Choosing the right wine to pair with pasta is not always easy. Even if you have a favorite wine you always choose from your local liquor store, your selection might not pair well with every pasta dish. Fortunately, there are a few established pairings you can fall back on when making dinner for friends and family or enjoying a night out on the town. 

Pairing With Cheese-Heavy Dishes

Making the right wine selection typically depends on the cheese used in the pasta dish. When eating creamy ricotta, consider picking up a smooth chardonnay from the liquor store before dinner. If you’re eating a sharper, tangier cheese, you may enjoy a red with heavy floral notes, such as pinot noir. 

Pairing With Tomato-Based Sauces

Many Italian pasta dishes come with tangy tomato-based sauces, which are known for their bright, acidic flavors. In this case, look for a red wine that complements the sauce and any red meat accompaniment, which are a staple of many pasta dishes.

Chianti is a dry red selection that nicely offsets the richer flavors of your meal, while zinfandel is a bit milder, but still works well with tomato-based dishes. 

Pairing With Seafood

Italian pasta dishes can also contain a wide array of seafood, such as clams, shrimp, and anchovies, depending on which region the recipe originated. An acidic white, such as a pinot grigio, is ideal for brighter, more vibrant seafood flavors. If you’re looking for something milder, a crisp rosé will pair well with many seafood pasta dishes. 

If you’re planning a decadent pasta dinner at your home this evening, pick up the best wine for your meal at Schmitz’s Economart in Spooner, WI. This 24-hour supermarket also includes a liquor store with an amazing selection of wines, spirits, and cocktail mixes. This family-owned and -operated establishment provides a one-stop shopping experience, including an onsite deli for the freshest meats available to go with your pasta creation. Stop by the store today or call (715) 635-2836 to learn more. You can also find out more about their liquor selection online.