Pesto Pasta & Wine
Basil, Pine Nuts & Parmigiano
Pesto Genovese — fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, garlic, and Ligurian olive oil — is one of the most herbaceous, aromatic sauces in Italian cooking. Its intense green, grassy character needs wines that can match the freshness without clashing with the oily richness.
Best Wine Pairings
The local Ligurian grape — herbal, mineral, and slightly bitter. Born in the same hills as the basil. The textbook pairing.
Soave's delicate almond and herbal notes complement pesto without competing with the basil's intensity.
The mineral, lean quality of Muscadet provides a neutral but refreshing backdrop for pesto's oily richness.
Grüner's white pepper and herbal notes echo pesto's herbs — a surprisingly brilliant pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wine goes with pesto pasta?
Vermentino di Liguria is the classic local choice. Soave Classico or Grüner Veltliner are excellent alternatives. All three have herbal notes that harmonize with basil.
Can you drink red wine with pesto?
Light reds like Dolcetto d'Alba can work, but they're not ideal. The basil and pine nuts in pesto tend to clash with tannins — white wine is strongly preferred.
What wine with pesto pasta in summer?
A chilled Vermentino or a Provence rosé — both are refreshing, herbal, and ideal for summer pesto dishes.