The Ultimate Pasta and Wine Pairing Guide

Picture this – a cozy Italian dinner, a table laden with steaming bowls of pasta, and a glass of wine perfectly complementing every mouthful. Sounds great right? But how do you choose the perfect wine to complement your pasta?  

Creating the perfect harmony between pasta and wine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide is your roadmap to understanding how to pair these two beautifully, ensuring every meal feels like a celebration. Whether you’re cooking a creamy Alfredo or a hearty Bolognese, there’s a wine out there waiting to elevate it.  

Understanding Pasta Dishes  

Pasta is a canvas for creativity and tradition, offering endless opportunities to create culinary magic! When combined with a variety of sauces—from the rich and creamy to the light and herbaceous—the possibilities are endless.  

Here’s a breakdown of common pasta types and sauces to help you decide what works best with each glass of wine.  

Common Pasta Types  

• Spaghetti
  The classic long, thin round strands are highly versatile. They work wonders with tomato-based sauces, pestos, or even minimalist recipes like aglio e olio.  
• Fettuccine
  These thick, flat ribbons are ideal for creamy, luxurious sauces like Alfredo, thanks to their ability to hold rich, velvety layers.  
• Penne
  Short, tube-like pasta with diagonally cut ends, Penne is perfect for thick, robust sauces or baked dishes as its hollow center traps every morsel of flavor.  
• Macaroni
  This small, elbow-shaped pasta is a staple for crowd-favorites like mac and cheese. Looking for inspiration? Try this Dungeness Crab Mac and Cheese paired with Chardonnay for an indulgent treat.  
• Linguine
  Flatter and wider than spaghetti, linguine pairs beautifully with seafood or delicate, light sauces such as garlic butter.  
• Rigatoni
  Wide, ridged tubes work best with hearty sauces like Bolognese or anything chunky and rich.  
• Fusilli
  The spiral shape of Fusilli is fantastic for trapping sauce, making it one of the most versatile pasta options for various recipes.  

Common Pasta Sauces  

Your pasta sauce truly dictates the wine pairing. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular sauces and their ideal matches. 

• Tomato-Based Sauces
  These bright, tangy sauces thrive with medium-bodied reds like Chianti or Sangiovese, which balance acidity beautifully.  
• Cream-Based Sauces
  Rich and indulgent, creamy sauces like Alfredo beg for buttery whites such as Chardonnay.  
• Pesto Sauces
  Fresh and herbaceous basil pesto pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or an aromatic Dry Rosé.  
• Vegetable-Based Sauces
  Light and flavorful, vegetable sauces work well with refreshing wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.  
• Meat-Based Sauces
  Hearty and filling, meaty sauces like Bolognese pair best with bold reds like Barbera or Cabernet Sauvignon.  
• Cheese-Based Sauces
  Decadent and comforting cheese-based sauces are excellent with balanced whites like Chardonnay or sparkling options like Prosecco.  
• Oil-Based Sauces
  Simple yet sophisticated, oil-based sauces pair well with lighter reds like Pinot Noir or vibrant whites like Vermentino.  

The Best Wines with Pasta by Type  

Each pasta dish demands a wine that complements and elevates its flavors. Here’s a crash course on the fundamentals of pasta and wine pairing with reds, whites, rosé, and sparkling wines.  

The Best Red Wines with Pasta

Pinot Noir  

Elegant yet understated, Pinot Noir’s light body and bright red fruit flavors make it a versatile pairing for a wide range of pasta dishes. Earthy notes in the wine are especially harmonious with mushroom-based sauces and truffle-infused dishes like mushroom risotto. The wine’s gentle acidity also cuts nicely through the richness of tomato-based pastas without overwhelming the dish. If you’re serving a classic marinara or a roasted vegetable pasta, Pinot Noir adds a refined balance and depth.

Explore La Crema’s collection of Pinot Noirs crafted from cool-climate vineyards across California and Oregon. 

Cabernet Sauvignon  

If you’re indulging in a meaty Bolognese or a hearty lasagna, the bold tannins and dark fruit profile of Cabernet Sauvignon enhance those rich, umami-driven flavors effortlessly. Its full body stands up to the density of the sauce, while its dark cherry and cassis notes add intensity to every bite. For fans of robust, savory dishes, this is a power pairing worth savoring. Try it with La Crema’s newest 2022 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon — a bold, structured wine that brings out the best in layered, meaty pasta recipes. Learn more about it on our blog. 

