Top pairings

The best wine pairings for lasagna

Posted by Fiona Beckett (Google+) on October 18 2023 at 07:38

When we think of pairing wine with lasagna (or lasagne, whichever way you spell it) it’s probably the meaty version that’s uppermost in our minds but these days, as you know, there are many variations. As with pasta sauces, then, your wine choice should reflect the other ingredients in the dish.

Top wine pairings for lasagna

Classic meat lasagna

Basically you can go for the same type of wines as you would for a spaghetti bolognese though as the cheese sauce tends to make the dish a bit richer you might want to go for slightly more full-bodied reds. Maybe a modern style Tuscan red rather than a classic Chianti or a southern Italian or Sicilian red like Nero d'Avola or Primitivo. Barbera is a good pairing too as are Italian grape varieties such as sangiovese from elsewhere. Outside Italy a rioja crianza, a medium-bodied cabernet sauvignon or a zinfandel would be a great pairing too.

Vegetable lasagna

It makes sense to choose a wine pairing for vegetable lasagna that suits the vegetables that are in it. If it includes roasted Mediterranean vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and courgettes a gutsy Languedoc or Roussillon red would be a good match. If it includes spinach or chard, a dry Italian white like a Gavi might be a better pairing while a pumpkin or butternut squash lasagna would suit a richer white such as a viognier or oak-aged chardonnay.

Mushroom lasagna works well with either white or red wines such as pinot noir. With a lasagne vincigrassi, a particularly opulent recipe made with porcini and cream (yes, it is as delicious as it sounds!) I'd drink a creamy white burgundy or other chardonnay or even a glass of champagne.

Seafood lasagna

Choosing a wine for a seafood lasagna is similar to picking a wine for fish pie. Try a smooth creamy chardonnay, chenin blanc or a fuller Italian white such as a Soave.

Wines to match different pasta sauces

Image by Panerai from Pixabay

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Tags: pasta lasagna Italian reds drink:red wine Chianti Classico fish lasagne mushroom lasagne vincigrassi roast vegetable lasagne vegetarian lasagne meat lasagne lasagne food:pasta, rice & noodles

Comments: 7 (Add)

John Furth on December 23 2019 at 23:28

I think he was referring to the ricotta, egg, parmesan and mozzarella "sauce" that gets layered between the sauce, meat and noodles. I just made my first lasagna and it is super rich. I also made a pesto lasagna that has a bechamel sauce mixed with cheese and pesto. So, I'm afraid the comments below about bechamel, cheese and lasagna aren't very accurate. Sorry guys but I think you need to do a little homework before making erroneous and misleading statements.

Vino Paraiso on September 2 2015 at 15:28

I enjoy a good eggplant lasagna with a Chardonnay.

Mike on October 25 2014 at 10:22

agree in Italian wines; classic pairing would be a Barbara d' Alba

Certified Sommelier

Vincent on September 29 2014 at 02:06

Why would you go outside of Italy for a Bolognese match? There are so many great wines, from Barbera to Super Tuscan. Also, Bechamel is not a cheese sauce.

Trevor, you need to do some eating my friend...or some travel to Emilia Romagna. You are confused about bechamel.

Trevor on March 30 2014 at 08:15

Red wine with a bechamel sauce? I don't think so.

Fiona Beckett on January 12 2014 at 09:53

Good tip! Mind you everything is pretty nice on a warm afternoon!

Marcelo on January 11 2014 at 18:10

Try the lasagna bolognese with a red dry lambrusco at a warm afternoon....unbeatable!

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