White Wine Red Sauce

We all think red sauce is going to be either tomato sauce or chili sauce. But what if I tell you that this red sauce is of white wine? 

You heard it right. White wine red sauce is made of white wine, and of course, it has tomatoes. Because of the white wine, the sauce gives a fruity note that tastes delicious when paired with pasta and seafood.

I know you can’t wait to try out the tomato white wine sauce recipe like me. So let’s get started.

All About White Wine Red Sauce

White wine red sauce is basically a tomato-based sauce made with dry white wine. You will see that the typical red states have red wine or no wine at all. But this tomato sauce with white wine is a unique addition. I liked it the most for its subtle brightness and depth.

When you have the white wine tomato pasta sauce, you will feel many flavors at once. Like, tangy, aromatic, and smooth. Be it grilled vegetables, seafood, or pasta, this sauce goes well with everything.

Ingredients You Need

Before you start making your Italian tomato white wine sauce, make sure you have these ingredients. 

Olive Oil (2 tbsp)

You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil so that you can sauté the base ingredients. It’s even great to enhance the flavors.

Onion (½ medium-sized)

Use ½ medium onion or ½ cup of diced onion; make sure it is diced. From this you will get a natural sweetness and depth in flavor.

Garlic (4 cloves)

You will need 2 tablespoons or 4 cloves of garlic so that your sauce gets an aroma and umami flavor. Make sure the cloves are either minced or sliced. 

Note: Olive oil, onion, and garlic are like a classic trio in this recipe. The combination of these three ingredients will give a flavorful base to the sauce.

Diced or Crushed Tomatoes (3 cups)

To give a base to the sauce, use 3 cups of diced or crushed tomatoes. Or you can simply use 28 oz of canned tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes will give brightness, and canned tomatoes will give richness. You can go with whichever you prefer.

Tomato Paste (2 to 3 tbsp)

Don’t forget to add 2 to 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the sauce. Only then can you get a concentrated tomato flavor and a deeper color.

Dry White Wine (¼ to ¾ cup)

To balance the acidity of the sauce, you will need ¼ to ¾ cup of dry white wine. This can even deglaze the pan and add depth to the sauce. 

Italian Parsley (2 tbsp)

Chop the Italian parsley and use 2 tablespoons of it. It will help make the sauce brighter and its flavor fresher. 

Red Chilli Flakes (½ tsp)

This is optional. You can use ½ teaspoon or a pinch of red chili flakes only if you can handle spice. 

Salt and Black Pepper (As per taste)

Salt and black pepper are used mainly to enhance the flavor. So use it as per your taste

Fresh Basil (Few Leaves)

Just a few leaves of fresh basil can help in garnishing and add some freshness.

How To Make White Wine Red Sauce? Step-by-Step Guide

So now we have all the ingredients ready with us. Let’s start making our pasta sauce with white wine.

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

First, take a pan. Warm the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the onion to the oil and let the onion cook for 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Then add garlic and let the onion and garlic sauté for 2 minutes. It will release a fragrance by then.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste 

Now add the tomato paste. Stir it and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes. You will see the color deepen.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour the wine into the mixture and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The alcohol will evaporate and lift browned bits from the pan.

Step 4: Add Diced or Crushed Tomatoes 

Next, add the diced or crushed tomatoes to the mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.

Step 5: Simmer and Add Seasoning

Reduce the heat to low. Add parsley, chili flakes, salt, and pepper into the sauce. Simmer it for 20 to 30 minutes without covering. 

Step 6: Garnish

Before you serve, garnish the sauce with some fresh basil leaves. This will even bring an aromatic brightness. 

Step 7: Blend (Optional) 

Those who prefer sauce with a smooth texture can only blend the sauce in an immersion blender. 

Best Pairings with White Wine Red Sauce

Let’s see which dishes complement our wine-infused tomato sauce the most.

• Shrimps or Prawns
• Mussels.
• Whitefish
• Garlic bread
• Polenta
• Cauliflower steaks
• Chicken meatballs
• Grilled zucchini 
• Ricotta
• Spaghetti 
• Ravioli

Conclusion 

Hopefully, you have made your white wine red sauce at home. How was it? Before, I used to call it Garlic tomato wine reduction. But now it has become one of my favorite savory pasta sauces.

Don’t think you have to follow this guide strictly. You can increase or decrease the ingredients as per your taste buds. If you want it to be more tangy, add some more tomatoes, and if you want it to be spicier, add some more red chili peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why Use White Wine in Red Sauce?

Compared to red wine vs white wine in sauce, I prefer white wine because it brightens up the flavor and adds a fruity note, which I like.

Can You Substitute Red Wine With White Wine in Pasta Sauce?

Yes, you can use red wine instead of white wine. But you won’t get the fruity note. Red wine will only add depth and richness to your sauce.

What Are the Best Dishes to Pair With White Wine Red Sauce?

Marinara sauce with white wine pairs well with foods with lighter proteins. Such as chicken, seafood pasta, etc. You can also have it with garlic bread and grilled vegetables.