Red Sauce Night Deserves a Chianti

Angela
Jun 28
3 min read

Updated: Jul 1

There’s just something about Chianti that feels right when I’m cooking Italian food with red sauce. It’s bold, a little rustic, and totally unfussy—just like my kitchen on a Tuesday night. I always have a bottle stashed in the cabinet (okay… probably two), and it’s become my go-to for pasta nights.

What is Chianti, anyway?

Chianti hails from Tuscany and is made mostly from Sangiovese grapes—cue warm cherry, spice, and earthy tones. No swirling or sommelier-speak needed—just pour and enjoy.

Why Chianti Wine Pairing Works So Well with Red Sauce

Here’s the fun part: tomato sauce is naturally acidic, and Chianti is too. That’s why they play so well together—it’s like their chemistry was written in the stars. Add garlic, herbs, meatballs, maybe a little parmesan snowstorm? Chianti says, “I got this.”

The Black Rooster Trick 🐓

Want to spot a really good Chianti? Look for the little black rooster seal on the bottle’s neck. That means it’s a Chianti Classico—which basically means it was made in the historic heart of the region with extra TLC. It’s usually the one I grab when I want something with depth (and let’s be honest, something that looks cute on the table too).

Chianti Classico wine bottle featuring the black rooster seal, used in a wine pairing with red sauce recipe — This little rooster=real deal Chianti Classico

My Favorite Bottle

One of my go-to bottles is the Kirkland Chianti Classico from Costco. It’s made by Villa Cafaggio in the heart of Tuscany, and it checks all the boxes—bold, smooth, affordable. I always grab a case when I’m there (because let’s be real, one bottle never feels like enough). Honestly, I’ll drink pretty much any Chianti, but this one’s a staple in my kitchen wine stash.

What I Drink It With

I don’t drink Chianti with every Italian meal—just the red sauce ones. It’s my go-to for bold, tomato-based pasta dishes, and it absolutely shines with the classic: spaghetti and meatballs. I make my sauce from scratch, and it’s the most-requested meal in my house—especially by my husband.

Pouring Chianti wine into a glass on pasta night as part of a weeknight wine pairing — This is how pasta night starts at my house.

Want the recipe? You're in luck:👉 Here’s my full Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe Post (just make sure you light a candle and pour a glass before the garlic hits the pan).

🍝 Kitchen & Wine Must-Haves

Riedel Heart to Heart Cabernet Sauvignon Glasses – Set of 2My ride-or-die glasses for red wine nights. Elegant, bold, and perfect for Chianti’s cherry-spice richness. They instantly upgrade pasta night (and yes, I feel fancy drinking from them—even in yoga pants).
Zulay Garlic Press – $12.99 on AmazonEasy to clean, ergonomic, and crushes garlic like a boss. I use it every time I make red sauce, and I’m not about to go back to chopping garlic with a knife.
Riedel Vinum Sauvignon Blanc/Dessert Wine Glasses – Set of 2For white wine lovers! These are my go-to glasses for Sauvignon Blanc or light sips with summer meals. Crisp, classy, and just as durable as they are pretty.
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✈️ A Little Wanderlust

I’m heading to Rome this summer (dream trip alert!) and signed up for a pasta-making class. Wish me luck—because the flour will definitely be everywhere. Tuscany is next on my list... unless I win the lottery, then I’m booking a Chianti wine tour immediately. 😉