Spaghetti al Pomodoro, the dish the whole world envy us. The best wines to pair chosen by Gambero Rosso

Spaghetti al Pomodoro, the dish the whole world envies us for. A seemingly simple preparation that can turn into an unforgettable taste experience, which has unsurprisingly captivated great chefs. But what about the wine? In this case, the pairing is not at all obvious, contrary to what one might think.

Which sparkling wines to pair with Spaghetti al Pomodoro

Let's start with sparkling wines, although with disappointing results. The Valdobbiadene Rive di Col San Martino Brut Cuvée del Fondatore Graziano Merotto 2022 cleanses the palate, but an unpleasant metallic sensation emerges. The Franciacorta Extra Brut 2018 by Ricci Curbastro, on the other hand, accentuates the vegetal notes of the tomato due to its acidity.

The opposite is true for OP Cruasé Roccapietra 2017 Scuropasso - Roccapietra, definitely a great wine but one that overwhelms the acidic component of the Corbara gem.

A notable mention goes to Alain Reaut's biodynamic Champagne, which succeeds in enhancing the Mediterranean character of our dish.

Which white wines to pair with Spaghetti al Pomodoro

With white wines, however, the situation changes. We all agree on the pleasant smoky and mineral notes of the Lombard Lugana. The pairing with Frascati (both Frascati Sup. Casale Marchese 2022 and Frascati Sup. Luna Mater Ris. 2022 Fontana Candida) also receives favourable reviews, as it softens all the vegetal notes of the dish, drawing scents from the garden bouquet: sage and basil immediately come together, joined by almond granules and drops of vanilla, creating a harmonious and elegant territorial accord.

Pinot Bianco from Alto Adige offers freshness and clarity, while Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi plays on vegetal notes, creating a lovely combination.

Barraco's Catarratto is too strong, a right hook for spaghetti al pomodoro, so we move to the Peninsula with Marisa Cuomo's Furore Bianco; with great results, evoking thoughts of Prince Antonio De Curtis, aka Felice Sciosciammocca, and his maccheronico dance from the film "Miseria e Nobiltà."

The Adriatic coast gifts us Pecorino Tiberio, creating a positive but not exhilarating pairing, similar to Felluga's Friulano; Sauvignon, in turn, emphasizes the tomato leaf, dominating the palate and leaving it bitter.

Which red and rosé wines to pair with Spaghetti al Pomodoro

We try Bardolino, but we immediately lose freshness, whereas the tannin of Cabernet Franc proves too harsh for the tomato.

Schiava just passes, while the successful pairing with the Ligurian rosé Mea Rosa from Cantine Lunae Bosoni deserves a mention.

Unusual pairings with Spaghetti al Pomodoro

We tested a pairing with beer, but it's a risk; a firm no for Birrificio del Ducato's Via Emilia, as well as the Belgian La Chouffe Blonde, while the German Kölsch, specifically from the Früh brewery, seems more respectful.

And the winner is? Frascati, which with its natural, immediate, and Mediterranean aromas, manages to celebrate a simple and genuine union, yet anything but trivial. We were surprised too, as many had bet on a rosé wine.

These are the results of our tastings. Do you have other suggestions? Try them and let us know how they turned out.