By Jamie Winters
Last Sunday, I watched my Italian grandmother slap my brother’s hand away from her lasagne before it had “rested properly.” Twenty minutes later, as we finally dug into those perfect layers of pasta, ragu, and bechamel, my uncle Roberto appeared with an unlabelled bottle of Chianti from his friend’s small vineyard outside Florence. That first sip with a forkful of lasagne was a revelation – some food and wine pairings just make both elements sing.
You don’t need an Italian uncle with vineyard connections to experience this magic. Here are five wines that create that same harmony with lasagne, from everyday options to special occasion splurges.
Chianti Classico: The One That Started It All
The black rooster on the neck of a Chianti Classico bottle isn’t just cute packaging – it’s a promise of quality that pairs perfectly with lasagne. I once served a £15 bottle to a wine snob friend who couldn’t stop raving about it, thinking it cost three times as much.
What you’ll taste: Bright sour cherries hit you first, followed by dried herbs, maybe violets, and that distinctive earthy quality that screams “Italy!” The acidity feels like a squeeze of lemon that brightens everything up.
Why it works: That zippy acidity slices through rich cheese like a hot knife through butter. The earthiness grounds the whole experience, making each bite of meat sauce taste more… meaty.
Find it: Waitrose carries reliable options between £12-25. My secret spot is Tesco’s Finest selection during their 25% off six bottles promotions. For something special, the tiny Italian deli near Covent Garden stocks small-producer bottles that will make you weep with joy.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: The Overachiever
This wine reminds me of that friend who’s effortlessly good at everything but never brags. I’ve brought £10 bottles to dinner parties where guests assumed they were drinking something much fancier.
What you’ll taste: Juicy plums and cherries with a hint of warm spices and a slightly rustic edge that keeps things interesting. It’s not trying to be sophisticated – it’s just naturally good.
Why it works: It has enough flavor to stand up to meaty lasagne but stays gentle enough to let the pasta shine. It’s the wine equivalent of a warm hug – comforting without demanding attention.
Find it: This is everywhere – Sainsbury’s basic range starts around £8, but even better are Aldi’s options that taste like they should cost twice as much. The Co-op occasionally gets limited batches from small producers that are worth grabbing when you see them.
Barbera d’Asti: The Secret Weapon
Wine geeks love Barbera but rarely brag about it (they’re too busy showing off their Barolos). This keeps prices reasonable and quality high – a win for lasagne lovers everywhere.
What you’ll taste: Imagine biting into ripe black cherries and raspberries with a zingy brightness that makes your mouth water. Oak-aged versions add vanilla hints that remind me of my grandmother’s baking.
Why it works: This wine’s acidity is like a palate reset button between bites of rich lasagne. While you’re still tasting that glorious cheese pull, the Barbera is already preparing your taste buds for the next forkful.
Find it: Majestic often runs mix-six deals on their Italian selection. The Wine Society (worth joining just for their Italian range) has options from small producers that will make you question why everyone doesn’t drink Barbera daily.
Valpolicella Ripasso: The Special Guest
When my sister announced her engagement over a family lasagne dinner, my dad disappeared to the cellar and returned with Ripasso. That’s the kind of wine this is – special without being pretentious.
What you’ll taste: Dried cherries, prunes, maybe some chocolate notes, and a smoothness that makes you think “velvet.” It’s Valpolicella that’s had a second fermentation on Amarone grape skins – essentially wine that’s been double-dipped in flavour.
Why it works: The concentrated fruit flavours love the caramelized edges of lasagne while the smoothness complements the creaminess of the bechamel. There’s a richness that matches the dish’s layers without overpowering them.
Find it: Waitrose consistently stocks good options in the £15-25 range. Independent wine shops often have passionate staff who’ll tell you the whole production story if you let them (and sometimes even if you don’t).
Nero d’Avola: Sicily’s Bold Charmer
I discovered this wine at a beachside restaurant in Sicily, paired with a lasagne made with local seafood. The combination was so good I missed watching the sunset – that’s saying something.
What you’ll taste: Dark berries with a peppery kick and sometimes a hint of licorice. There’s a sun-baked warmth to it that somehow tastes like Sicily feels.
Why it works: The bold fruitiness handles rich meat sauces beautifully, while the spicy notes bring out the herbs in your lasagne. It’s got enough character to stand up to even the most flavorful recipe variations.
Find it: Morrisons often has surprisingly good options under £10. Aldi and Lidl’s Italian wine events feature excellent examples a couple of times a year – worth stocking up when they appear.
Real Talk About Serving
You know how recipes always say “serve at room temperature”? Well, most homes aren’t Italian wine cellars. If your kitchen’s hot from cooking that lasagne, stick your red in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving. Too cold is better than too warm – it’ll open up in the glass anyway.
And you don’t need fancy glasses. Just make sure there’s room to swirl without sloshing wine onto your white tablecloth (if you’re brave enough to have a white tablecloth with lasagne in the first place).
Breaking the Rules
The wine police aren’t going to bust down your door if you pair your seafood lasagne with a rich white instead of red. A buttery Vermentino might be perfect. Made a veggie version loaded with mushrooms? Try a Bardolino for something lighter.
The best pairing is always the one that makes you happy. My grandfather drank milk with his lasagne for 80 years and claimed it was perfect. He was wrong, of course – but he enjoyed every bite.
Next time you’re layering up that pasta, grab one of these bottles. Your lasagne deserves it.
Jamie Winters spent three years touring Italy’s wine regions before returning to London to open a small Italian deli that specializes in wine and pasta pairings. His nonna still claims his lasagne needs work.
