Wine and Lasagna: Which wines to pair with Lasagna?

Lasagna, a Multitude of Variations... and Wine Pairings!

Emblematic of Italian cuisine, lasagna consists of thin sheets of pasta stacked together, generously topped with sauce and cheese. The traditional version is based on a simmered Bolognese sauce, mixing ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatics, combined with a creamy béchamel sauce. The whole dish is sprinkled with Parmesan or mozzarella before being grilled in the oven, revealing a melting texture and a simply delicious flavors.

Originating from Emilia-Romagna, this comforting dish has evolved throughout the world into numerous variations: vegetarian, seafood, or spinach and ricotta - this flavorful dish promises multiple facets! Thus, it's important to consider the main ingredients composing the lasagna to choose the right wine. Meat (usually beef), tomato sauce, béchamel sauce, cheeses, vegetables, fish... each ingredient of this emblematic dish influences the choice of wine: let's explore the secrets of this subtle pairing!

What Do Italians Drink with Lasagna?

In Italian restaurants, regional red wines are often served with this iconic dish to complement its flavors. A classic pairing is Lambrusco, whose slight fizz and residual sweetness soften the acidity of the tomato sauce. Other popular choices in Italy include Sangiovese di Romagna, Barbera, Valpolicella, and Chianti Classico—all known for their fruit-forward aromas and balanced acidity, which harmonize with the rich flavors of lasagna. However, wine selection also depends on the specific type of lasagna. While Tuscan red wines pair well with traditional meat-based versions, white or rosé wines are often better suited for seafood or spinach-based variations.

What Types of Wine to Pair with Lasagna?

Rich and generous, lasagna calls for wines capable of supporting its intensity while balancing the creaminess of the béchamel and the depth of the tomato sauce. This richness therefore requires a wine capable of enhancing each ingredient, without masking the subtlety of its flavors.

The creaminess of the béchamel, often present in traditional recipes, brings a milky character that requires a wine with good acidity to avoid any heaviness on the palate. The tomato sauce, meanwhile, brings a touch of liveliness and slight acidity that should be harmonized with a wine presenting a beautiful balance between freshness and structure. Furthermore, the successive layers of pasta, meat or vegetables, and melted cheese add a rich dimension that calls for supple tannins and a certain roundness.

Thus, the choice of wine will depend on the dominant ingredients: a fruity and subtle red for Bolognese lasagna, a crisp white for vegetable variations, or even a sparkling wine to accompany fish lasagna.

Different Lasagna Recipes

Which Wines to Drink with Bolognese Lasagna?

Sheets of pasta are layered with a savory simmered Bolognese sauce, made with beef, tomatoes, and a mixture of aromatics like onions or garlic. A velvety béchamel sauce envelops the whole, bringing a melting and rich texture. Everything is cooked in the oven, and the Parmesan or grated cheese forms a generous, grilled layer on top... One thing is certain: Bolognese lasagna is a true delight, but one question remains: which wine should one pair with it? It's difficult not to mention Italian wines to enhance this great classic of Italian gastronomy.

• Chianti Classico (Tuscany): With its vivid acidity and moderate tannins, it perfectly balances the tomato sauce and the richness of the dish.

• Barbera d'Alba or Barbera d'Asti (Piedmont): This fruity and structured wine has a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the sauce.

• Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (Abruzzo): A beautiful combination of red fruits, spices, and supple tannins that harmonizes wonderfully with the meat and cheese.

• Dolcetto d'Alba (Piedmont): A delicious wine, low in tannins, that perfectly complements the notes of tomato and meat.

It Doesn’t Always Have to Be Italian Wine...

Beyond Italy, several red wines pair well with Bolognese:

• Morgon & Moulin-à-Vent (Beaujolais, France) – Silky tannins and fine structure create a harmonious match.

• Saint-Chinian (Southern France) – Offers a spicy note to complement the dish.

• Saumur-Champigny (Loire Valley, France) – A fresh, elegant red that adds vibrancy.

• Bierzo (Spain) – With black fruit and spice notes, this wine is also an excellent alternative.

If tomato sauce dominates the dish, a light, fruity red like Gamay (Beaujolais: Fleurie, Brouilly) or Pinot Noir (Burgundy, Alsace, Oregon) is a great choice. If the lasagna features eggplant or peppers, an elegant rosé like Tavel strikes the perfect balance between freshness and structure.

Which Wines to pair with Vegetarian or Vegetable Lasagna?

Vegetable lasagna combines finesse and generosity, alternating delicate sheets of pasta and a savory sauce composed of zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes, subtly accompanied by aromatic herbs and béchamel. To enhance them, opt for a structured and lively white wine, such as an Alsatian or German Riesling, or a Loire Valley Chenin Blanc (Saumur, Vouvray, Savennières). Their beautiful tension and floral aromas will bring freshness and balance, contrasting with the creaminess of the béchamel and the sweetness of the vegetables.

From Italy, other whites lend themselves to the game. Soave, made from the Garganega grape, is appealing for its freshness, floral notes, and minerality. Meanwhile, Greco di Tufo, with its beautiful acidity and aromas of yellow fruits and white flowers, brings a nice freshness to the dish.

If the recipe is accompanied by a generous tomato sauce, a light and fruity red, such as a Beaujolais Gamay (Fleurie, Brouilly) or a Pinot Noir (Burgundy, Alsace, Oregon), is a harmonious choice. For a sunnier variation, generous in eggplants and peppers, a gastronomic rosé like a Tavel will offer a beautiful balance between freshness and structure.

Which Wines to Pair with a Salmon-Spinach Lasagna?

Refined, salmon and spinach lasagna combine freshness and richness. Salmon, with its delicate iodized touch, blends harmoniously with the sweetness of spinach and the creaminess of a béchamel. To accompany it, opt for a dry and mineral white wine, like a Chablis or Sancerre, whose freshness and tension balance the richness of the dish.

A more aromatic and generous white wine, such as a Viognier or an unoaked Chardonnay, will bring a nice roundness while highlighting the richness of the béchamel and salmon. Fans of southern wines can turn to a Vermentino, whose aromas of citrus and aromatic herbs will enhance the freshness of the spinach. Finally, a Blanc de Blancs Champagne will seduce with its vivacity and delicacy, pairing perfectly with the richness of the famous Italian dish.

Which Wine Pairs Best with Pasta?

Spaghetti, linguine, farfalle, rigatoni, macaroni—the world of pasta dishes is endless! With an endless variety of sauces, toppings, and fillings—from seafood pasta in white wine sauce to decadent truffle pasta—choosing the right wine can be complex. The key is to match the dominant flavors of the dish, just as with lasagna.