Who doesn’t love a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs? It’s the classic Italian-American dish that has been served in restaurants and homes forever. It’s comfort food at its finest, and if you really want to make it shine, you need the best wine with spaghetti to bring out all those rich, savory flavors.
When I close my eyes and think about this classic dish in my head, I envision it sitting on a red and white checkered table cloth with a bottle of Chianti in a fiasco bottle next to it. You know…the bottles that are covered in wicker.
The truth is, there are a lot of different wines out there that could be considered the perfect match for the classic spaghetti and meatballs.
When considering what wine you want to drink with spaghetti and meatballs you have to think about the ingredients involved. We’re talking about ground beef and red sauce for the most part. There’s also going to be some olive oil, parmesan cheese and garlic involved. Maybe even some fresh basil.
There are a lot of different meatball recipes out there, but for this article we are referring to Italian meatballs in tomato sauce.
Let’s take a look at some wines that will go best with spaghetti and meatballs.
Best Wine with Spaghetti: Top Pairings to Elevate Your Meal
Spaghetti and meatballs deserve a wine pairing that enhances the flavors of the rich tomato sauce, tender meatballs, and savory Italian spices. The best wine with spaghetti balances acidity, tannins, and fruitiness to complement the dish perfectly. Whether you prefer a bold red, a smooth medium-bodied option, or even a crisp white, there’s a perfect pairing waiting for you.
Here are some of the top wine choices to serve with your next spaghetti and meatballs dinner:
Chianti
This is a favorite of Italian red wine lovers. It’s the most common wine associated with Italian cuisine. Chianti is a red wine produced in the Chianti region of Tuscany.
It is made mostly with Sangiovese grapes. Chianti Classico are premium versions of the Chianti wine and have a high tannin content as well as high acidity. Chianti is a good match for rich tomato-based sauces. The ground beef in the meatballs will flavor the sauce making it a good match for Chianti.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape that is grown in many parts of the world. It has flavors similar to black currant and black cherry. This wine is good with fresh tomato sauce.
Merlot
A merlot is a red wine that can be paired with so many different types of food. You can enjoy a glass with a meaty lasagna or a sausage cacciatore. This is one of the best red wines to buy when you aren’t really sure what to get. The flavor profile allows you to drink it with dishes that would also go with Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. A full-bodied Merlot has hints of plum and blackberry with moderate tannins.
Merlot is a natural fit with spaghetti and meatballs.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a red wine that is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a hint of berries and medium to high acidity. It pairs well with meatballs in tomato sauce.
Pinot Noir
This is a red wine with medium acidity. It is a light bodied wine and is sometimes said to have a hint of mushrooms. It’s actually a very good wine to pair with spicy meatballs.
Nero d’Avola
This red wine is a big deal in Sicily and is becoming pretty popular in the United States. It’s a great choice if you usually order Cabernet Sauvignon and want to try something new. It has some fruity flavors like black cherry and plum. It has medium to high tannins and acidity.
Barolo
This Italian wine is made from Nebbiolo grapes. This red wine is very high in acid and tannins. This means it pairs well with meaty dishes like meatballs and Marinara sauce.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
This is a classic red wine from the Abruzzo region. It’s made with Montepulciano grapes. It’s a well rounded wine that pairs well with hearty beef dishes like meatballs and Bolognese sauce.
Barbera
This is one of the most popular Italian reds from Piedmont. It has a juicy acidity and notes of black cherry. It goes well with fatty meat dishes which are a good match for the high acidity in the wine.
Rosso di Montalcino
Similar to Chiant, Rosso di Montalcino is made with Sangiovese grapes. It can be served with spicy pasta dishes and most tomato sauces.
Amarone
Amarone is a full-bodied red wine. It is dry and sometimes considered syrupy. It is best served with rich, meaty stews and game. This is why it does go well with beef meatballs in a rich tomato sauce.
