a slightly sweet red wine, like a Zinfandel or Shiraz.
  4. Consider the region: Italian wines are the obvious choice when pairing with pasta and red sauce, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. For example, a Spanish Tempranillo or a French Pinot Noir could also pair nicely.
  5. Follow your taste buds: At the end of the day, the most important thing is to choose a wine that you enjoy. If you’re not a fan of red wine, don’t force yourself to drink it just because it’s “traditional.” Instead, opt for a white wine or even a rosé. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy your meal!

The 10 Best Wines To Pair With Pasta And Red Sauce

wines

Are you ready for the main event, folks? It’s time to talk about the 10 best wines to pair with your pasta and red sauce.

Get ready to take notes, because these wines are sure to make your taste buds tingle:

  1. Chianti: This classic Italian wine is the perfect match for your classic red sauce. With its medium body and high acidity, it complements the tomato-based sauce perfectly.
  2. Barbera: Another Italian gem, Barbera is known for its bright acidity and fruity flavors. It pairs well with both meat-based and vegetarian sauces.
  3. Sangiovese: A versatile wine that can be either light or full-bodied, Sangiovese has a high acidity that pairs well with acidic tomato sauces.
  4. Nero d’Avola: This Sicilian red wine is bold and fruity, with a nice acidity that pairs well with tomato-based sauces as well as meat-based sauces.
  5. Zinfandel: If you’re looking for a slightly sweet wine to pair with your spicy Arrabiata sauce, Zinfandel is the way to go. It also pairs well with meat-based sauces.
  6. Pinot Noir: This French classic is light-bodied and fruity, making it a great choice for lighter sauces or vegetarian dishes.
  7. Tempranillo: A Spanish wine that’s medium-bodied with fruity flavors and a subtle spiciness, Tempranillo pairs well with both meat-based and vegetarian sauces.
  8. Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied red wine has strong tannins that pair well with meat-based sauces. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a bold and flavorful wine.
  9. Malbec: Another bold red wine, Malbec is known for its dark fruit flavors and smoky undertones. It pairs well with meat-based sauces, especially those with a bit of spice.
  10. Chardonnay: If you prefer white wine, Chardonnay is a great choice for pairing with pasta and red sauce. Its buttery texture and fruity flavors complement lighter sauces and vegetarian dishes.

Conclusion

Well, folks, we’ve reached the end of our saucy journey together. Hopefully, you’ve learned a thing or two about pairing wine with pasta and red sauce, and maybe even discovered a new favorite wine in the process.

Before we say goodbye, let’s do a quick recap of the 10 best wines to pair with your pasta and red sauce:

  1. Chianti
  2. Barbera
  3. Sangiovese
  4. Nero d’Avola
  5. Zinfandel
  6. Pinot Noir
  7. Tempranillo
  8. Cabernet Sauvignon
  9. Malbec
  10. Chardonnay

Remember, these are just suggestions, and the most important thing is to choose a wine that you enjoy. So go ahead and experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy your meal! Cheers!

10 Best Wines To Pair With Pasta And Red Sauce

When you know what kind of wine goes with pasta and red sauce, you can make any meal feel extra special. That's why I'm sharing my top 10 favorite wines to pair with this classic Italian dish. From light whites to full-bodied reds, I'll provide the perfect pairings for any pasta and red sauce you make.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Wine
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 411 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Chianti
  • Barbera
  • Sangiovese
  • Nero d'Avola
  • Zinfandel
  • Pinot Noir
  • Tempranillo
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Malbec
  • Chardonnay

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite wine from this article.
  • Pour a glass (or two) with your pasta and red sauce dinner.
jenny happy muncher
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.