Wine and spaghetti carbonara: 2 perfect matches

This Iconic Italian Dish is a Sure Bet When Hosting Friends for Dinner

This iconic Italian dish is a reliable choice if you're inviting friends over for dinner. In this case, pairing wine with carbonara is essential. To help you, here are two perfect pairing suggestions.

What to Drink with Spaghetti Carbonara?

Spaghetti Carbonara = White Wine

The great thing about pasta is that it pairs easily with almost anything, though it obviously depends on the sauce it's served with. In the case of spaghetti carbonara, a crisp and tangy white wine is the way to go. Why? Simply because the creamy texture of the egg yolk calls for a wine that can cut through and refresh the palate. But you also need to consider the crunchy texture and salty taste of the bacon. Therefore, the wine's acidity shouldn't be too pronounced. This is why it's best to choose a wine with a fruity character and a good balance between sweetness and acidity.

A Structured White Wine

The final criterion to consider is the wine's structure. A white wine that's too light wouldn't stand up to spaghetti carbonara, given the robust nature of the dish. Not to mention that it's traditionally topped with Parmesan cheese! That's why we recommend opting for wines from the South of France, known for their fruity aromas and full-bodied structure, such as an IGP Pays d'Oc wine (Languedoc-Roussillon) like the Viognier from Domaine d'Hondrat or a Côtes-de-Provence (Provence). However, a white wine from Mâcon-Villages (Burgundy), like the Mâcon-Chaintré from Domaine Mathias, with its southern notes, would also pair perfectly.

FAQ - Wine and carbonara

Can you serve a light red wine with spaghetti carbonara?

A very light, low-tannin red, such as a young gamay, can work, but it remains a risky choice. The richness of the egg and bacon pairs better with a white wine that refreshes the palate, while a tannic red clashes with the fat and turns harsh in the mouth.

Should this white wine be served chilled?

Yes, a serving temperature of around 50 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit suits these structured white wines well. Too cold, the wine loses its fruity aromas; too warm, it lacks the freshness needed to balance the dish.

Does a creamy carbonara change the pairing?

The traditional Italian recipe uses no cream, only egg, Parmesan and bacon, which leaves room for a crisp white wine. A creamier version makes the dish heavier and calls for a slightly fuller-bodied white so the wine is not overwhelmed.

What type of glass suits these white wines from southern France and Burgundy?

A medium tulip-shaped glass, narrower at the rim, concentrates the fruity aromas without letting them dissipate. It works equally well for a Viognier from the Languedoc or a Mâcon-Villages.

How many bottles are needed for a dinner built around spaghetti carbonara?

Plan on roughly one bottle for every three to four guests across the meal, accounting for any aperitif. Open the white wine just before serving to keep its freshness intact.