I think we all assume pasta and wine are a straightforward pairing. Pick an Italian wine and the match should work. Over the past few weeks I have experimented with different pasta and wine combinations. It was arduous work but somebody had to do it.
The experiments reinforced one basic rule: It doesn’t matter if the pasta is long, short, a tube or spiral … it’s the sauce and filling that counts.
Pasta served with meatballs and meat-based sauces such as bolognese pair best with reds such as zinfandel, sangiovese, merlot, shiraz, syrah.
THE VALUE
- 2009 Cline Cellars Sonoma County Syrah, California (about $12 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2008 Ridge Vineyards Ponza Zinfandel, California (about $30 retail)
Dishes such as spinach lasagna, ricotta-stuffed manicotti or stuffed mushrooms partner well with chardonnay, Soave, pinot noir.
THE VALUE
- 2010 Mark West Central Coast Pinot Noir, California (about $12 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2009 Rex Hill Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $25 retail)
When it comes to seafood pasta dishes, whether crab, mussels, shrimp or lobster, white wine such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, albarino or pinot grigio is the way to go.
THE VALUE
- 2010 La Cana Albarino, Spain (about $17 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2010 Keenan Napa Valley Chardonnay, California (about $25 retail)
For creamy sauces, safe bets include chardonnay or Soave.
THE VALUE
- 2011 Kendall Jackson Avant Chardonnay, California (about $13 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2010 Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay, California (about $31 retail)
Pinot grigio, Orvieto, sauvignon blanc and albarino are good options for cold pasta salads.
THE VALUE
- 2011 Ruffino Orvieto, Italy (about $10 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2011 A to Z Pinot Gris, Oregon (about $17 retail)
Pesto can vary from the familiar blend of basil and pine nuts to more unusual combinations like sun-dried tomato or roasted red peppers and walnuts. Consider sangiovese, merlot or chardonnay for complementary wines.
THE VALUE
- 2010 Michel Lynch Merlot, France (about $12 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2008 Bell Vineyards Yountville Merlot, California (about $34 retail)