Tomato sauces match best with wines that are fruity but not overly sweet.
The key to pairing wine with spaghetti and meatballs is finding red wines with a good balance of acidity, fruitiness and strength. Tomato sauces need somewhat acidic wines that complement their sharper notes. Because meatballs are typically composed of ground beef, lamb, veal and pork, they require spicy, slightly complex wines whose structure can stand up to their savory flavors. In general, medium-bodied wines best suit spaghetti-and-meatball sauces, which tend to overwhelm lighter wines and be overtaken by heavier wines.
Chianti
The classic choice for drinking with spaghetti and meatballs, this Italian wine's allure comes from its easy drinkability, bright flavors and affinity for a wide range of foods. Chianti especially complements tomatoes and red meats, which is why it has such an excellent reputation for enhancing Italian dishes. Chow.com recommends buying Chiantis that are made in the traditional style, as more modern Chiantis may be too soft and oaky to match well with tomato sauces.
Montepulciano
Montepulciano wines come from Italy's Abruzzo region. Typically drunk when young, this dry yet fruity wine possesses herbal notes that match perfectly with oregano-spiced spaghetti sauces.
Barbera
Another acidic Italian red, Barbera wines have a soft robustness well-suited to meaty tomato sauces. Though light in body, Barberas have an intriguing depth that goes well with meatballs made with veal.
Zinfandel
Fruity reds marry well with tomato sauces as long as they are not overly delicate. A big, peppery, full-bodied Zinfandel can harmonize well with a spicy spaghetti-and-meatball dish.
Nero D'Avola
Soft yet spicy, Sicilian Nero D'Avola wines balance well with long-simmered spaghetti-and-meatball dishes. The sweetness of this wine marries well with tomatoes, but its plush peppery notes make it hearty enough for the heaviest of meatballs.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo, a wine varietal from Italy's Piedmont region, is known for its strong tannins and spicy aromas. It pairs best with spaghetti and meatballs when these tannins are well-balanced and not overly oaky.
Aglianico
Aglianico, a wine similar in taste to both Cotes du Rhone and Cabernet, comes from the Campania region of Italy. Its strong structure and rich flavors match especially well with lamb-rich meatballs.
Pinot Noir
Like Zinfandels, Pinot Noir wines can pair well with spaghetti and meatballs, but only if they are sufficiently strong. Therefore, a hearty California Pinot Noir would be a better fit for this dish than its more subtle French cousin. The sweetness of this light wine adds brightness to tomato sauces; however, if your version of spaghetti and meatballs boasts lots of garlic and heat, it may overcome even the most assertive Pinot Noirs.
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