Best Wine to Pair with Red Sauce Pasta

The quintessential red sauce pasta, spaghetti with marinara, shines with wines that offer bright acidity and red fruit flavors. Chianti is a classic choice, its vibrant acidity and cherry notes balancing the tangy tomato sauce. For an alternative, Barbera brings juicy plum flavors and lively freshness, complementing the sauce without overwhelming the dish.

Penne Arrabbiata, known for its spicy kick from chili peppers, needs a wine that can stand up to heat. Sangiovese offers high acidity and subtle earthiness to tame the spice, while a fruit-forward Zinfandel adds bold berry flavors and a peppery finish that mirrors the dish's fiery character.

Baked ziti, with its layers of pasta, red sauce, and gooey cheese, calls for a robust yet balanced wine. Montepulciano brings ripe dark fruit and soft tannins to match the richness, while Nero d’Avola offers a juicy, full-bodied profile that complements both the sauce and the baked cheese topping.

The savory, earthy flavors of eggplant parmesan pair well with reds that have gentle tannins and ripe fruit. Merlot provides smooth texture and plum notes that harmonize with the dish’s layers, while Grenache offers bright red berry flavors and subtle spice to enhance the tomato sauce and melted cheese.

A medley of seasonal vegetables tossed in red sauce is best enjoyed with wines that don’t overpower the fresh flavors. Dolcetto offers soft tannins and berry notes to complement the veggies, while Pinot Noir brings delicate cherry fruit and lively acidity that highlight the sauce’s brightness and the dish’s overall freshness.

• Embrace acidity – Choose wines with good acidity to complement the tanginess of the tomato sauce and enhance the overall flavors.
• Consider the dish’s richness – Heavier pasta dishes with cheese or meat may require a fuller-bodied wine, while lighter vegetable-based pastas pair well with more delicate options.
• Balance spice – For spicy pasta dishes, select wines with fruit-forward profiles and lower tannins to soften the heat and maintain harmony.
• Highlight key flavors – Match wines with prominent fruit or earthy notes to accentuate the core ingredients of the dish, such as eggplant or tomatoes.