What Wine Goes With Pesto Pasta? (10 Best Wines)

When it comes to enjoying a delicious pesto pasta dish, the right wine pairing can make all the difference.

But with so many wines out there, it can be hard to decide what wine goes with pesto pasta.

To simplify your decision-making process, I’m sharing 10 of the best wines for pairing with pesto pasta.

So whether you are serving up a light and fresh pesto or a creamy version, I’m sure you’ll find something on this list that pairs perfectly.

In a rush? Here is the short answer:

A good choice for a wine to serve with pesto pasta is a dry, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines will complement the flavors of the pesto and bring out its herbal notes. A light-bodied red like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir can also be paired nicely with this dish.

Why Consider Serving A Wine With Pesto Pasta?

Let’s dive right in and discuss why you should consider serving a wine with this scrumptious dish.

1. Elevate the dining experience: Look, I don’t want to sound cheesy, but serving a wine with pesto pasta can really elevate your dining experience. It’s like adding an extra layer of flavor to an already tasty dish.
2. Complement the flavors: Have you ever taken a sip of wine and thought, “Wow, this pairs perfectly with what I’m eating?” Well, that’s exactly what you want to achieve with pesto pasta. The right wine can complement the flavors of the dish and bring out its unique taste.
3. Balance the richness: Pesto pasta can be quite rich, especially if you load up on the cheese. But fear not, my friends! A good wine can help balance out the richness and make the dish more enjoyable.
4. Impress your guests: Let’s be real, serving wine with a meal is just impressive. Your guests will think you’re a fancy-schmancy gourmet chef, even if you’re just using store-bought pesto sauce (hey, no judgment here!).
5. A perfect match: Wine and pasta go together like spaghetti and meatballs. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, and pesto pasta is no exception. Plus, it gives you an excuse to drink wine with dinner (as if we needed one!).

5 Tips For Picking A Wine With Pesto Pasta

1. Consider the sauce: The first thing to keep in mind when picking a wine for your pesto pasta is the sauce. Pesto sauce is made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, which means it has a pretty distinct flavor. Look for a wine that complements, rather than overpowers, the taste of the sauce.
2. Match the acidity: Another crucial factor to consider is the acidity level of both the dish and the wine. If the wine is too acidic, it can clash with the flavors of the pasta and make the dish taste sour. On the other hand, a wine that’s not acidic enough can make the dish taste bland. Aim for a wine that has similar acidity levels as the dish.
3. Don’t be afraid to experiment: While there are some general guidelines to follow when pairing wine with food, don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new. You never know, you might discover a pairing that you absolutely love!
4. Red or white? It’s a tough choice, I know. But generally speaking, white wine tends to pair better with pesto pasta than red wine. However, if you’re a red wine fan, don’t worry! There are still some red wines that can work well with the dish.
5. Consider the occasion: Finally, consider the occasion and the guests you’ll be serving. Are you having a casual dinner with friends, or is it a fancy-schmancy dinner party? Are your guests wine experts, or are they more casual drinkers? These factors can help guide your wine selection and make sure everyone has a great time.

The 10 Best Wines To Pair With Pesto Pasta

Alright, my foodie friends, are you ready for the main event? It’s time to talk about the top 10 best wines to pair with pesto pasta! Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, there’s a wine on this list that’s sure to tickle your taste buds.

1. Pinot Grigio: This light and refreshing white wine is a classic choice for pairing with pesto pasta. It has a crisp acidity that complements the flavors of the dish perfectly.
2. Sauvignon Blanc: Another white wine that pairs well with pesto pasta is Sauvignon Blanc. It has a tangy acidity and citrusy flavors that cut through the richness of the dish.
3. Vermentino: If you’re feeling adventurous, give Vermentino a try. This Italian white wine has a minerality that complements the earthy flavors of the pesto sauce.
4. Chardonnay: If you prefer a fuller-bodied white wine, Chardonnay is a great option. Look for one that’s lightly oaked to avoid overpowering the flavors of the dish.
5. Rosé: Yes, you read that right. Rosé can actually pair quite well with pesto pasta! Look for a dry, light-bodied rosé with crisp acidity.
6. Beaujolais: For red wine lovers, Beaujolais is a great choice. It has low tannins and high acidity, making it a good match for the flavors of the dish.
7. Chianti: Another classic Italian wine, Chianti has a medium-bodied texture and pairs well with the herbal notes in pesto sauce.
8. Barbera: If you’re looking for a red wine that’s a bit more bold, Barbera is a good choice. It has a rich fruitiness that can stand up to the flavors of the pasta.
9. Sangiovese: This Italian red wine has a medium body and high acidity, making it a great pairing for pesto pasta.
10. Zinfandel: Last but not least, we have Zinfandel. This full-bodied red wine has a spicy kick that pairs well with the garlic and herb flavors of the pesto sauce.

Conclusion

Well, well, well, we’ve come to the end of our pesto pasta and wine pairing adventure!

We’ve learned why serving wine with pesto pasta is a great idea, how to pick the perfect wine, and the top 10 best wines to pair with this tasty dish. Are you feeling like a pesto pasta wine pairing pro yet?

Let’s do a quick recap of the 10 best wines to pair with pesto pasta:

1. Pinot Grigio
2. Sauvignon Blanc
3. Vermentino
4. Chardonnay
5. Rosé
6. Beaujolais
7. Chianti
8. Barbera
9. Sangiovese
10. Zinfandel

There you have it, folks! Whether you prefer white or red, light or full-bodied, there’s a wine on this list that’s sure to pair perfectly with your pesto pasta.

So go ahead, get cooking, pour yourself a glass (or two) of wine, and enjoy a delicious meal! Cheers!