Red wine is a beloved beverage enjoyed by many around the world. Its rich, complex flavors make it a versatile drink that can be paired with a variety of foods. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a glass at home, knowing what goes well with red wine can enhance your overall experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best pairings for red wine, from cheeses and meats to desserts and side dishes. With these expert suggestions, you can create a memorable dining experience that complements the rich flavors of red wine.
What Goes Well with Red Wine?
Cheeses to Pair with Red Wine
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino, and Manchego are excellent companions to red wine. Their robust flavors stand up well to the boldness of the wine.
Hard Cheese and Red Wine Pairings
| Cheese | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Parmesan | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Pecorino | Chianti |
| Manchego | Rioja |
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort offer a creamy texture and rich flavor that pair beautifully with red wine.
Soft Cheese and Red Wine Pairings
| Cheese | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Brie | Pinot Noir |
| Camembert | Merlot |
| Roquefort | Port |
Aged Cheeses
Aged cheeses like Gouda, Cheddar, and Gruyère develop deep, nutty flavors that complement the complexity of red wine.
Aged Cheese and Red Wine Pairings
| Cheese | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Gouda | Zinfandel |
| Cheddar | Syrah |
| Gruyère | Malbec |
Meats to Pair with Red Wine
Beef
Beef, particularly steak, is a classic pairing with red wine. The rich, savory flavors of beef are enhanced by the tannins in the wine.
Beef and Red Wine Pairings
| Cut of Beef | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Ribeye | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Filet Mignon | Merlot |
| T-Bone | Shiraz |
Lamb
Lamb’s unique, slightly gamey flavor pairs well with the boldness of red wine.
Lamb and Red Wine Pairings
| Cut of Lamb | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Lamb Chops | Pinot Noir |
| Leg of Lamb | Bordeaux |
| Lamb Shank | Syrah |
Pork
Pork, especially when roasted or grilled, pairs nicely with red wine due to its mild, savory flavor.
Pork and Red Wine Pairings
| Cut of Pork | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Pork Tenderloin | Zinfandel |
| Pork Chops | Malbec |
| Pork Shoulder | Merlot |
Poultry to Pair with Red Wine
Chicken
Chicken, particularly when roasted or grilled, pairs well with lighter red wines.
Chicken and Red Wine Pairings
| Preparation | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Pinot Noir |
| Roast Chicken | Chianti |
| Chicken Parmesan | Sangiovese |
Duck
Duck’s rich, fatty meat pairs beautifully with fuller-bodied red wines.
Duck and Red Wine Pairings
| Preparation | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Roast Duck | Merlot |
| Duck Breast | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Peking Duck | Syrah |
Seafood to Pair with Red Wine
Salmon
Salmon, with its rich, fatty texture, pairs well with lighter red wines.
Salmon and Red Wine Pairings
| Preparation | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Grilled Salmon | Pinot Noir |
| Baked Salmon | Grenache |
| Salmon Tartare | Rosé |
Tuna
Tuna’s meaty texture and flavor can stand up to more robust red wines.
Tuna and Red Wine Pairings
| Preparation | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Seared Tuna | Merlot |
| Tuna Steak | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Tuna Tartare | Syrah |
Vegetables to Pair with Red Wine
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant develop smoky, caramelized flavors that pair well with red wine.
Grilled Vegetables and Red Wine Pairings
| Vegetable | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Bell Peppers | Zinfandel |
| Zucchini | Pinot Noir |
| Eggplant | Syrah |
Mushrooms
Mushrooms, especially when sautéed or roasted, have a deep, earthy flavor that complements red wine.
Mushrooms and Red Wine Pairings
| Preparation | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Sautéed Mushrooms | Merlot |
| Roasted Mushrooms | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Mushroom Risotto | Pinot Noir |
Side Dishes to Pair with Red Wine
Risotto
Risotto’s creamy texture and rich flavor pair well with various red wines.
Risotto and Red Wine Pairings
| Type of Risotto | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Risotto | Pinot Noir |
| Parmesan Risotto | Chianti |
| Seafood Risotto | Rosé |
Pasta
Pasta dishes, especially those with rich sauces, are excellent companions to red wine.
Pasta and Red Wine Pairings
| Type of Pasta | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti Bolognese | Sangiovese |
| Lasagna | Barbera |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Chardonnay |
Desserts to Pair with Red Wine
Chocolate
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, pairs wonderfully with red wine.
Chocolate and Red Wine Pairings
| Type of Chocolate | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Milk Chocolate | Merlot |
| White Chocolate | Pinot Noir |
Cheesecake
Cheesecake’s rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor pair well with certain red wines.
Cheesecake and Red Wine Pairings
| Type of Cheesecake | Recommended Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Classic Cheesecake | Pinot Noir |
| Chocolate Cheesecake | Syrah |
| Berry Cheesecake | Zinfandel |
Tips for Pairing Red Wine with Food
Balancing Flavors
When pairing red wine with food, it’s important to balance the flavors. A good rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the wine with the intensity of the food.
Considering Acidity
Acidity in wine can help to cut through rich, fatty dishes and cleanse the palate. Consider pairing high-acid wines with fatty foods.
Complementing and Contrasting
Complementary flavors can enhance the overall experience, while contrasting flavors can provide an interesting and enjoyable dining experience.
Conclusion
Pairing red wine with the right foods can enhance your dining experience, bringing out the best in both the wine and the food. Whether you’re enjoying hard cheeses, savory meats, or decadent desserts, there are plenty of options to complement your favorite red wines. Experiment with different pairings to find what works best for your palate, and don’t be afraid to try new combinations. With these suggestions, you’re well on your way to creating memorable meals that highlight the rich and complex flavors of red wine.
FAQs
Can I pair red wine with seafood?
Yes, certain types of seafood, like salmon and tuna, pair well with lighter red wines.
What red wine goes best with steak?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice for pairing with steak due to its bold flavor and high tannin content.
Can I serve red wine with vegetarian dishes?
Absolutely. Grilled vegetables, mushrooms, and rich pasta dishes are excellent pairings for red wine.
What dessert pairs well with red wine?
Dark chocolate and cheesecake are both great choices for pairing with red wine.
How should I store red wine?
Store red wine in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature, ideally between 55-65°F (13-18°C), and keep the bottles on their side to keep the cork moist.