While wine may not be something that everyone enjoys, it’s still many Americans preferred drink of choice. According to a 2021 survey, it’s the second most popular alcoholic drink, with 31% of people consuming it more than any other variety.
That said, most people who drink wine are casual drinkers. They often don’t know too much about wine besides the flavors they taste. They also don’t know that the right food pairings can make a glass of wine even more delicious.
In this article, we’ve compiled some of the best foods to eat with a glass of red wine. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be on track to becoming a red wine connoisseur.
Read on to learn more.
Red Meat and Cabernet Sauvignon
If you’re looking for a classic pairing that you can’t go wrong with, try pairing red meat like steak with a glass of cabernet sauvignon. What makes the pairing so popular?
Cabernet sauvignon is high in tannins, causing the steak to taste even richer. At the same time, the fat in red meat brings out the fruitiness of the wine.
It may just be the best food and wine pairing out there!
Meat and Zinfandel
Zinfandel is another red wine that goes great with almost any type of meat. In general, bolder zinfandels are best with beef, while milder varieties go great with poultry and pork.
If you’re not a fan of meat, zinfandel also pairs nicely with pasta and veggies.
Fatty Fish and Pinot Noir
Many people think that fish and red wine don’t go well together. That’s not actually true; you just need to ensure that you choose the right red wine.
Your best bet is to go with a variety with lower tannins levels, like pinot noir. Doing so ensures that the wine doesn’t overpower the delicate taste of the fish.
Grilled salmon or swordfish will complement the wine perfectly!
Rich Flavors and Malbec
A rich, full-bodied wine like malbec requires food with equal levels of flavor and taste. Steak can serve that role, especially leaner cuts, like sirloin.
If you’re looking for appetizers or want to stay away from meats, blue cheese and malbec also go well together.
Grilled Chicken and Merlot
Merlot has a moderate level of tannins, allowing it to pair well with meats such as grilled chicken. It also works well with pasta and red sauce, allowing you to play around with vegetarian options, like eggplant and pasta dishes.
Understand the Top Red Wine Food Pairings
Whether you’re just starting to enjoy red wine or have been enjoying it for years, taking the time to learn about the top food pairings is always a good idea.
Use this guide to help you understand the best foods to eat while drinking red wine.
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