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Best Wine with Pasta: Perfect Pairings for Every Dish
When it comes to comfort food, pasta holds a top spot—and like any great dish, it gets even better with the right glass of wine. From rich meat sauces to light seafood linguine, the perfect pairing enhances both the plate and the pour.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the best wines to pair with classic pasta dishes and why certain varietals shine with specific ingredients. Whether you’re hosting dinner or just upgrading your weeknight meal, the right wine makes every pasta moment memorable.
Looking to explore these pairings in real life? Our Premium Wine Club delivers exceptional reds and whites to your door—risk-free with our No Bad Bottle Guarantee.
Why Pasta and Wine Make the Perfect Match
Pasta and wine are a natural duo thanks to their shared heritage and complementary flavors. Sauces—creamy, tomato-based, or herb-forward—carry the bulk of a dish’s personality, and the best wine with pasta respects and elevates that character.
Acidity, tannin, and body all play a role. A high-acid wine like Chianti cuts through tomato sauce beautifully, while a smooth, buttery Chardonnay softens a rich Alfredo. The goal? Balance, not competition.
Red Wine with Pasta: Best Pairings for Hearty Sauces
Hearty red sauces and meat-based pastas need wines with structure and boldness. These reds have the depth to match flavor intensity without overpowering the dish.
Spaghetti Bolognese → Chianti or Sangiovese
The acidity mirrors the tomato, and earthy notes match the beef.Lasagna → Barbera or Montepulciano
These Italian reds bring plum, spice, and food-friendly tannins.Beef Ravioli or Ragu → Merlot or Zinfandel
Medium-bodied with juicy fruit and a soft finish. Discover a rotating selection of these reds in our Red Wine Club.
White Wine with Pasta: Ideal Matches for Creamy or Light Sauces
Not every pasta dish calls for a red. Creamy sauces, seafood, and herb-forward recipes often shine with whites that offer brightness, minerality, or gentle fruit.
Fettuccine Alfredo → Chardonnay (unoaked or lightly oaked)
Rich meets rich—this is a classic combination.Seafood Linguine → Pinot Grigio or Vermentino
Crisp, zesty whites elevate seafood and citrus elements.Pesto Pasta → Sauvignon Blanc or Dry Riesling
The acidity plays off the herbs, while minerality balances the oil.Get these bright, aromatic whites delivered monthly through our Premium Wine Club.
Sparkling Wine with Pasta: The Underrated Hero
Sparkling wines bring acidity, effervescence, and a clean finish—perfect for cutting through creamy or umami-rich dishes. They’re also just fun.
Carbonara → Brut Sparkling Wine
The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites of pancetta and egg yolk.Mushroom Pasta → Sparkling Rosé or Lambrusco
Earthy and savory meet vibrant and floral. A truly unexpected match.
Explore our Sparkling Wine Club for food-friendly fizz and lively surprises.
Pasta Pairing Tips for Any Occasion
Match by sauce, not noodle. Focus on what defines the dish’s flavor.
When in doubt, go Italian. Pasta’s homegrown wines rarely steer you wrong.
Balance richness with acidity. Especially with cream or tomato-based sauces.
Let the wine breathe. Even a 20-minute decant makes a big difference.
Bonus: Wine with Gluten-Free or Plant-Based Pasta
Modern pasta comes in many forms. Lentil, chickpea, or brown rice pastas carry more earthy notes, while plant-based sauces may need leaner wines.
Vegan Alfredo → Unoaked Chardonnay
Lentil pasta with marinara → Garnacha or Pinot Noir
Chickpea pasta with pesto → Sauvignon Blanc
These pairings keep things light, clean, and balanced.
Shop Wine Online and Explore New Pairings
From weekday spaghetti to celebration-worthy risottos, great wine elevates every bite. Whether you prefer bold reds, crisp whites, or something in between, Cellars Wine Club makes exploring easy.
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