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08/10/2024

Red wine to pair with meat: the best recommendations

Red wine to pair with meat: the best recommendations
Wine is an alcoholic beverage whose production is already part of the history of humanity, since it is a product that is made through the fermentation of the must obtained from pressing white and red grapes. Throughout the process fermentation, thanks to the addition of yeast, it is possible to transform the sugars that are present in the must into alcohol.  In this way, it is possible to make an alcoholic beverage that cannot be missing at meetings with friends and at all types of parties and celebrations. However, it is also true that wine is a product that is used to carry out all types of pairings with different types of foods of both plant and animal origin, since their combination enhances the flavor of a large number of dishes.  For this reason, in this article we are going to focus on pairing red wine with meat. So if you want to know why you should have meat with red wine, we recommend you continue reading this article and take a look at our red wine catalog. Sit down and get comfortable, let's get started!

Why eat meat with red wine?

As you have heard on more than one occasion, meat and red wine are two foods that complement each other perfectly, which is why, they always tend to go hand in hand at all types of gourmet dinners and celebrations, as well as at meetings Christmas family. For this reason, it is often said that meat and red wine make a perfect pairing. When we talk about pairing, in this context, we refer to the conformity between different foods, such as, for example, the perfect combination that exists between the different types of wine and the foods that fit with them and that manage to highlight and enhance their qualities and their flavors without masking each other. In this aspect, we can say that there are two types of pairing: by affinity or by contrast. In the first case, combinations of foods with a similar flavor, color or aroma are sought that achieve a great balance between both. In the second case, balance is found in different foods that compensate for each other.  For example, red wine and red meat, we can say that it is a type of affinity pairing, since the flavor of this drink and the meat are quite strong, as are their aroma and the dark color of both foods, reason why red wine is drunk with red meat, such as beef, ox or horse, rather than with white. 

White or red wine to pair with meat?

Although red wine is the most traditional option to pair with meat, in certain cases white can also be an interesting option to taste meat dishes. For this reason, we want to emphasize that the type of meat you choose can be essential to decide which wine can best accompany each type of dish. For example, white wine may be more suitable for certain types of white meat, such as chicken, turkey or rabbit, especially if they are accompanied by light sauces or with a citrus touch. In these cases, white wines with a touch of acidity can be perfect for cleansing the palate and enhancing the flavor of the meat. A good example would be a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc, which They provide greater freshness and elegance when paired with white meats, since the flavor and aroma of both foods combines perfectly without masking it in the slightest.  However, when we talk about pairing with red meat, it is difficult to beat red wine. Its body and tannins are ideal for balancing the intensity of the fatty flavors that meats such as lamb, beef, or horse usually have. Red wines aged in barrels, such as D.O. Rioja or the Séptima Obra Malbec, with D.O. Mendoza, can provide certain notes of spices and wood that can perfectly complement these robust meats.  So we can say that none of the two types of wines are better to pair with meats, but rather the aroma, color and flavor of each of them complement perfectly with each of the types of meats. Therefore, it is important to take into account the characteristics of all these foods and drinks before choosing. 

Pairing meat with red wine: recommendations

Choosing the right red wine to accompany meat does not have to be an overly complicated task, so below, we are going to give you some recommendations for pairing depending on the type of meat that you want to consume and the wine you want to consume. you go to open 

Pairings with red meats

So, for intense dishes made with red meat, such as a beef steak or a beef fillet, we advise you to opt for wines with a robust body and more powerful tannins. A Cabernet Sauvignon or a Tempranillo Reserva are choices safe, since its robust structure can support the richness of these dishes. Lamb, for its part, is a red meat that has an earthier flavor and is often served seasoned with spices, making it a perfect pairing for a Enante Syrah-Shiraz with D.O. Somontano or a Crianza de Ribera del Duero. These wines stand out for their depth and balance, which perfectly complements the complexity of the lamb, the flavor and aroma of the spices. 

Pairings with game meats

If we talk about pairing for game meats, such as deer or wild boar, which have an even stronger flavor, we recommend choosing more aged wines that contain wood notes. A Pingus or a Valduero Tierra Alta, both with D.O. Ribera del Duero, are exceptional options, as they provide the sophistication and structure necessary to highlight these unique flavors.

Pairing with pork

Finally, although pork is considered lighter, if served with powerful sauces or cooked on the grill it can pair perfectly with young reds such as a San Roman Garnacha with D.O. Toro or a Bassus Pinot Noir, with D.O. Utiel-Requena can be perfect, since they have a fruity flavor and soft tannins that complement the flavor and aroma of this type of meat without masking them.  Pairing meat with red wine is a tradition that has endured for generations due to the perfect affinity that both foods present on the palate. Now that you know why red wine is drunk with red meat, we recommend choosing an aged drink, with body and structure for red meat or a younger drink to pair with lighter meats such as pork.  In short, we can say that, by knowing the characteristics of each of the types of wines, we are sure that you will know how to consume red wine with meat to enhance the flavor of your dishes and take your celebrations to the next level. We recommend that you take this into account when choosing one of these drinks depending on the type of food you are going to cook and consume.
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