Best Wine With Spaghetti And Meat Sauce
Spaghetti and meat sauce is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many Americans. It’s a hearty meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a romantic evening in. However, finding the right wine to pair with this dish can be a challenge. The wrong wine can overpower the flavors of the sauce and pasta, while the right wine can enhance the flavors and make the meal even more enjoyable. In this article, we will explore the best wine to pair with spaghetti and meat sauce.
What Makes a Good Wine Pairing?
Before we dive into the best wine to pair with spaghetti and meat sauce, it’s important to understand what makes a good wine pairing. A good wine pairing should complement the flavors of the dish, not overpower it. The wine should also have a similar intensity to the dish. For example, if the dish is heavy and rich, the wine should be as well. Finally, the wine should have acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce.
Best Wine Pairings for Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Chianti
Chianti is a red wine from the Tuscany region of Italy. It is a classic pairing for spaghetti and meat sauce. Chianti has a medium body, high acidity, and a dry finish. This makes it a perfect pairing for a tomato-based meat sauce. The acidity in the wine cuts through the acidity in the tomatoes, while the tannins in the wine complement the meatiness of the sauce. Chianti is also a great value wine, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner.
Barbera
Barbera is a red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is known for its high acidity, which makes it a great pairing for tomato-based sauces. Barbera has a medium body, which makes it a good match for the weight of spaghetti. The tannins in the wine also help to complement the meaty flavors of the sauce. Barbera is a versatile wine that can also pair well with other Italian dishes.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a red wine from the Abruzzo region of Italy. It is a full-bodied wine with moderate acidity and tannins. This makes it a great pairing for a hearty meat sauce. The wine has flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice, which complement the flavors in the sauce. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is also a good value wine, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a red wine from California. It is known for its high alcohol content and bold flavors. Zinfandel is a good pairing for a meaty sauce because it has the weight and tannins to stand up to the flavors. The wine also has flavors of dark fruit, which complement the flavors in the sauce. Zinfandel is a great choice for those who prefer a full-bodied wine.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a red wine from Italy. It is the main grape used in Chianti, but is also used in other Italian wines. Sangiovese has high acidity and tannins, which make it a great pairing for tomato-based sauces. The wine also has flavors of cherry and plum, which complement the flavors in the sauce. Sangiovese is a good choice for those who prefer a medium-bodied wine.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meat sauce is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a romantic evening in. When it comes to pairing wine with this dish, there are several options to choose from. Chianti, Barbera, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese are all excellent choices. When selecting a wine, make sure to consider the acidity, tannins, and weight of the wine. With the right pairing, your spaghetti and meat sauce will be even more delicious.