All About Red Wines and Pairings

Usually, we would just head on to the wine cellars of our local grocery or delicatessen and grab the first bottle of red wine that we see. Once we get home, we just pop the cork, or twist the cap. Then pour the wine into the wine glass and sip.

There is nothing wrong with this imagery, but the way you imbibe wine can certainly be livened up. Just as there are various types of spirits, there are also various types of red wine. Each type of red wine has a unique note that makes it distinct from other varieties.

Cabernets, Merlots, Burgundies and Pinot Noirs each have distinct characteristics that go well with certain meals.

Best of all, the meal pairings that are associated with these wines can amplify the antioxidant properties of red wine. This ensures that each sip of red wine protects your heart as you enjoy it with your meal.

Red wine ordinarily pairs well with meals of red meat. With the right wine, we can take an ordinary steak and wine meal, and make it an extraordinary experience with the right pairs.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Portobellos

Edmonton and Calgary are associated with beef, and in our respective households, a grilled steak or a freshly flame-grilled burger form part of our weekly menus. If you do prefer your meat with a bit of fat, you will want to opt for a Cabernet Sauvignon to pair with those rich meat dishes, as well as a roast leg of lamb, short ribs and even grilled portobellos if you’re vegetarian.

This is the type of wine that you would pair with meat and sharp cheeses such as Cheddar and Gouda. Whether it is an entree or a charcuterie board, you would not go wrong with a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Pinot Noir

A classic Pinot Noir would go well with meals based on pork, duck and game meats, ideal for cuts of meat with lesser amounts of fat. The texture and tannin qualities of the wine mellow out the little fat in these meats. The earthiness of its bouquet makes it an ideal accompaniment for root vegetable dishes, game meats and soft cheeses.

If you are fond of Italian food, you would not go wrong with a Sangiovese wine, especially when paired with layered pasta dishes such as lasagna al forno, or even the simplicity that is a Veal Parmigiana.

The acidic substance from this wine complements the natural bite of the tomatoes in Italian dishes. Fancy a pizza for a late night snack? Pair this with a Sangiovese for a match made in heaven – or should we say Paradiso.

Summary

If you want simple, home-cooked meals such as roast beef or even meatballs, a Merlot would provide the ideal accompaniment as it pairs well with most foods that exhibit a certain degree of sumptuousness. For vegetarian options, it goes well with root vegetables.

For the right wine to go with your menu, we at Liquor Store Edmonton would be happy to help you mix and match our wines to add pizzazz to your meals. Drop by and choose from our wine selections for the ideal pairs.