When it comes to pairing wine with lasagna, it’s important to consider the flavors and textures of the dish. Lasagna is a hearty and rich dish, typically made with layers of cheese, meat, vegetables, and lasagna noodles. To complement these flavors, a red wine is usually the best choice.
One excellent wine pairing for lasagna is Chianti Classico, a red wine from the Chianti region in Tuscany, Italy. Chianti Classico is known for its medium-bodied profile, high acidity, and fruity flavors of cherry and plum. The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the richness of the lasagna, while the fruitiness adds a nice contrast to the savory flavors.
Another great option is Dolcetto, a red wine from the Piedmont region in Italy. Dolcetto is known for its soft tannins, medium body, and flavors of blackberry and violet. It’s a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including lasagna. The fruit-forward nature of Dolcetto complements the flavors of the dish, while its smooth tannins won’t overpower the layers of cheese and meat.
Barbera is another Italian red wine that pairs well with lasagna. Hailing from the Piedmont region, Barbera is known for its high acidity, medium body, and flavors of red and black cherry. The acidity of Barbera helps to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich lasagna, while the cherry flavors provide a pleasant contrast.
If you’re looking for a wine outside of Italy, Nero d’Avola from Sicily can be a fantastic choice. Nero d’Avola is a full-bodied red wine with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and spice. Its bold flavors and robust tannins can stand up to the layers of flavors in lasagna, making it a great match.
For those who prefer a lighter red wine, Pinot Noir can be a delightful option. Pinot Noir is known for its delicate flavors of red fruit, earth, and spice. Its light to medium body and silky tannins make it a versatile pairing with a variety of dishes, including lasagna. The subtle flavors of Pinot Noir won’t overpower the flavors of the dish, allowing the layers of cheese, meat, and vegetables to shine.
Lastly, if you prefer a bolder and richer wine, Zinfandel can be a great choice. Zinfandel is a robust red wine with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and spice. Its full-bodied nature and high alcohol content can stand up to the richness of lasagna, while the fruity flavors complement the savory elements of the dish.
When it comes to pairing wine with lasagna, acidic and fruity red wines are the way to go. Wines like Chianti Classico, Dolcetto, Barbera, Nero d’Avola, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel all have the characteristics to complement the flavors of this classic dish. Whether you prefer a medium-bodied wine with high acidity or a bold and full-bodied wine, there’s a red wine out there to enhance your lasagna experience. Cheers!