What wine goes with pesto pasta?
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Pesto is herbal, garlicky, and rich with oil and cheese — it flattens big reds and loves herbaceous whites. Liguria, pesto's birthplace, drinks Vermentino with it, which settles the argument.
Ligurian Vermentino
Herbal, saline, citrus
Grown beside the basil, literally — its herbal note shakes hands with the pesto.
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Sauvignon blanc
Grassy, zesty, vivid
Green meets green: its herbaceousness amplifies the basil instead of fighting it.
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Gavi
Cortese — crisp, stony, elegant
A quieter, more mineral take when the pesto is extra rich with cheese.
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Sommelier's tip
Red with pesto rarely works — tannin plus raw garlic turns metallic.
Frequently asked questions
What wine goes with pesto pasta?
Our top pick is Ligurian Vermentino (Herbal, saline, citrus). Grown beside the basil, literally — its herbal note shakes hands with the pesto.
What is a budget-friendly wine for pesto pasta?
Sauvignon blanc, typically from about $13. Green meets green: its herbaceousness amplifies the basil instead of fighting it.
Does red wine go with pesto pasta?
Red wine is generally a harder match here; whites, rosés, or sparkling wines pair better. Ligurian Vermentino is the safer choice.
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