Beaujolais-Style Wine
Made in a lighter, fruit-forward style, La Crema’s Beaujolais-style red is vibrant and juicy — perfect for creamy pasta dishes, herby pesto, or lighter tomato sauces where you want brightness without overpowering the plate. These wines tend to have lower tannins, which makes them highly approachable and flexible with food. The red berry notes play especially well with pastas that include goat cheese, fresh basil, or sun-dried tomatoes. It’s an easy-drinking red that shines when chilled slightly and served with casual, flavorful pasta dishes.

Don’t miss La Crema’s limited-release Beaujolais Nouveau, a fresh and festive expression of this style. 

The Best White Wines for Pasta

Chardonnay
Rich Chardonnay complements creamy Alfredo dishes beautifully, as it mirrors the velvety texture of the sauce and adds a hint of citrus brightness. Oak-aged Chardonnays in particular bring notes of vanilla and baking spice that can elevate dishes with roasted garlic or sautéed mushrooms. The wine’s medium to full body means it won’t get lost in richer sauces. It’s also a great match for pasta with seafood cream sauces, like lobster ravioli or scallop linguine.

Explore La Crema’s Chardonnay collection, which showcases expressive wines from coastal vineyards in Sonoma, Monterey, and beyond. 

Sauvignon Blanc
With its zesty acidity and herbal notes, Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent pairing for pesto dishes or fresh veggie-based pastas. Its citrus-driven profile brings a lively contrast to the earthy, savory elements of basil and pine nuts. The wine’s green notes — like fresh-cut grass or bell pepper — also make it a natural fit for asparagus, zucchini, or artichoke-laden pastas. It’s a crisp, refreshing choice that brings energy to lighter plates. 

Try La Crema’s Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc, a vibrant white bursting with citrus and tropical fruit. 

Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris offers crispness and subtle fruit flavors, making it a lovely partner to light seafood linguine or even a delicate carbonara. Its pear, melon, and citrus notes blend well with shellfish, while its soft acidity lifts the richness of egg-based sauces. Pinot Gris also shines with dishes that include a touch of sweetness, like pasta with caramelized onions or butternut squash. If you’re after a white that’s both food-friendly and easygoing, this is a smart pick. 

Discover La Crema’s Monterey Pinot Gris for a bright and fruit-forward expression. 

The Best Rosé and Sparkling Wines with Pasta  

Dry Rosé
Perfect for summer evenings, Dry Rosé strikes a balance between the richness of tomato-based sauces and the freshness of light meat dishes. It’s especially good with pasta salads, grilled chicken penne, or pasta primavera thanks to its refreshing acidity and subtle berry notes. Dry Rosé can also tame the heat in slightly spicy dishes without clashing with bold flavors. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make it a great option for outdoor meals or picnics.

Explore the full range of La Crema’s Rosé wines for beautifully balanced, dry styles from coastal vineyards. 

Fruit-Forward Rosé
Soft, fruity aromas add a playful sweetness, making it a delightful match for slightly spicy pasta dishes like puttanesca or arrabbiata. The wine’s red berry and floral notes balance the heat and saltiness of these sauces, smoothing the edges and enhancing the dish’s complexity. Fruit-forward rosés also pair nicely with Mediterranean flavors like olives, capers, and roasted red peppers. They bring a juicy lift that keeps the meal from feeling too heavy. 

Sparkling Rosé
Sparkling Rosé not only adds excitement to the meal but pairs surprisingly well with rich, cheesy pastas like mac and cheese. The bubbles cut through cream and fat, refreshing your palate with each sip. It also works wonderfully with baked pasta dishes where cheese takes center stage — think stuffed shells or cheesy baked ziti. Beyond that, it’s a festive wine that turns even a weeknight pasta into a celebration.

Try La Crema’s Russian River Valley Sparkling Brut Rosé, known for its fine bubbles and elegant fruit character. 

Blanc de Blanc
Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, Blanc de Blancs offers crisp acidity and citrusy elegance — a perfect match for seafood pastas or creamy dishes like butternut squash ravioli. Its fine bubbles and minerality bring out the delicacy in shrimp scampi or lemony linguine. The bright, clean finish acts like a squeeze of lemon on your plate, enhancing subtle flavors without overwhelming them. It’s a sophisticated option when you want to add sparkle to a lighter pasta dish.

