What Wine Goes With Lasagna? – Best Pairing Guide

Just imagine your favorite lasagna, with layers of pasta, sauce and creamy cheese on the table. This was my go to food for always. Once I visited a hotel that had a complementary dinner for me. From all the food options, I chose lasagna and as a combo I got a glass of wine that I never tried. I heard from some of my friends that it suits well but never thought of this much feeling. From that same moment, I became the fan of these pairing.

If you’ve ever wondered what wine goes with lasagna, I’m here with a lineup of pairings that will take this beloved dish to new heights. From bold reds to crisp whites, let’s dive into the delicious world of lasagna and wine!

Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort  Food

Ah, lasagna. For me, it is a happy hug that gives you after all the spicy and sweet food you had in the world. The layers of pasta, rich meat or veggie sauce and gooey cheese were cooked together for this amazing taste ever! My friend Natasha always likes the way my mom cooks lasagna but her brother Natin only comes for the wine she combo with it. Even during my hostel days or during boarding school times, I tried this lasagna to feel at home in a distance!

What Wine Goes With Lasagna? – Best Pairing

Choosing the right wine for lasagna depends on the ingredients. Rich, meaty lasagnas pair well with bold reds, while vegetable-based versions or creamy white lasagnas go beautifully with certain whites. When I’m serving a classic meat lasagna, I usually go for reds with enough structure to stand up to the flavors. But for veggie lasagna, lighter reds or even whites can be amazing. 

Just imagine, taking a electric wine opener and opening the bottle, then pour into the glass near the lasagna and having it. If you wanna try this superb wine combo, let’s get familiarize the wine options.

1. Cabernet Sauvignon

A big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon can be a little harder and heavy. It is often my go-to for a traditional, meat-heavy lasagna. If you are opting for something heavy you can choose both of it.

It has a very  intense flavor and structured tannins that can handle the richness of the meat sauce and the cheese. It’s like the Cabernet and lasagna were made for each other! Whenever I pour a cab with lasagna, it’s a guaranteed hit. The deep red fruit flavors combined with a hint of spice make every bite of lasagna even more indulgent.

2. Chianti DOCG

Chianti is another favorite for pairing with lasagna. Its bright acidity and subtle earthiness make it an ideal match for tomato-based sauces. Whenever I make lasagna with a particularly tangy marinara, Chianti seems to bring out the best in the dish. Plus, it’s an Italian classic, so you’re keeping the flavors in the family. Pouring Chianti at the table just feels like a perfect fit with each warm, cheesy bite.

3. Merlot

This wine may be familiar for you. Merlot is a softer red that can make it a lovely pairing if you’re looking for something smooth but not overpowering. It’s my pick when I want something crowd-pleasing and easy to sip along with lasagna. Also can suggest for kids and guests who don’t enjoy that alcoholic feel.  Merlot’s berry notes and mild tannins will give the ultimate flavors without dominating them. I’ve found that even friends who aren’t big red wine drinkers enjoy a good Merlot with lasagna, so it’s approachable yet flavorful.

4. Sangiovese

Sangiovese is Italy’s beloved grape, and it shines alongside lasagna. Natin have a craze on this Sangiovese. The fun thing is that we all try wines as side for lasagna, but in his case, he drink too much wine and have lasagna as side. 

It’s got just enough acidity to cut through the layers of cheese and pasta, but it’s also complex enough to keep things interesting. I love the way Sangiovese enhances the lasagna’s savory elements, especially in a meat or mushroom based version. Its cherry and earthy notes make each forkful a little more exciting and yummy.

5. Barbera

My father always craves for the acidic features given by wines along with food. Just like that, barbera’s high acidity and light tannins make it one of the most versatile reds. It’s one of my secret weapons for lasagna because it doesn’t overpower. But it brings out the best in tomato sauces. 

In my opinion, I especially love Barbera with vegetable lasagna, where its bright fruitiness complements the veggies without overshadowing them. I felt this wine is an underrated thing that always gets compliments.

6. Chardonnay

Chardonnay, particularly a lightly oaked or steel-aged one, pairs wonderfully with creamier or seafood lasagna. I enjoy the smoothness it brings to the dish, especially with white sauce or bechamel layers. It’s got enough body to hold its own, and the apple and citrus notes keep things fresh. When I go for a lighter lasagna, Chardonnay is a delightful option that brightens up the meal.

7. Pinot Noir

When I was kid, my mom never allowed me to have wine and he gave me some fruit juices. At that time all my elder siblings have it and said that it’s very tasty to make me disappointment. I first tried wine on a Christmas and it was Barbera. Guess what, I literally spit it out at the same time I tasted. Then for two years wine was a fear for me and then one day I tasted the Pinot Noir which is the delicate, fruity option that surprises people when paired with lasagna. 

So my childhood have a nice memory with this combo. It’s got just the right balance of acidity and fruit, especially if your lasagna is veggie-based or lighter in style. I find Pinot’s subtle cherry and earthy flavors mingle perfectly with the layers of lasagna, especially when you don’t want the wine to steal the spotlight.

8. Riesling

Riesling isn’t the first choice that comes to mind, but it’s a fun option if your lasagna is on the spicier or slightly sweeter side. It has a refreshing acidity that lightens up the meal. I’ve even paired Riesling with a veggie lasagna that had a touch of spice, and the contrast was delightful. Its crisp apple and pear notes make it an interesting twist.

9. Sauvignon Blanc

With its zesty acidity, Sauvignon Blanc is excellent for vegetable lasagna. I love how its bright flavors of green apple and citrus cut through the richness and highlight fresh flavors. When I make a lighter veggie lasagna, Sauvignon Blanc keeps everything vibrant and refreshing. It’s a nice way to mix things up if you’re looking for a white that stands up to hearty dishes.

