Red wine is one of the most popular types of wine in the world. It pairs well with a variety of foods, and there are many different flavors to choose from. But there are certain flavors it will go better with — so here, we'll discuss the characteristics of red wine, food-pairing advice, and our favorite meals to enjoy with red wine. We will also explore how to balance contrast flavor and texture when pairing red wine with food, and provide some tips on complementing flavors.
Which foods should you pair your red wine with?
When pairing red wine with food, it is important to consider the characteristics of both the wine and the dish. For example, if you are serving a rich and hearty beef stew, you will want to choose a red wine with similarly robust flavors. A Cabernet Sauvignon would be a good choice, in this case. If you are serving a light and delicate salmon dish, on the other hand, you may want to choose a red wine with more subtle, lighter flavors, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot.
In general, it is often recommended that heavier dishes be paired with richer red wines, while lighter dishes can be paired with more delicate wines. However, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to pairing red wine with food. Ultimately, it is up to you to experiment and find the combinations that work best for you.
Our recommendations: The Best Red Wine Pairings
Our favorite meal to enjoy with red wine is a big, hearty pasta dish. The richness of the sauce pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of a red wine, and the carbs in the pasta help to soak up all that deliciousness. Some of our favorite red wines to pair with pasta include Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Shiraz.
If you are looking for some food-pairing advice, here are a few general rules to keep in mind:
- Heavier dishes should be paired with richer red wines
- Lighter dishes can be paired with more delicate red wines
- Smoky and spicy flavors pair well with bold red wines
- Bitter and sour flavors pair well with fruity red wines
- Sweet foods can be paired with sweet or dry red wines
When it comes to contrast flavor and texture, it is important to find a balance between the two elements. For example, if you are pairing a rich, heavy dish with a bold red wine, you may want to include some lighter elements in the dish as well. This will help to create a more balanced meal. On the other hand, if you are pairing a light and delicate dish with a delicate red wine, you may want to include some richer elements in the dish. This will help to create contrast and make the meal more interesting.
Some of our favorite complementary flavors to pair with red wine include:
- Chocolate
- Berries
- Roasted meats
- Garlic
- Onion
- Tomato
- Parsley
- Cilantro
Experiment with different combinations and find the ones that work best for you. Red wine is a versatile beverage that can be paired with a variety of foods to create delicious and satisfying meals. So get creative, have fun, and enjoy!
Stuck on what kind of red wine to make? Brewsy has you covered with some fun recipes!
