Perfect Wine for Pasta
Pasta is a staple part of so many people's diets; little wonder, therefore, that we are so interested in making sure that our wine choice allows us to enjoy our pasta fully.
One of the main things to remember when it comes to pairing pasta with wine is that pretty much anything goes. Pasta itself is incredibly bland tasting and can therefore be linked with almost any type of wine. However, pasta is normally combined with sauces or other foods. In these cases, the sauce or other food will take the lead when it comes to influencing your choice of wine.
Party Pasta
Pasta is an incredibly popular party food, mainly because it is cheap and easy to cook in bulk. If you are supplying pasta to a large number of people, it is also worth providing wine in bulk, for these occasions. It is a wise idea to offer both red and white wine (and even rosé) in order to cater for everyone. Choose the wine to suit all your guests!
Red Pasta Sauces
Having said that, there are no distinct rules when it comes to pasta, but this is not strictly the case when it comes to strongly flavored pasta sauces. Red sauces, such as Bolognese, benefit greatly from very flavorful and powerful red wines such as chianti, zinfandel or sangiovese. It is also worthwhile remembering that these reds can tempt almost anyone so are a great choice for parties. If you have chosen an Italian theme, these wines go equally well with most pizzas.
White Pasta Sauces
Life gets a little harder when you are serving a white or creamy pasta sauce. Plenty of wines can be considered as suitable accompaniments for creamy sauces. However, a crisp white wine is generally best because of its refreshing taste. Try chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement your perfect pasta dish!
Other Pasta Combinations
Pasta is often served alongside shellfish. In these circumstances, it is wise to opt for a crisper tasting white wine such as riesling. For a more middle of the road choice and if you are trying to appeal to a wider audience opt for a sauvignon blanc or light chardonnay.
With pasta you have plenty of choices. Consider your guests and any other dishes on offer; by adopting this approach, you will not fail to impress!