Pasta is a staple food in many households, often served with a variety of sauces and toppings. But when it comes to pairing wine with pasta, many people are unsure which color of wine to choose. In this article, we will explore the different types of pasta and the best wines to pair them with.
When it comes to pairing wine with food, there are many factors to consider. One key consideration is the type of food being served. For those who enjoy pasta, the question often arises: what color wine goes best with this type of dish? While there is no one definitive answer, there are some guidelines and general recommendations that can help guide your choices. In this discussion, we’ll explore various options and factors to consider when selecting a wine to pair with pasta.
Understanding Pasta
Before we dive into pairing wine with pasta, it’s important to understand the different types of pasta. Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes, from long and thin spaghetti to short and stubby fusilli. The shape of the pasta can influence the texture and mouthfeel of the dish, as well as the flavor.
Long and Thin Pasta
Long and thin pasta, such as spaghetti and linguine, are often paired with light sauces such as tomato or olive oil-based sauces. These sauces tend to be delicate in flavor and texture, so it’s best to pair them with a light-bodied wine that won’t overpower the dish.
Short and Stubby Pasta
Short and stubby pasta, such as penne and fusilli, are often paired with heartier sauces such as meat or cream-based sauces. These sauces tend to be richer in flavor and texture, so it’s best to pair them with a full-bodied wine that can stand up to the dish.
Filled Pasta
Filled pasta, such as ravioli and tortellini, are often paired with creamy or cheesy sauces. These sauces tend to be rich and decadent, so it’s best to pair them with a full-bodied wine that can cut through the richness of the dish.
Pairing Wine with Pasta
Now that we have a better understanding of the different types of pasta, let’s explore the best wines to pair with each.
It’s important to consider the type of pasta and sauce when pairing wine with pasta. Light-bodied white wines such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc pair well with lighter sauces, while full-bodied white wines such as Chardonnay pair well with creamy sauces. Medium-bodied red wines such as Chianti pair well with tomato-based sauces, while full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon pair well with rich meaty sauces. Rosé wines can also be versatile pairings. Tannins and sweetness in wine should also be considered when pairing with pasta dishes.
White Wine
White wine is a popular choice for pairing with pasta, especially when it comes to lighter sauces. Here are some of the best white wines to pair with pasta:
- Pinot Grigio: A light-bodied white wine with crisp acidity, Pinot Grigio pairs well with light pasta dishes such as spaghetti with olive oil and garlic.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Another light-bodied white wine, Sauvignon Blanc has a citrusy flavor that pairs well with tomato-based sauces.
- Chardonnay: A full-bodied white wine, Chardonnay pairs well with creamy pasta dishes such as fettuccine Alfredo.
Red Wine
Red wine is often paired with heartier pasta dishes, especially those with rich meat or tomato-based sauces. Here are some of the best red wines to pair with pasta:
- Chianti: A medium-bodied red wine with a fruity flavor, Chianti pairs well with tomato-based pasta dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese.
- Merlot: A soft and fruity red wine, Merlot pairs well with pasta dishes that have a rich and creamy sauce, such as mushroom pasta.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied red wine with bold tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with pasta dishes that have a rich meaty sauce, such as spaghetti and meatballs.
Rosé Wine
Rosé wine is a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of pasta dishes. Here are some of the best rosé wines to pair with pasta:
- Provence Rosé: A light and crisp rosé wine, Provence Rosé pairs well with light pasta dishes such as spaghetti with lemon and herbs.
- Sangria Rosé: A sweet and fruity rosé wine, Sangria Rosé pairs well with spicy pasta dishes such as arrabbiata.
White Wine with High Acidity
White wines with high acidity, such as Riesling and Pinot Grigio, pair well with tomato-based pasta sauces. Riesling has a crisp acidity that can help cut through the acidity of the tomatoes, while Pinot Grigio has a light and refreshing acidity that can complement the flavors of the sauce. These white wines also pair well with seafood pasta dishes, as the acidity can help balance the richness of the seafood.
Red Wine with High Acidity
Red wines with high acidity, such as Barbera and Chianti, pair well with tomato-based pasta sauces. Barbera has a bright acidity that can complement the acidity of the tomatoes, while Chianti has a medium-bodied acidity that can help cut through the acidity of the sauce. These red wines also pair well with meaty pasta dishes, as the acidity can help balance the richness of the meat.
The Role of Tannins in Wine Pairing
Tannins are compounds found in red wine that can add bitterness and astringency to the wine. When pairing wine with pasta, it’s important to consider the tannins in the wine, as they can affect the overall balance of the pairing. Wines with high tannins pair well with rich and hearty pasta dishes, while wines with low tannins pair well with lighter pasta dishes.
When pairing wine with pasta, it’s important to consider the type of pasta, the sauce, and the flavors in the dish. Lighter white wines like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc work well with delicate sauces, while fuller-bodied options like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon complement rich and creamy pasta dishes. Red wines with high tannins pair well with hearty pasta dishes, while those with low tannins are suited to lighter fare. Sweet wines like Moscato and Riesling can balance out the spiciness of certain pasta dishes.
Red Wine with High Tannins
Red wines with high tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo, pair well with rich and hearty pasta dishes. Cabernet Sauvignon has bold tannins that can stand up to the richness of meaty pasta dishes, while Nebbiolo has a firm tannic structure that can complement the flavors of tomato-based sauces.
Red Wine with Low Tannins
Red wines with low tannins, such as Pinot Noir and Gamay, pair well with lighter pasta dishes. Pinot Noir has a light and fruity flavor that can complement the flavors of creamy pasta sauces, while Gamay has a bright and refreshing flavor that can complement the flavors of vegetable-based pasta dishes.
The Role of Sweetness in Wine Pairing
Sweet wines can also be paired with pasta dishes, especially those with spicy or savory flavors. The sweetness of the wine can help balance the spiciness of the dish, while also complementing the savory flavors.
Sweet Wine Pairings
Sweet wines such as Moscato and Riesling can pair well with spicy pasta dishes, such as arrabbiata or fra diavolo. The sweetness of the wine can help balance the spiciness of the dish, while also complementing the flavors of the tomatoes and herbs.
FAQs – What color wine goes with pasta?
What type of wine should I pair with white sauce pasta?
If you are planning to enjoy a plate of pasta with white sauce, it is recommended to pair it with a white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines have a crisp, acidic taste that complements the creamy richness of the white sauce.
Is there a specific wine that goes well with tomato sauce pasta?
If you are indulging in a tomato sauce pasta, then a red wine like Chianti or Shiraz is an excellent choice. These wines have a good tannin structure and fruity aroma that pairs well with the tanginess of the tomato sauce.
Can I pair rosé wine with pasta?
Yes, Rosé wine is a versatile wine that pairs well with many types of pasta. The light and fruity taste of Rosé complement lighter pasta dishes like seafood or veggie pasta. Additionally, a refreshing glass of Rosé can balance out a spicy tomato-based dish.
Can I have sparkling wine with pasta?
Absolutely! Sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne, can perfectly complement pasta dishes with creamy and buttery sauces. It cleanses your palate and refreshes your taste buds with its fizziness.
What about vegan pasta dishes? Which wine pairs well?
For vegan pasta dishes like mushroom ravioli or spaghetti with eggplant, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Gamay is a good pick. A white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chenin Blanc can also be a delightful pairing with vegan pasta dishes that have a lemon or parsley sauce.