WHAT WINE TONIGHT

What wine goes with pasta bolognese?

A slow-simmered ragù is rich, meaty, and tomato-tangy all at once. Italian reds are built for it — their signature acidity refreshes the palate where soft international styles go flat.

Best overallRed

Sangiovese / Chianti

Tart cherry, herbs, dusty tannin

The hometown pairing: acidity for the tomato, structure for the beef, savor for the parmesan.

Shop Sangiovese / Chianti from ~$16 · Vivino

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Runner-upRed

Barbera d’Alba

Dark fruit, vivid acid, low tannin

Plusher than Chianti but just as fresh — wonderful when the ragù is extra rich.

Shop Barbera d’Alba from ~$17 · Vivino

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Best valueRed

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Round, dark, easygoing

Remarkable depth for the money — the weeknight bolognese bottle.

Shop Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from ~$11 · Vivino

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Sommelier's tip

Creamy pasta (alfredo, carbonara) flips to white — look for our roast chicken whites instead.

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