Pasta & Risotto — Food & Wine Pairings

BBQ Brisket

Smoked beef brisket combines fat, bark, smoke, and often sweet sauce.

Best match $

Bold California Zinfandel

Its generous fruit, spice, and warmth meet sweet smoke, barbecue sauce, and deeply browned flavors.

Also great

Argentine Malbec $

Bold Cabernet or Bordeaux blend $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Biryani

Spiced rice with meat or vegetables is aromatic, savory, and moderately rich.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier $$

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Boeuf Bourguignon

Beef braised in red wine with mushrooms and bacon is savory and classic.

Best match $$

Silky Pinot Noir

It brings perfume, gentle tannin, and savory red fruit without forcing the food into a heavy red-wine frame.

Also great

Aged Burgundy-style Pinot Noir $$$

Aged Nebbiolo $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Butter Chicken

Tomato, butter, cream, and warm spice make a rich gentle curry.

Best match $$

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier

Its perfume, rounded fruit, and low-to-moderate acidity can meet spice, ginger, saffron, and aromatic sauces.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Richer Rhône-style white $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Carne Asada Tacos

Grilled beef tacos combine char, lime, salsa, herbs, and corn tortilla.

Best match $$

Iberian Tempranillo

Its savory red fruit, oak polish, and moderate tannin feel comfortable with grilled meat, paprika, lamb, and slow-cooked sauces.

Also great

Argentine Malbec $

Bold California Zinfandel $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Cassoulet

Beans, duck, sausage, and pork make a hearty, rustic, slow-baked dish.

Best match $

Tart medium red

Its acidity keeps tomato, cheese, and roasted flavors lively while moderate tannin gives just enough grip.

Also great

Southern Rhône GSM blend $

Darker Bandol-style rosé $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Ceviche

Citrus-cured seafood is bright, raw, saline, and often chile-spiked.

Best match $$

Crisp mineral Loire-style white

Its high acidity and mineral edge make the food feel cleaner, brighter, and more precise, especially with herbs or seafood.

Also great

Iberian white $

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Cheeseburger

Beef, cheese, bun, and condiments make a salty, fatty red-wine-friendly dish.

Best match $

Bold California Zinfandel

Its generous fruit, spice, and warmth meet sweet smoke, barbecue sauce, and deeply browned flavors.

Also great

Argentine Malbec $

Bold Cabernet or Bordeaux blend $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Chiles Rellenos

Stuffed peppers bring chile flavor, cheese richness, tomato, and often frying.

Best match $

Dry Provençal-style rosé

Its dry red-fruit core, citrus edge, and light tannin bridge vegetables, seafood, poultry, and Mediterranean herbs.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Bold California Zinfandel $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Coq au Vin

Chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, and bacon becomes savory and earthy.

Best match $$

Silky Pinot Noir

It brings perfume, gentle tannin, and savory red fruit without forcing the food into a heavy red-wine frame.

Also great

Aged Burgundy-style Pinot Noir $$$

Tart medium red $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Croque Monsieur

Ham, cheese, bechamel, and toast make a salty, creamy bistro sandwich.

Best match $$$

Traditional-method sparkling wine

Its bubbles, acidity, and leesy texture scrub the palate and make rich, fried, salty, or delicate foods feel precise.

Also great

Oaked buttery Chardonnay $$

Crisp light red $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Dim Sum

A mixed dim sum table asks for one flexible wine across many textures.

Best match $$$

Traditional-method sparkling wine

Its bubbles, acidity, and leesy texture scrub the palate and make rich, fried, salty, or delicate foods feel precise.

Also great

Pét-nat ancestral-method sparkling wine $

Off-dry Riesling $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Eggplant Parmigiana

Fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese create a rich vegetarian bake.

Best match $

Crisp light red

It gives red-fruit lift, high refreshment, and very little tannin, so the wine stays nimble around salt, herbs, and lighter proteins.

Also great

Tart medium red $

Southern Rhône GSM blend $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Falafel

Fried chickpea fritters with herbs, tahini, pickles, and pita need freshness.

Best match $$

Crisp mineral Loire-style white

Its high acidity and mineral edge make the food feel cleaner, brighter, and more precise, especially with herbs or seafood.

