The Top 10 Red Wine Varieties to Try and How to Pair Them
Red wine is the perfect accompaniment to a cozy night in, a fancy dinner party, or almost any special occasion. But with so many varieties available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this post, we’ve rounded up the top 10 red wine varieties and provided some tips on how to pair them.
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wines around the world. It’s full-bodied, with bold tannins, and flavors of blackberry, currant, and oak. This wine pairs perfectly with red meat, especially steak and lamb.
2. Merlot
Merlot is a medium-bodied wine with a mellow flavor and low tannins. It has a bit of fruitiness, with notes of cherry and plum. This wine pairs well with roasted meats, stews, and tomato-based pasta dishes.
3. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a delicate wine with a light body and soft tannins. It has a fruity taste, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and vanilla. This wine pairs well with chicken, salmon, and other light meats.
4. Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a bold wine with high alcohol content and a spicy finish. It has flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and pepper. This wine pairs well with barbecue, grilled meats, and spicy foods.
5. Syrah
Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a full-bodied wine with a spicy taste and peppery finish. It has flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. This wine pairs well with red meat, especially game meat, as well as hearty stews and strong cheeses.
6. Malbec
Malbec is an intense and full-bodied wine with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and chocolate. This wine pairs perfectly with grilled meats, especially beef, as well as rich pasta dishes and strong, pungent cheeses.
7. Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a medium-bodied wine with moderate acidity and flavors of red fruit, leather, and herbs. It pairs well with tomato-based pasta dishes, pizza, and grilled meats like pork and chicken.
8. Tempranillo
Tempranillo is a medium to full-bodied wine with a fruity taste and low tannins. It has flavors of leather, tobacco, and vanilla. This wine pairs well with Spanish cuisine, including paella, tapas, and roasted meats.
9. Grenache
Grenache is a medium to full-bodied wine with a fruity and spicy taste. It has flavors of raspberry, cherry, and pepper. This wine pairs well with Mediterranean cuisine, including roasted vegetables, lamb, and grilled seafood.
10. Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah is a full-bodied and tannic wine with flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and chocolate. This wine pairs well with hearty meat dishes like grilled steak or beef stew.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of wine can make all the difference when it comes to pairing it with food. Whether you prefer bold, full-bodied wines or light, fruity ones, there’s a red wine variety out there for every occasion. Keep these 10 varieties in mind next time you’re looking for the perfect wine to pair with your favorite dish.
