What’s a good plate of pasta without a hearty glass of wine? It’s important to know the crucial differences between your reds and your whites – and we’re not only talking about the wine here. The key to marrying the right bottle to your favourite pasta dish is knowing your sauce and its ingredients. What’s included in the sauce should complement the complexity and the flavour of your beverage. Hugo Chetcuti and his team have compiled a list of ideas to help you pick your perfect pairing for your next meal.
Tomato based sauces
There’s nothing better than sitting down to a delicious bowl of Spaghetti alla Bolognese accompanied by a full-bodied bottle of Chianti. Sauces that are tomato based are often high in acidity, so they pair best with tangy wines which can hold their own against the rich, red meats that are often included. The density and thickness of most red sauces suit the richness of red wine very well.
Suggested wines: Italian Chianti, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir.
Cream based sauces
Creamy sauces are usually rich and luscious, and are therefore best paired with light, fruity wines to avoid overwhelming the palate. If more robust ingredients like mushrooms are included in the sauce, go for something weighty and crisp to cut through the acidity of the vegetables and which can offset the heavy creamy consistency. Thicker and more complex white sauces can also be paired with fresh, vibrant reds.
Suggested wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, Sangiovese.
Herb based sauces
Whatever wine you choose to pair with a herb based plate of pasta should suit the taste and aroma of different oils, nuts and citrusy juices. Your classic basil pesto sauce is perfectly matched with a wine that is dry, light and not too full-bodied.
Suggested wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Fume Blanc.
Pasta with Seafood
Fishy sauces should ideally be coupled with a lighter-bodied white wine. Certain seafood like salmon, however, go great with reds that are fruity and smokey in flavour. Go for lean white wines which are acidity driven, a soft red like Syrah or a even a dry rose if tomatoes are included.
Suggested wines: Grenache Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Soave.
Can’t wait to try out these scrumptious pairings?
Now that we have successfully (we hope!) tickled your tastebuds, make your way over to Hugo’s Pizza & Pasta in St. Julian’s where you can enjoy your favourite pasta dish with any of the wines mentioned above. Sample the Tagliatelle alla Chef – a Hugo Chetcuti favourite – and share a bottle of red with your friends, family and loved ones. Choose between our classic or signature dishes, or help yourself to one of our mouthwatering risottos. And don’t hesitate to ask any of our staff for help or further recommendations. Bon Appetit!