10. Nero d’Avola

This bold Sicilian red is a fantastic option if you want something robust but with a unique flair. I find that Nero d’Avola has these dark fruit flavors and a slight spiciness that match well with lasagna. Its bold character makes it perfect for hearty dishes, and the slightly smoky notes add an interesting layer. More than its taste and name, I always attracted to its color. Just like parents add colored food for kids to eat more, my mother used to give me this after meal as reward to finish all my food. 

11. Rosé

Just like the name, it has a cooling and refreshing effect. Rose is my summertime pick for lasagna, especially if we’re eating outdoors. Just like having a lemon drink and worth a little more taste, rose is special. Always remember its better to the rose supposed to be chilled and properly stored.  It’s light, refreshing, and versatile enough for both veggie and lighter meat lasagnas. I like how a dry rosé brings out the flavors of the dish without being too heavy, making it ideal for a casual meal. Plus, who doesn’t love that rosy hue next to a plate of lasagna?

12. Primitivo

Now comes the top most popular wine in the US, Primitivo, or Zinfandel. It is another great option with its ripe, juicy flavors. For someone who loves the juicy flavors and more sweet than acidic nature of wine, go for it. It’s slightly sweet but still robust enough for a traditional meat lasagna. I enjoy how Primitivo’s jammy fruit tones very much play up the richness of the sauce and cheese. It’s a fun pairing for those who enjoy a bolder, sweeter red just like me.

13. Sparkling Wine

If you want a celebration mood on your dinner or arranging a christmas dinner, pair the lasagna with sparkling wine. Sparkling wine might sound very much unconventional, but it adds a delightful contrast to the creamy layers of lasagna.

I’ve found that a light, crisp Prosecco or Brut Champagne cuts through the richness and brings a festive vibe to the table. It’s perfect for a special occasion or just when you want to mix things up a bit. Bubbles and lasagna? Yes, please!

Does White Wine Pair With Lasagna?

Absolutely! Just like others, the white wine can pair beautifully with lasagna. The best thing it goes for are veggie or seafood versions of lasagna. I’ve paired whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio with vegetarian lasagna, and they bring out fresh flavors in each bite. Also the rich Chardonnay complements creamy versions well and it adds a buttery depth without changing the flavor of the dish. While red wines are the classic choice, certain whites can be just as delightful.

• Sauvignon Blanc with Vegetarian Lasagna: While I am talking about the vegetarian lasagna, Sauvignon Blanc is a top choice. I usually not a veg lover and always crave for non veg in my plate. But this combo have a special part in my heart and it gives a very soothing feel or satisfaction after this. I like to serve it slightly chilled to add that refreshing contrast. It’s a crisp pairing that brings out the best in fresh herbs and greens.

• Riesling for a special taste: For a unique twist, I sometimes go with the white wine-Riesling. Its slight sweetness and acidity can balance out spicy or flavorful lasagna variations. When I’ve made lasagna with a bit of kick or like a spicy sausage or vegetable version, riesling’s honeyed notes add a refreshing layer makes it more delightful

• Pinot Grigio: This can be tell as my favorite in all the white wines. Pinot Grigio is my go-to for lasagna with lots of veggies or lighter ingredients. It has that refreshing, crisp profile that pairs effortlessly with mild cheeses and fresh veggies. It’s light but flavorful, which makes it a versatile choice for those who want a white wine option with lasagna.

• Chardonnay (Lightly Oaked or Steel Aged): A lightly oaked Chardonnay or steel-aged version can be a perfect match for creamy lasagna. I’ve found that the subtle oak and smooth texture of these Chardonnays add depth without overpowering the dish. This pairing highlights the richness of the cheese while adding a touch of brightness, making each bite feel a little extra special.

The Top Best Pairing of Wine and Lasagna

I know that all these wines are not stored to have in everyday life. But you can do one thing just like I do, for every lasagna you will have three or more options of wine. One will be perfect and other two can go good with it like a combo but not the perfect match. But it also give you the best taste and satisfaction. 

I can suggest more than three wines for each kind of lasagna that I really love to combo with. Just remember the sauce adding with it is also important to get the complete feel.

Best Wine that Goes with All

You may get the idea about how much I love wines in daily life. So if you ask me which will be the one type of wine that always store in my refrigerator, I will tell you Zinfandel or primitivo. This dry and spicy wines can pair perfectly with any type of lasagna and also other food items.

This will bring out the lasagna’s savory flavors in the best version. If you are the one who love both lasagna and wine, lets start a love story with both of it. Besides this, if you like to make a special or rare drink, then try mixing beer and wine. Just remember that it will be heavy for people who only drink light wines. 

FAQs on Lasagna and Wine 

What drink to pair with lasagna?

Lasagna pairs very wonderfully with both red wine and certain whites. This will depend on the recipe you used to make lasagna. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water or iced tea can balance the richness of the dish.

What red wine is good for lasagna?

If you are a red wine lover and looking for the best option for combo with lasagna, medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese is a fantastic choice for meat or tomato-based lasagna. These wines offer just the right acidity to complement the sauce without overpowering the flavors.

What pairs well with lasagna?

You can pair it with whatever you like and i mostly add fresh salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to make excellent side dishes to serve with lasagna. For drinks, red wine or sparkling water helps to refresh the palate between bites.

What do you drink with Italian pasta?

Wine is the traditional choice, with red wines for rich tomato or meat sauces and white wines for lighter, creamy pastas. Sparkling water is also commonly enjoyed to cleanse the palate.