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What to drink with pasta
Match acidity and weight — bright reds for tomato-based, creamy whites for cream sauces. Pasta is the most flexible dinner category for wine.
Best matches by category
Beginner-friendly picks
wine
Easy
Merlot
Soft, plummy and approachable — the friendly red.
wine
Easy
Chardonnay
Rich, creamy and round — the most versatile white.
Bottles for the beginner pick
Affordable
Mid-range
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All recommended styles
wine
Merlot
Soft, plummy and approachable — the friendly red.
wine
Pinot Noir
Light red with silky red-fruit elegance.
wine
Chardonnay
Rich, creamy and round — the most versatile white.
wine
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bold, structured and full-bodied — the steak red.
wine
Rosé
Pink, easygoing and crowd-pleasing — sunshine in a glass.
wine
Sauvignon Blanc
Zesty, grassy and refreshing — bright citrus white.
beer
Amber Ale
Caramel-malty and balanced — cozy and middle-of-the-road.
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What is the best drink to pair with pasta?
Match acidity and weight — bright reds for tomato-based, creamy whites for cream sauces. Pasta is the most flexible dinner category for wine. Our top beginner-friendly pick is Merlot.
Beer or wine with pasta?
Both can work beautifully. Amber Ale (beer) is the most flexible everyday choice; Merlot (wine) is the more elegant match.
What if I want something bolder?
Try Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir — these are more adventurous styles that hold their own against pasta.