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Best Carbonara Wine Pairing & Why It Works | Our 7 Picks!
- Last Updated - 3/2/23
Quick Answer: Chianti Classico and Chablis are my top choices for a red wine and white wine, respectively, in this rich, creamy traditional Italian meal. A Chianti and Chablis have enough acidity to cut through the greasiness of the dish, while acting as a palate cleanser between each bites. While the earthy flavors of both wines and cured pork will compliment each other nicely.
Carbonara is a classic italian dish made with cured pork, eggs, parmesan cheese, and black pepper. The rich and creamy sauce is absolutely delicious, and pairs perfectly with a variety of wines.
In this blog post, we will be discussing seven (7) Carbonara wine pairings, including both red and white wines. We will also explain why each pairing works so well.
Table of Contents
What is Carbonara?
Carbonara is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with cured pork, eggs, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and black pepper. Guanciale or pancetta are the preferred meats, but smoked bacon is a popular alternative outside of Italy. The Carbonara sauce is rich and creamy, and the dish is typically served with spaghetti.
Carbonara pasta dishes can also be referred to as Pasta alla Carbonara (pasta Carbonara) and Spaghetti alla Carbonara (Spaghetti Carbonara).
What are the Best Carbonara Wine Pairings?
1) Chianti Classico
A Chianti Classico is the perfect Italian red wine pairing for Carbonara. The medium acidity in the wine helps to cut through the richness of the dish, and the tannins add a lovely depth of flavor.
When choosing a Chianti Classico to pair with Carbonara, look for a wine with medium acidity and firm tannins. You want a wine that is well-balanced, with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth.
Pairing carbonara with a Chianti Classico is a traditional pairing that will sure to be a hit with your dinner guests!
2) Lambrusco
Lambrusco is a Carbonara sparkling wine pairing that is sure to please. This sparkling red Italian wine has a touch of sweetness and effervescence that helps to balance the richness of the dish. The acidity in Lambrusco also helps to cut through the cured pork fat in Carbonara, making it a refreshing and enjoyable pairing.
When choosing a Lambrusco to pair with Carbonara, look for a wine that is dry or semi-sweet. You want a wine with moderate acidity and carbonation, and flavors of red fruit.
A Lambrusco is the perfect Carbonara wine pairing if you are looking for something a little different.
3) Rosé
Rosé is a wine pairing that is great for a picnic or hot summer day. Rosé wines have acidity that provides a refreshing balance to the dish’s greasiness. And the light body of the wine is a perfect match for Carbonara so that it won’t overpower the strong flavors of the dish.
When choosing a Rosé to pair with Carbonara, look for a wine with high acidity and moderate alcohol. You want a wine with flavors of red fruit, citrus, and mineral.
A Rosé is the great Carbonara wine pairing if you are looking for something light and refreshing.
4) Barbera
Barbera is another excellent carbonara wine pairing. Barbera is a medium-bodied red wine with high acidity. Again the acidity of the wine will help cut through the creaminess of the dish, while the earthy flavors and low tannins allow the Carbonara flavors to shine while adding depth to the earthy cured pork flavors.
When choosing a Barbera to pair with carbonara, look for a wine with medium acidity and firm tannins. You want a wine that is well-balanced, with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth.
Pairing Carbonara with Barbera is a great way to enjoy the traditional flavors of the dish while also experiencing something new.
5) Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a Carbonara dish that will delight anybody who enjoys the spiciness of robust Italian dishes. The Zinfandel’s peppery flavors will accentuate the pasta dish’s pepper undertones. While the medium acidity in Zinfandel helps to balance the richness of the dish, and the fruit forward flavors provide a lovely contrast to the earthy cured pork flavors.
When choosing a Zinfandel to pair with carbonara, look for a fruity red wine with high acidity and moderate alcohol. You want a fruit forward wine with flavors of red fruit, spice, and pepper.
6) Chablis
Chablis is a very structured and balanced white wine with crisp acidity. This high acidity of the Chablis helps to cut through the richness of the dish and provides a refreshing balance. The mineral flavors of the wine also help to accentuate the earthy flavors of the Carbonara, making for a delicious and enjoyable pairing.
When choosing a Chablis to pair with Carbonara, look for a wine with high acidity and moderate alcohol. You want a mineral forward wine with flavors of stone fruits, citrus fruits, and mineral.
7) Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a classic Carbonara wine pairing. The light body and high acidity of Pinot Grigio helps to balance the richness of the pork, while the citrus flavors help to brighten up the creamy flavors of the carbonara.
When choosing a Pinot Grigio to pair with carbonara, look for a wine with high acidity and moderate alcohol. You want a citrus forward wine with flavors of lemon, lime, and grapefruit.
Pairing carbonara with Pinot Grigio is a great way to enjoy the traditional flavors of the dish while also experiencing something new.
FAQs
What wine goes well with Carbonara?
Carbonara is a rich and creamy dish, so it pairs well with wines that have high acidity to cut through the richness, like Lambrusco, Rosé, Barbera, Zinfandel, Chablis, and Pinot Grigio. The best Carbonara wine pairing depends on your personal preferences.
Is red or white wine better with Carbonara?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on your personal preferences. Some people prefer red wine with carbonara because the acidity, tannins, and earthy flavors of the wine help to accentuate the flavors of the dish. Other people prefer white wine with carbonara because it helps to balance out the richness of the dish.
What Alcohol goes well with Carbonara?
Wine!
Does Chardonnay pair with Carbonara?
If you want to accentuate the creaminess of the dish and don’t mind if the Chardonnay’s oakiness and butteriness may overpower the dish’s tastes, go for it!
Summary
We hope you enjoyed this blog post on the best wine pairing for Carbonara.
If you liked this article, be sure to check our other food and wine pairings like:
Cheers!
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