La Crema’s Blanc de Blancs delivers a refined sparkle ideal for elegant pairings. 

10 Delicious Wine and Pasta Pairings  

Ready to put your newfound knowledge to the test? Here are 10 mouthwatering pasta and wine pairings to try: 

1. Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce 

• Wine Pairings: Pinot Noir 
• Reasons: The acidity of the wine balances the tanginess of the tomato sauce, while the fruitiness complements the flavors. 
• Recommended Wine Pairing: La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 

2. Fettuccine Alfredo 

• Wine Pairings: Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris 
• Reasons: The richness of the sauce pairs well with the full-bodied flavors of the wine. 
• Recommended Wine Pairing: La Crema Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 

3. Pesto Pasta 

• Wine Pairings: Sauvignon Blanc, and Dry Rosé. 
• Reasons: The herbal notes of the wine enhance the flavors of the pesto.
  Check out one of our favorite Pesto Pasta recipes here. 
• Recommended Wine Pairing: La Crema Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 
• Our Favorite Recipe: Fresh Basil Pasta with Pesto  

4. Spaghetti Carbonara 

• Wine Pairings: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Sparkling Wine. 
• Reasons: The crispness of the wine cuts through the richness of the sauce. 
• Recommended Wine Pairing: La Crema Los Carneros Chardonnay 

5. Seafood Linguine 

• Wine Pairings: Pinot Gris, and Sparkling Wine. 
• Reasons: The lightness of the wine complements the delicate flavors of the seafood.
  Try this scrumptious seafood pasta. 
• Recommended Wine Pairing: La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris 
• Our Favorite Recipe: Italian Seafood Pasta Dinner 

6. Lasagna 

• Wine Pairings: Cabernet Sauvignon 
• Reasons: The bold flavors of the wine stand up to the hearty meat and cheese layers. 
• Recommended Wine Pairing: La Crema Cabernet Sauvignon  
• Our Favorite Recipe: The Best Lasagna Soup 

7. Mushroom Risotto 

• Wine Pairings: Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay 
• Reasons: The earthy flavors of the wine complement the mushrooms in the dish. 
• Recommended Wine Pairing: La Crema Skycrest Vineyard Pinot Noir 
• Our Favorite Recipe: One Pot Risotto 

8. Pasta Primavera 

• Wine Pairings: Sauvignon Blanc, and Dry Rosé. 
• Reasons: The crisp acidity of these wine selections pair perfectly with the subtle, fresh flavors of spring that you’ll find in Pasta Primavera. 
• Recommended Wine Pairing: La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé 

9. Penne Pasta with Duck Confit 

• Wine Pairings: Pinot Noir 
• Reasons: Rich and fragrant, this dish needs a wine that stands up to its hearty flavors. 
• Recommended Wine Pairing: La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 
• Our Favorite Recipe: The Best Penne Pasta with Duck Confit 

10. Butternut Squash Ravioli 

• Wine Pairings: Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris 
• Reasons: Whether oil or cream based, the richness of butternut squash — served with a generous pour of fresh Parmesan cheese — pairs beautifully with the crisp character of these wines. 
• Recommended Wine Pairing: La Crema Tidal Break Vineyard Chardonnay 

11. Angel Hair Pasta with Summer Squash (bonus!) 

• Wine Pairings: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir 
• Reasons: The crisp acidity/structure of these wines enhances the fresh flavors of this spring-inspired dish.
• Recommended Wine Pairing: La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 
• Our Favorite Recipe: Angel Hair Pasta with Summer Squash. 

Find the Perfect Wine for Your Pasta Dish  

Pairing wine and pasta isn’t just a culinary tradition; it’s an art form you, too, can master. By understanding the roles of sauces, pasta textures, and the unique qualities of different wine varietals, you’re on your way to creating a never-ending list of memorable mealtime experiences.  

Explore La Crema’s portfolio of wines that work splendidly with pasta dishes. Looking for more ideas? Check out La Crema’s blog for recipes, pairing tips, and more.  

And don’t forget to meet Tracey Shepos-Cenami, the culinary force behind these inspiring pairings!