Also great

Darker Bandol-style rosé $$

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Green Curry Chicken

Coconut, green chile, herbs, and chicken create a spicy aromatic curry.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier $$

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Hummus Platter

Chickpea puree with tahini, lemon, garlic, olive oil, and vegetables.

Best match $

Dry Provençal-style rosé

Its dry red-fruit core, citrus edge, and light tannin bridge vegetables, seafood, poultry, and Mediterranean herbs.

Also great

Crisp mineral Loire-style white $$

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Kung Pao Chicken

Chicken, peanuts, chile, and sweet-sour sauce need fruit and restraint.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier $$

Dry Provençal-style rosé $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Lamb Kofta

Spiced grilled lamb meatballs bring char, cumin, herbs, and fat.

Best match $

Southern Rhône GSM blend

Its ripe fruit, pepper, and warm herbal notes meet roasted or braised flavors while staying softer than a Cabernet-shaped wine.

Also great

Iberian Tempranillo $$

Darker Bandol-style rosé $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Lamb Vindaloo

Hot, tangy lamb curry puts vinegar, chile, and spice in the foreground.

Best match $$

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier

Its perfume, rounded fruit, and low-to-moderate acidity can meet spice, ginger, saffron, and aromatic sauces.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Lobster Roll

Sweet lobster in a buttered roll is rich but still shellfish-delicate.

Best match $$

Oaked buttery Chardonnay

Its creamy texture and oak spice mirror butter, cheese, cream, and shellfish richness without needing sweetness.

Also great

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

Crisp mineral Loire-style white $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Mac and Cheese

Creamy cheese sauce and pasta create a rich, salty comfort-food pairing.

Best match $$

Oaked buttery Chardonnay

Its creamy texture and oak spice mirror butter, cheese, cream, and shellfish richness without needing sweetness.

Also great

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

Pét-nat ancestral-method sparkling wine $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Mapo Tofu

Tofu, chile bean paste, Sichuan pepper, and meat create heat and umami.

Best match $$

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier

Its perfume, rounded fruit, and low-to-moderate acidity can meet spice, ginger, saffron, and aromatic sauces.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Crisp light red $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Margherita Pizza

Tomato, mozzarella, basil, and charred dough make a bright casual pairing.

Best match $

Tart medium red

Its acidity keeps tomato, cheese, and roasted flavors lively while moderate tannin gives just enough grip.

Also great

Pét-nat ancestral-method sparkling wine $

Dry Provençal-style rosé $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Mole Poblano

Complex chile, spice, chocolate, and seed sauce creates a layered pairing.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Bold California Zinfandel $

Southern Rhône GSM blend $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Moussaka

Layered eggplant, lamb, tomato, spice, and bechamel make a rich bake.

Best match $

Tart medium red

Its acidity keeps tomato, cheese, and roasted flavors lively while moderate tannin gives just enough grip.

Also great

Southern Rhône GSM blend $

Bold Cabernet or Bordeaux blend $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Osso Buco

Braised veal shank with marrow and gremolata balances richness and lift.

Best match $

Tart medium red

Its acidity keeps tomato, cheese, and roasted flavors lively while moderate tannin gives just enough grip.

Also great

Aged Nebbiolo $$$

Iberian Tempranillo $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Pad Thai

Sweet-sour noodles with peanut, lime, fish sauce, and mild heat need lift.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Aromatic Gewurztraminer or Viognier $$

Dry Provençal-style rosé $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Paella

Saffron rice with seafood, chicken, sausage, or vegetables is savory and flexible.

Best match $$

Darker Bandol-style rosé

Its fuller body and savory pink-fruit depth give more grip for duck, lamb, beans, and robust Mediterranean plates.

Also great

Iberian white $

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Palak Paneer

Spinach, paneer, and gentle spice make an earthy vegetarian curry.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc $

Dry Provençal-style rosé $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Pasta Bolognese

Slow meat sauce over pasta needs acidity, savory depth, and moderate structure.

Best match $

Tart medium red

Its acidity keeps tomato, cheese, and roasted flavors lively while moderate tannin gives just enough grip.

