We’ve all heard that spaghetti pairs well with Chianti. Acidic tomato sauce needs an equally acidic wine to go with it. But what if you find Chianti to be too tart? Its tannins too coarse? Here’s a different spaghetti and wine pairing that will change your dinner game.
Our Favorite Spaghetti and Wine Pairing: Negroamaro
Negroamaro has the bright acidity to match marinara sauce, and structured tannins to stand up to meatballs. It has rich aromatics of black plum, dried cherry, spices, tobacco, and savory herbs. It is approachable enough to drink young, without aging. Because Negroamaro is affordable and food-friendly, it is perfect for weeknight spaghetti dinners.
Full disclaimer: wine is subjective. The most common wine recommendation for spaghetti is Chianti. That said, my opinion is that other Italian varietals such as Negroamaro have richer aromatics, for the same price.
The 72100 (pictured above) is our favorite Negroamaro. However, it is not widely available across the nation. Here are some other options for online purchase (via affiliate links):
Cantele Riserva Salice Salentino 2017
Tormaresca Negroamaro Salento Masseria Maime
Runners Up: Other Great Wines for Spaghetti
If you prefer wines that are less fruit-forward, consider Sangiovese from outside of Chianti. Brunello di Montalcino is made from a thicker-skinned clone of the Sangiovese grape. It has rich tannins and stunning depth of aromatics. If Brunello’s price tag is a concern, Rosso di Montalcino makes a good backup. Rosso di Montalcino is a “baby Brunello” aged for just six months in oak. It offers a similar profile to Brunello, but with fresher, more vibrant aromatics.
Nebbiolo is another Italian varietal that works with spaghetti. If you see wines labeled “Barolo” or “Barbera”, these contain Nebbiolo. Nebbiolo is highly tannic and acidic, making it great for tomato- and meat-based dishes. Its predominant aromatics are earth and leather, rather than fruit.
Finally, if you prefer fuller-bodied wines, consider a super Tuscan wine. Winemakers can choose any grapes they want for these blends, but it’s common to see Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. Super Tuscans tend to be full-bodied wines, made in the new world style. Like the other wines listed above, they have bold acidity and earthy aromatics that are great with spaghetti and meatballs.
Looking for more comfort food and wine pairings? Check out our top 5 pairings here.