What Wine Goes With Lasagna?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Classic meat-and-tomato lasagna wants an Italian red with bright acidity: Chianti Classico (Sangiovese), Barbera or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. The acidity matches the tomato, and moderate tannin handles the meat and cheese. For white or vegetable lasagna, try Chardonnay or a dry rosé.
Quick decision
- Classic meat lasagna→ Chianti Classico or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
- Sausage or extra-cheesy→ Barbera or Primitivo/Zinfandel
- Vegetable lasagna with tomato→ Barbera or dry rosé
- White (béchamel) lasagna→ Chardonnay or Soave
Tomato is the key ingredient
Tomato sauce is acidic. Wines with lower acidity taste flat and flabby next to it. Italian reds such as Sangiovese and Barbera are naturally high in acidity, so they hold up.
Layers of cheese and meat
Ricotta, mozzarella and ragù add richness, so the wine needs some body. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is soft and generous; Chianti Classico is more savory and firm. Both work.
Without the red sauce
A béchamel or spinach lasagna changes the picture. A medium-bodied Chardonnay or an Italian white like Soave matches the creaminess better than a red.
Common questions
- Is Cabernet Sauvignon good with lasagna?
- It can work with a very meaty lasagna, but its firm tannin can clash with tomato. Italian reds are the more reliable choice.
- What's a good budget wine for lasagna?
- Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Barbera are often good value and fit the dish well.
Choosing a glass? See the Sangiovese and Italian reds wine glasses its makers document, in the free Wine Glass Finder.
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About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.