When contemplating wine pairings that will make your pasta come to life, the most important factor to consider is the sauce. The experts at Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits will help you decide which wine to enjoy with marinara, alfredo, primavera, Bolognese, arabbiatta, pesto, and more.
Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits is well-known for our huge selection of popular international name brand and hard-to-find wines, beers and spirits. Our stock includes great wines from all regions and all price points. We have six convenient locations to serve you, but the most convenient way to get everything you need quickly is to order online.
Wine & Pasta
Pasta is one of those dishes that simply MUST be accompanied by wine, so experiment with different combinations to find one you love. Be sure to consider the flavors and ingredients in the pasta sauce, whether it includes meat or seafood, whether the cheese is rich and pungent or mild and sweet, and whether the pasta has been filled with any ingredients.
Tomato-Based
Often blended with rich red meats, tomato-based pasta sauces are highly acidic and call for pairing with crisp dry whites, such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, or medium-bodied red wines, such as Chianti, Zinfandel, or Barolo. Our recommendations include:
- White: 2017 J Vineyards Pinot Gris from Sonoma County, California
- Red: Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico from Tuscany, Italy
Cheese or Cream-Based
Cheese-based and cream-based pasta sauces, including those that involve mushrooms or vegetables, can be paired fairly well with most wines, but we suggest full-bodied white wines, such as Chardonnay, Viognier, and Trebbiano, or light-bodied reds, such as Pinot Noir and Sangiovese. Our recommendations include:
- White: Antinori Tormaresca Chardonnay from Puglia, Italy
- Red: Oyster Bay Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand
Seafood-Based
Many pastas and sauces contain clams, anchovies, and other types of seafood. We suggest pairing them with light-bodied white wines, such as Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Albariño, or reds like Syrah and Rioja. Our recommendations include:
- White: 2017 Vionta Albariño from Galicia, Spain
- Red: Torres Iberico Rioja Crianza from Spain’s Iberian Peninsula
Pesto-Based
Although the classic pesto combines basil and pine nuts, pesto can be made with just about any combination of greens and nuts. When pairing wines, focus on the greens as the centerpiece of the dish and choose accordingly from light-bodied whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Albariño and reds like a California Zinfandel or Italian Rosso di Montalcino. Our recommendations include:
- White: Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County, California
- Red: 2016 Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino from Tuscany, Italy
As you explore wine pairings with pasta, stop in at a Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits store on Grand Cayman where our team of experts will help you make a selection for every meal.
