How To Pair Meatballs With Wine

There are certain foods that scream "comfort," and the meatball is no exception. But all meatballs are not created equal and in fact, we believe all meatballs aren't even required to be made with meat. Meatballs are the perfect easy meal because they can be prepped ahead, are a great party treat, and can be served on trays or in a slow cooker to keep them hot and saucy for your guests. Whatever your recipe or your meatball need, we've got a meatball-wine-mash-up sure to please.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Sangiovese grapes make the perfect pairing for an old-school bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. This chianti's dry, big boldness holds up to many people's favorite way to enjoy meatballs.
CARPINETO Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 (Chianti, Italy) $23

Raisin and Pine Nut Meatballs

Everybody has their own secret ingredient when it comes to making meatballs. Raisins and pine nuts make for a moist meatball and pair well with a medium-bodied peppery red. In this instance, our cabernet franc pick has hints of cherry that really punch up the sweetness of the raisins.
SHERWOOD HOUSE VINEYARDS Cabernet Franc 2008 (Long Island, N.Y.) $40

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

If you're serving some mini meatballs as finger food at a party, you can't go wrong with fruity, zesty crowd-pleasing, perfectly priced sauvignon blanc.
OYSTER BAY Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Marlborough, New Zealand) $11

Meatless 'Meat' Balls

Who said a meatball had to have meat in it? Rice balls need wine pairings, too. Try this meatless cheesy wonderfulness with a crisp, balanced light riesling that will make you think of spring. It's both fruity and floral and dry.
ANNI Riesling 2011 (Pfalz, Germany)$16

Cod and Potato Balls

Take your favorite recipe for cod and potato croquettes or cod cakes and just alter the shape a little and you've got meatballs for vegetarians or fish lovers. Eat them while they're hot and pair with this lush and creamy chardonnay.
AMAPOLA CREEK Chardonnay 2011 (Russian River Valley, Calif.) $45

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