Deciding which wines to pair with carbonara is relatively straightforward. Pasta carbonara itself is simple to prepare – the pasta and egg yolk have a sweet flavor, the guanciale has an oily consistency, the Pecorino Romano is savory, and the abundant freshly ground pepper is pungent and persistent. Therefore, you should pair carbonara with a wine that contains moderate acidity, pronounced intensity, and lingering persistence. A certain softness to the alcohol content is necessary, even for sparkling wines.
The "safest" carbonara consort is a white wine, perhaps from central Italy, to correspond with the geographical origin of the dish. Rosé wines also pair well, especially those from Abruzzo and Lake Garda. But you have to be careful with reds, taking care to avoid those that are too tannic. If you're familiar with Italian music, don't let the 1982 song Carbonara by The Spiffs inspire you – the singers wash the titular dish down with Coca-Cola.
So, on that note, here are our 10 wines to pair with carbonara. These sparkling, white, rosé, and red bottles come from all across the peninsula.
Sparkling Wines
Franciacorta Berlucchi '61 Nature Rosé 2013
Made from pinot noir grapes, this Franciacorta from Lombardy is sharp and creamy, with aromas of wild berries and citrus fruits, complete with a mineral and vibrant flavor. website
Il Pestifero 2019 - Tenuta di Tavignano
This Verdicchio has been refermented in the bottle. The wine from Le Marche also contains some Sangiovese and a touch of Malvasia. It's easy, pleasant, and thirst-quenching. website
White
Frascati Superiore Riserva Luna Mater 2017 Fontana Candida
A combination that couldn't encompass the territory of Lazio more, the creamy complexity of this Frascati can defy time. This along with the intriguing citrus, almond, and hawthorn notes make the wine an unforgettable companion of carbonara. website
Soave Classico Vintage Edition 2019 - Bertani
With its fruity, savory, and balsamic flavors, this Soave from the Veneto tastes truly intriguing when coupled with pasta carbonara. website
Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Dellago 2020 - Cantina Bolzano
Elegance, mineral notes, and balanced character with aromas of golden apple, peach, and pear make this Pinot Bianco from Alto Adige a very pleasant and versatile white. It's a great friend to the table as it pairs well with many dishes, and carbonara is no exception. website
Rosé
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Baldovino 2019 - Tenuta I Fauri
From a family business that specializes in organic conversion, this is one of Abruzzo's most convincing rosé wines, complete with an excellent balance between quality and price. website
Valtènesi Chiaretto Roseri 2019 - Ca 'Maiol
A fruity and delicate rosé from Lake Garda, but one that packs the right determination to stand up to the complexity of the dish. website
Red
Bardolino 2020 - Le Fraghe
From a native Veneto vine, which deserves more fame than it already has, this excellent fruity, juicy wine is made from the Corvina and Rondinella grapes, and it will surprise you. website
Trasimeno Gamay Divina Villa 2019 - Ducca della Corgna
From a cooperative winery in Umbria, this simple and everyday wine made from 100% Trasimeno Gamay smells of red fruit and spices. website
Cortona Syrah Julie e Giulià 2018 - Stefano Amerighi
The typical peppery notes of this Tuscan syrah go very well with pasta carbonara, especially when the red is marked with dainty gratefulness, like this one produced by the man who many consider the master of Cortona Syrah. website
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