Wine Pairing
Pasta with Pesto
Pesto is a blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and cheese.
Pairing Suggestions
The herbal Pesto notes can easily clash with a red wine or a full body white like Chardonnay.
A bone dry white is too light for the bold garlic and basil flavors.
Our best recommendation is a light body white.
Ligurian Vermentino is an excellent pair. Pesto is a Ligurian dish, and Vermentino has hint of pine nuts and basil in the aroma.
A bodied Sauvignon Blanc is also an excellent pair. It balances the rich olive oil and pine nut purée in the pesto. And the grassy grapefruit flavors pair well with the basil flavors in the sauce.
Vermentino (Italy)
Sancerre (France)
Sauvignon Blanc (World)
Other Excellent Alternatives
Prosecco (Italy)
Cava (Spain)
Sekt (Germany)
Champagne (France)
Personal Preferences
As always, personal preferences play a significant role in wine and food pairings. Don't hesitate to experiment to find the combination that suits your taste buds best.
Each pasta dish has its own personality, and the wine should either complement or contrast its flavors in an enjoyable way.
Try to match the intensity of the pasta with a wine of similar weight, and let acidity be your guide when pairing with tomato-based sauces.
Enjoy experimenting with pasta and white wine!
Grows Together Goes Together
If it grows together it goes together.
Pairing locally is a great way to learn more about food and wine:
Italy
Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare (Seafood Pasta)
Greco di Tufo from Campania is an excellent match for mixed seafood pasta.Trofie al Pesto (Basil Pesto Pasta)
The herbal notes of Vermentino complement the basil in pesto.Pasta alla Carbonara (Egg, Pancetta meat, Parmesan)
A dry, crisp white wine like Soave complements the salty pancetta and creamy sauce.
France
Coquillettes au Jambon (Macaroni with Ham and Cheese)
A Chardonnay (preferably from Burgundy) adds richness without overpowering the dish.Pâtes au Saumon (Pasta with Salmon)
A crisp and mineral-driven Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc) balances the richness of the salmon.Pâtes aux Fruits de Mer (Seafood Pasta)
A dry and refreshing Muscadet from the Loire Valley highlights the briny, delicate seafood flavors.