What Wine Goes With Lasagna?

The lasagna's ingredients will determine the wine pairing.

Both wine and lasagna are two very popular food and drink items that are desired on most Italian tables as well as by many people around the world. Pairing the right wine with the lasagna you are having is essential in having a palette-flowing dinner or lunch that can be enjoyed by all. First, you need to decide what is in the lasagna recipe you will be eating, because this will make the wine-pairing process much easier.

Types

Wine is enjoyed the world over as a beverage that enhances a meal. Most wines have different flavors and different tastes, so the appropriate wine is determined by the type of food being served. Lasagna is typically made with rich white cheeses, such as mozzarella and ricotta, and highlighted with sweet yet robust tomato sauces. Variations of lasagna include a meatless version with just tomato sauce and cheese and a vegetable lasagna that features steamed vegetables, such as spinach.

Wine should never overpower the strong distinct Italian flavor of lasagna. A light wine, such as a blush rose or white wine, is the perfect companion for robust lasagna, and some middle-of-the-road wines between dark and light, such as a Chianti, are also good companions for most flavors and variations of lasagna.

Benefits

The benefit of pairing wine and lasagna is that the diner enjoys the combination of both flavors. A darker wine will complement the lasagna rather than take the taste away from it. Lasagna seldom has a strong garlic tone, but wine will take away most of the aroma of the garlic. The antioxidant effects of both tomatoes and wine can help fight off illness and disease.

Warning

Drinking wine and excess amounts of lasagna can lead to bloating and abdominal discomfort. The combination of the two also can cause trapped gas. A mild antacid tablet should curb a sour or upset stomach should it occur.

Potential

If a dinner party or get-together is being held, wine is always a welcome and comfortable indulgence to have available for guests. The dinner table can be dressed up by displaying wine glasses that create substance and variance and wine bottles and glasses can create focal points and decoration pieces for all who gather around the table. Wine can be a fairly inexpensive way to entertain your guests as long as the wine pairs well with the lasagna and can be bought fairly inexpensively.

Features

The features of wine that go well with lasagna could be determined by appearance alone. If the wine is clear, it tends to be less pungent. If a clear wine is chosen as opposed to a darker, deep burgundy wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot, the wine will likely flow more smoothly with the lasagna. On the other hand, if the lasagna lacks strong flavor and is somewhat bland without meat and much cheese, a wine that is deeper in color would better suit the lasagna and the overall taste of the two together. Wine and lasagna look great when presented on the table with the wine glass to the side of the plate of lasagna.

Resources

• Classic Wines