Layers of tender aubergine, spiced meat and creamy béchamel: Moussaka is much more than just a dish. It’s one of the iconic recipes of Greek cuisine, winning over palates with its complexity and Mediterranean aromas. A dish like this deserves a wine to match – one that can accompany every bite without overpowering or disappearing amid the intense flavours.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect wine to pair with Moussaka, from full-bodied reds to characterful whites, carefully selected to enhance each element of the recipe – from the sweetness of the aubergine to the savouriness of the meat, and the richness of the béchamel.
Moussaka: Origins, Ingredients, and How to Choose the Right Wine
Moussaka is a traditional dish from the cuisines of the Balkans and the Middle East, with the Greek version now considered iconic. The classic recipe features grilled aubergines, minced lamb or beef seasoned with cinnamon or spices, tomato sauce, and a generous layer of gratinated béchamel on top.
A dish this rich calls for wines that can balance structure and intensity. Red wines should have well-integrated tannins, good acidity, and spicy notes. White wines, if chosen, should be full-bodied, possibly with some oak ageing. In both cases, the goal is to support the richness of the dish without overwhelming the layering of flavours.
The Best Red Wines to Pair with Moussaka
When it comes to Moussaka, red wine is the natural choice. The complexity of the dish – with spiced meat, grilled aubergines and creamy béchamel – pairs beautifully with structured, warming reds. Choosing a bottle with a solid tannic structure, intense aromas and just the right amount of freshness can truly make all the difference.
A great place to start is Aglianico del Vulture DOC – a powerful yet elegant wine that envelops the palate with notes of ripe black fruit, spices and a subtle mineral background. Its well-polished tannins pair beautifully with the meaty component of the Moussaka, while its freshness helps to balance the creaminess of the dish.
If you're after something more versatile, Chianti Classico DOCG is an almost foolproof choice. With its lively acidity and aromas of cherry, leather and subtle earthy notes, it enhances both the tomato flavour and the spiced elements of the dish, all while maintaining a well-balanced profile.
For those who prefer a more refined wine, Etna Rosso DOC is a captivating choice. Its volcanic notes and red fruit character, combined with a lighter body, make it ideal for lighter or vegetarian versions of Moussaka, where a more delicate and harmonious pairing is desired.
The Best White Wines to Pair with Moussaka
Although reds tend to take centre stage, there are Italian white wines that can surprise with their ability to pair with Moussaka in a unique and enjoyable way. The key is to choose characterful bottles, with good body and, why not, a touch of ageing to add depth.
Fiano di Avellino DOCG is one of the best options: full, rounded, with aromas of yellow fruit, white flowers and hazelnut. It pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the béchamel, while its persistence and minerality allow it to stand up to the dish’s overall complexity.
Another great classic is Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore, a wine that combines freshness, savouriness and a subtle almond note. Its elegance makes it an ideal companion for both the vegetable elements and the more structured components of the Moussaka.
Finally, for those looking for a more aromatic and sun-kissed touch, Grillo Sicilia DOC is the perfect choice. Its aromas of citrus, Mediterranean herbs and white flowers immediately evoke summer, while its structure makes it well suited to lighter or vegetarian versions of the dish.
DISCOVER RED WINES TO PAIR WITH GREEK FOOD
DISCOVER WHITE WINES TO PAIR WITH GREEK FOOD
DISCOVER SPARKLING WINES TO PAIR WITH GREEK FOOD
From Svinando's blog
