What To Eat With Red Wine

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When it comes to really enjoying red wine in a food pairing, not all foods are created equal. The taste of food and wine are meant to complement each other, and choosing the right food pairs can make or break your dining experience.

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So let’s take a little trip down the culinary lane as we explore the art of matching red wine with food and uncover tantalising pairings that balance and elevate the flavours of both.

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With the huge variety of red wines available, the ideal food pairing depends on the characteristics of the specific red wine you choose, and the contributing factors can get confusing. There are certain foods that are generally considered to pair well with most red wines, enhancing their flavours and creating a delightful synergy:

1. Cheese

Pairing red wine with cheese is a timeless combination. Rich and creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert pair well with higher acidity wines such as merlots or pinot noirs, while bold reds such as sangiovese or syrah create wondrous contrasts with aged Cheddar or Gouda.

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2. Roast Beef or Steak

3. Tomato-Based Pasta

The acidity of the tomato flavours in pasta sauces like bolognese or Napoletana calls for red wines with vibrant fruitiness and balanced acidity. Medium-bodied options such as grenache or barbera are some of the best choices here as they complement the tangy notes of the sauce without overwhelming it.

4. Pizza

The versatility of pizza allows for a variety of red wine pairings, depending on the toppings you’re getting. Opt for medium-bodied reds like merlot or chianti, which complement the combination of cheese, tomato sauce, and various other ingredients.

5. Chocolate

Indulging in the decadence of chocolate is even more delightful when paired with red wine. Choose red wines with a touch of sweetness, like port or a fruity zinfandel, to create a contrasting harmony on the palate.

How to Pair Red Wine With Food

Pairing red wine with food involves understanding the principles of complementing or contrasting flavours. Complementing matches similar flavours to enhance them or accentuate subtleties that might otherwise be subdued, while contrasting creates balance through opposing elements. Here are a few tips to ensure your food and red wine harmonize:

1. Consider the Wine’s Characteristics

Take note of the wine’s body, acidity, and tannins (bitter compounds), and choose foods that balance or enhance characteristics. For example, pair bold and tannic wines with rich and fatty dishes such as steak or foie gras to soften the bitterness, while the acidity in the wine helps cut through the fat, leaving a delightful, velvety feel on your tongue.

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2. Match Intensity

Consider the intensity of both the wine and the dish. Lighter-bodied red wines pair well with delicate flavours like tomato-based pasta or white meats, while fuller-bodied reds can stand up to more robust flavours found in red meats or aged cheese. Aroma can play an important part as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, think about pairing a syrah with a lamb or mutton curry—the spices in the curry form a lovely duet with syrah while the acidity helps cut through the richness and manage the heat!

3. Enhance Flavours

Match the wine to the most pronounced element of your meal. For example, if your dish has a dominant flavour like truffles, select a wine like a fruity pinot noir or earthy Barolo that complements the flavours.

4. Consider Sweetness

When pairing red wine with desserts, ensure that you choose one that is similarly sweet to complement the sugar. Extra bitter or acidic wines like a cab sav are extremely contrasting to sweet desserts, making the wine taste extra bitter and throwing off the balance of your dessert.

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Experiment and Trust Your Palate

While classic food choices generally pair well with red wine, such as cheese, roast beef, red-sauce pasta, pizza, and chocolate, don’t limit yourself to these options. Everyone’s preferences differ, so don’t be afraid to try new combinations and explore various pairings to find what pleases your palate.

Keep in mind that there are no strict rules. Wine pairing is a subjective journey, and what may be perfect for one person may not be the same for another. Embrace the opportunity to expand your horizons, trust yourself, and allow your senses to guide you to a new world.

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