If Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce is on your shopping list, you might want to think about adding a bottle of the 2021 Still Bend Barbera Lodi California to your cart as well. According to Catherine Fallis, a master sommelier at Bright Cellars, this wine pairs beautifully with the sauce without overpowering its delicate flavors.

At first glance, a California-produced Barbera may seem like an unusual choice for a creamy sauce that features pumpkin, butternut squash, carrots, sage, and rosemary. Traditionally, Barbera is known for its affinity with tomatoes, garlic, and briny olives – all of which are present in Trader Joe’s sauce. Furthermore, Barbera is a versatile wine that pairs well with rich charcuterie, grilled and braised meats, gamy duck, sausages, stews, and more.

While Barbera may not be as familiar to many Americans as Sangiovese, the dominant grape in Chianti, it is still a highly enjoyable and food-friendly wine. Barbera’s deep color comes from its dark purple skin, but its nose and taste are surprisingly bright and fruity. Italian versions showcase dark fruits like blackberry and boysenberry, accompanied by spice notes and a juicy acidity. On the other hand, New World bottles like the Still Bend Barbera exhibit more intense fruitiness with flavors of cherry and raspberry, as well as floral hints and minerality.

Fallis’s recommendation to pair Barbera with Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce can be enhanced by adding cheesy stuffed pasta like tortellini for more body or serving it alongside grilled or braised meat that can stand up to the wine’s acidity.

While Barbera may not receive the same level of respect as grapes like Nebbiolo, it remains a wine that is accessible and enjoyable for all wine enthusiasts. So, why not give it a try and experience the beautiful contrast it provides on your palate?

Note: This blog post is based on the original article published on Tasting Table.