Red wine has been a favorite drink of many for years, and it’s not hard to see why. Its rich flavor and intense aroma make it the perfect drink to enjoy with a meal or on its own. But what food goes well with red wine? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best food pairings for red wine and debunk some common misconceptions.
Red wine is a popular beverage that is often enjoyed during dinner or special occasions. It is known for its rich and bold flavor that pairs well with certain foods. However, finding the perfect food pairing can be a challenge. In this discussion, we will explore the different types of foods that complement red wine and enhance its flavor profile.
Pairing Red Wine with Food
When it comes to pairing red wine with food, there are some general guidelines to follow. The first rule is to match the weight of the food with the weight of the wine. For example, a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir pairs well with delicate dishes such as fish or chicken, while a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with heavier dishes such as steak or lamb.
Another rule to follow is to match the flavors of the food with the flavors of the wine. For example, a fruity red wine such as Merlot pairs well with dishes that have a sweet or fruity flavor profile, while a spicy red wine such as Syrah pairs well with dishes that have a spicy or savory flavor profile.
Best Food Pairings for Red Wine
- Steak – When it comes to pairing red wine with steak, the best option is a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. These wines have a high tannin content that complements the rich flavor of the steak.
- Pizza – Pizza is a staple food that pairs well with red wine. A medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese pairs well with tomato-based pizzas, while a full-bodied red wine such as Zinfandel pairs well with meat lovers’ pizzas.
- Chocolate – Chocolate and red wine make a perfect pairing. A sweet red wine such as Port or a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavor of chocolate.
- Cheese – Cheese and red wine are a match made in heaven. A medium-bodied red wine such as Merlot pairs well with mild cheeses such as Brie or Camembert, while a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with strong cheeses such as Cheddar or Blue cheese.
- Pasta – Pasta dishes pair well with red wine, especially those with a tomato-based sauce. A medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Barbera pairs well with pasta dishes, while a full-bodied red wine such as Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with meat-based pasta dishes.
Common Misconceptions
- Red wine should only be paired with red meat – While red wine pairs well with red meat, it’s not the only option. Red wine also pairs well with poultry, fish, and vegetarian dishes.
- White wine should always be paired with fish – While white wine pairs well with fish, it’s not the only option. Light-bodied red wines such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais also pair well with fish dishes.
- Red wine should always be served at room temperature – While it’s true that red wine should be served at a slightly higher temperature than white wine, it’s not always necessary to serve it at room temperature. Light-bodied red wines such as Pinot Noir should be served slightly chilled.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that is made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. It has a high tannin content, which gives it a dry and astringent taste. Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with rich and hearty dishes such as steak, roasted lamb, and beef stews.
Merlot
Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine that is made from the Merlot grape. It has a lower tannin content compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives it a smoother and softer taste. Merlot pairs well with mild cheeses, pasta dishes, and grilled chicken.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine that is made from the Pinot Noir grape. It has a low tannin content, which gives it a delicate and fruity taste. Pinot Noir pairs well with fish, chicken, and dishes with a light sauce.
Syrah
Syrah is a full-bodied red wine that is made from the Syrah grape. It has a high tannin content, which gives it a spicy and savory taste. Syrah pairs well with spicy dishes, roasted meats, and strong cheeses.
Pairing Red Wine with Cheese
Cheese and red wine are a classic pairing, but it’s important to match the weight and flavor of the cheese with the weight and flavor of the wine. Here are some popular cheese and red wine pairings:
Brie
Brie is a soft and creamy cheese that pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine such as Merlot or Pinot Noir. The fruity and delicate flavors of the wine complement the mild and creamy flavors of the cheese.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a strong and sharp cheese that pairs well with a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. The bold flavors of the wine complement the strong and salty flavors of the cheese.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a pungent and strong cheese that pairs well with a sweet and fortified red wine such as Port. The sweetness of the wine complements the strong and salty flavors of the cheese.
Pairing Red Wine with Chocolate
Chocolate and red wine are a luxurious pairing that can elevate any dessert. When pairing red wine with chocolate, it’s important to match the sweetness of the wine with the sweetness of the chocolate.
One key takeaway from this text is that when pairing red wine with food, it is important to consider the weight and flavor of both the wine and the dish. Matching the weight and flavor of the food with the wine can enhance the overall dining experience. Additionally, while there are common pairings such as red wine with red meat or white wine with fish, there are many other options to consider, such as light-bodied red wines with fish or red wine with vegetarian dishes. Cheese, chocolate, and pasta are also popular food pairings for red wine, and it is important to match the weight and flavor of the cheese or sauce with the wine.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate pairs well with a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. The high tannin content of the wine complements the bitterness of the chocolate, while the fruity flavors of the wine complement the sweetness of the chocolate.
Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine such as Merlot or Pinot Noir. The smooth and silky texture of the chocolate complements the soft and fruity flavors of the wine.
White Chocolate
White chocolate pairs well with a sweet red wine such as Port or Sherry. The sweetness of the wine complements the creamy and buttery flavors of the chocolate.
Pairing Red Wine with Pasta
Pasta dishes are a popular choice for red wine pairings, and there are many options to choose from. When pairing red wine with pasta, it’s important to match the weight and flavor of the wine with the weight and flavor of the sauce.
Tomato-Based Sauce
Tomato-based pasta sauces pair well with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Barbera. The acidity of the sauce complements the fruity and tart flavors of the wine.
Meat-Based Sauce
Meat-based pasta sauces pair well with a full-bodied red wine such as Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon. The bold and savory flavors of the sauce complement the rich and complex flavors of the wine.
Cream-Based Sauce
Cream-based pasta sauces pair well with a medium-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Merlot. The smooth and velvety texture of the sauce complements the soft and fruity flavors of the wine.
FAQs for what goes well with red wine
What foods pair well with red wine?
Red wine pairs well with a variety of foods, including cheese, dark chocolate, steak, grilled meat, lamb, tomato-based sauces, and hearty stews. The general rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the wine with the intensity of the food. For example, a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon would complement a hearty steak or grilled lamb chops, while a lighter red like Pinot Noir would pair well with a tomato-based pasta dish or roasted chicken.
What type of cheese pairs well with red wine?
Red wine pairs well with a variety of cheeses, but some popular pairings include cheddar, Gouda, blue cheese, and Brie. For a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, try pairing it with aged cheddar or Gouda. For a lighter red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, pair it with a soft cheese like Brie or Camembert.
Can seafood be paired with red wine?
While white wine is often the go-to choice for seafood, some types of fish can pair well with lighter, fruitier red wines like Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, or Grenache. Match the intensity of the wine with the intensity of the seafood. Grilled salmon, for example, would pair well with Pinot Noir, while a tuna steak would work with a medium-bodied red like Merlot.
What desserts go well with red wine?
For a sweet treat, try pairing your red wine with dark chocolate or chocolate-based desserts like flourless chocolate cake or chocolate truffles. Red wine also pairs well with fruit-based desserts like berry tarts or cherry pie. A fruity red like Zinfandel or Shiraz would complement desserts with a strong fruit flavor, while a darker, richer wine like Cabernet Sauvignon would go well with dark chocolate.
Can red wine be paired with spicy foods?
Spicy foods can be challenging to pair with wine, but some red wines can handle the heat. A fruity red like Zinfandel or a spicy Syrah or Grenache can complement spicy dishes like Indian curry, Thai cuisine, or Tex-Mex. The sweetness in the wine balances out the heat of the dish. However, beware of pairing spicy foods with tannic red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, as the tannins can leave a bitter aftertaste.