Also great

Southern Rhône GSM blend $

Iberian Tempranillo $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Pasta Cacio e Pepe

Pasta, Pecorino, and black pepper create a salty, creamy, peppery dish.

Best match $$

Bone-dry Riesling

Its piercing acidity and mineral drive give structure without oak, making delicate seafood and salty dishes taste sharper.

Also great

Italian coastal white $

Oaked buttery Chardonnay $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Peking Duck

Crisp duck skin, pancakes, scallions, and hoisin create sweet-savory richness.

Best match $$

Silky Pinot Noir

It brings perfume, gentle tannin, and savory red fruit without forcing the food into a heavy red-wine frame.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Quiche Lorraine

Egg custard, cream, bacon, and pastry make a rich but delicate savory tart.

Best match $$$

Traditional-method sparkling wine

Its bubbles, acidity, and leesy texture scrub the palate and make rich, fried, salty, or delicate foods feel precise.

Also great

Oaked buttery Chardonnay $$

Silky Pinot Noir $$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Ramen

Savory broth, noodles, pork, egg, and tare make a salty umami bowl.

Best match $$

Off-dry Riesling

Its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and bright acidity cool spice, flatter salt, and refresh rich sauces.

Also great

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

Crisp light red $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Risotto Milanese

Creamy saffron risotto is rich, aromatic, and texture-driven.

Best match $$

Oaked buttery Chardonnay

Its creamy texture and oak spice mirror butter, cheese, cream, and shellfish richness without needing sweetness.

Also great

Richer Rhône-style white $$

Italian coastal white $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Salade Nicoise

Tuna, egg, olives, anchovy, and vinaigrette make a salty structured salad.

Best match $$

Crisp mineral Loire-style white

Its high acidity and mineral edge make the food feel cleaner, brighter, and more precise, especially with herbs or seafood.

Also great

Dry Provençal-style rosé $

Iberian white $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Shakshuka

Eggs poached in tomato-pepper sauce create a spicy, acidic brunch dish.

Best match $

Dry Provençal-style rosé

Its dry red-fruit core, citrus edge, and light tannin bridge vegetables, seafood, poultry, and Mediterranean herbs.

Also great

Tart medium red $

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Spanakopita

Spinach, feta, herbs, and flaky pastry make a salty green savory pie.

Best match $$

Crisp mineral Loire-style white

Its high acidity and mineral edge make the food feel cleaner, brighter, and more precise, especially with herbs or seafood.

Also great

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc $

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Sushi Omakase

A sequence of raw fish and seasoned rice demands precision and low tannin.

Best match $$

Crisp mineral Loire-style white

Its high acidity and mineral edge make the food feel cleaner, brighter, and more precise, especially with herbs or seafood.

Also great

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Tapas Platter

A mixed tapas spread needs versatile wines for salt, oil, seafood, and smoke.

Best match $

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry

Its bone-dry, saline, almondy profile is outstanding with salt, seafood, olives, ham, and briny flavors.

Also great

Amontillado or Oloroso Sherry $$

Bold California Zinfandel $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Tempura

Delicate fried seafood and vegetables need cleansing acidity and restraint.

Best match $$$

Traditional-method sparkling wine

Its bubbles, acidity, and leesy texture scrub the palate and make rich, fried, salty, or delicate foods feel precise.

Also great

Prosecco-style Charmat sparkling wine $

Fino or Manzanilla Sherry $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Tom Yum

Hot-sour soup with lemongrass, lime, chile, and shrimp is sharply aromatic.

Best match $

Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc

Its green-herb lift, citrus, and high acidity work with fresh vegetables, goat cheese, herbs, and chile-lime seasoning.

Also great

Off-dry Riesling $$

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

See full pairing → Ask Scott

Vitello Tonnato

Cold veal with tuna-caper sauce is salty, savory, and gently briny.

Best match $$

Crisp mineral Loire-style white

Its high acidity and mineral edge make the food feel cleaner, brighter, and more precise, especially with herbs or seafood.

Also great

Traditional-method sparkling wine $$$

Dry Provençal-style rosé $

See full pairing → Ask Scott

🍝 Pasta & Risotto

Just ask Scott.