Zinfandel
If you decide to go with full-bodied reds, a Zinfandel is a good option. It’s a bold and tannic wine that will compliment a rich meaty dish.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc is a white wine with grassy notes and citrus flavors. It can be served with spaghetti dishes with light sauces and spicy foods. So if your meatballs are spicy, open a bottle of sauvignon blanc.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot grigio is a dry white wine with a lot of acidity. It’s the type of wine you want served cold on a really hot day. It can be served with spaghetti and meatballs made with a light tomato sauce.
Chardonnay
If you are going to serve Chardonnay with spaghetti and meatballs make sure it’s oaked. An Oaked chardonnay is a full-bodied wine that goes well with rich meats and sauces.
A simple rule of thumb is to serve red wines at room temperature and white wines slightly chilled. But rules are made to be broken. Sometimes I put ice cubes in my red wine when it’s hot out.
Mistakes to Avoid When Pairing Wine with Spaghetti
Pairing wine with spaghetti seems easy—just grab a bottle of red and call it a day, right? Not so fast. While choosing the best wine with spaghetti is mostly about personal taste, there are a few common mistakes that can throw off the balance of flavors. Here’s what to avoid to make sure your meal and wine complement each other perfectly.
1. Choosing a Wine That’s Too Tannic
Some wines, especially young Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo, are packed with tannins. These bold reds can overpower a light tomato sauce, making the dish taste overly acidic. Instead, go for a well-balanced wine like Chianti or Barbera, which have the right structure to complement spaghetti without overwhelming it.
2. Picking a Wine That’s Too Sweet
Tomato-based pasta sauces are naturally acidic, so pairing them with a sweet wine like Moscato or Zinfandel can create an unpleasant clash of flavors. The best rule of thumb? Stick with dry wines that have bright acidity—Sangiovese, Montepulciano, or Nero d’Avola are excellent choices.
3. Serving Red Wine Too Warm or White Wine Too Cold
Believe it or not, temperature matters when serving wine with spaghetti. If your red wine is too warm, it can taste overly alcoholic and dull. If your white wine is ice-cold, it can lose its aromas and complexity. Serve red wines slightly below room temperature (around 60-65°F) and white wines slightly chilled (50-55°F) for the best balance.
FAQs About the Best Wine with Spaghetti
What is the best wine with spaghetti and meatballs?
The best wine with spaghetti and meatballs is a medium to full-bodied red with good acidity, like Chianti, Barbera, or Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines complement the tomato sauce and rich meatballs perfectly.
Can I pair white wine with spaghetti?
Yes! While red wines are the classic choice, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can work well, especially if your spaghetti sauce is on the lighter side or has seafood.
Does the type of spaghetti sauce affect the wine pairing?
Absolutely. A tomato-based sauce pairs best with high-acid red wines, while creamy sauces like Alfredo go well with rich whites like Chardonnay. Pesto-based pasta pairs nicely with herbal whites like Vermentino.
Is Chianti really the best wine for spaghetti?
Chianti is one of the best wines for spaghetti because of its high acidity and bright red fruit flavors, which match the acidity of tomato sauce beautifully. However, there are plenty of other great options, depending on your preference.
What’s a good budget-friendly wine to pair with spaghetti?
If you’re looking for an affordable yet delicious pairing, go for a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo or a Nero d’Avola. Both offer bold flavors and great balance without breaking the bank.
Find Your Perfect Pairing: The Best Wine with Spaghetti
To be totally honest, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to wine pairings. The best wine with spaghetti is simply the one you enjoy the most. It’s all about personal preference.
You should experiment with different types of wine to see what works for you. Everyone’s palate is different. I like mixing it up. Sometimes I’ll go with a full bodied wine and other times I go with a light bodied wine. It’s fun to drink different wines with various pasta dishes to see what works.
The moral of the story? Drink what you like. Don’t stress about making the “perfect” choice—just pour yourself a tall glass of wine and dig into a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs.
What’s your go-to wine for spaghetti and meatballs? Let us know in the comments!
