Wine Pairings with Red meat
Red meats, such as beef, lamb and game, have a structure and an intense flavour that call for a wine able to stand up to them. Pairing them with the right wine should bring out the succulence of the meat and balance its fat content. Let's discover the best wines to pair with red meat.
Characteristics of Red Meat and General Pairings
The choice of wine depends on several factors:- Cut and marbling: fattier meats go well with tannic, structured wines.
- Cooking method: a grilled steak has different needs from a braise or a stew.
- Seasonings and spices: rich sauces and intense spices may call for softer or spicier wines.
Best Food and Wine Pairings for Red Meats
Recommended Structured Red Wines
- Barolo DOCG – Perfect with braised and slow-cooked meat, thanks to its tannins and its complexity.
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Ideal for grilled steaks and roasts, for its structure and spicy notes.
- Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG – Excellent with braised red meat and richly dressed dishes.
Recommended Balanced Red Wines
- Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Perfect with grilled beef or lamb, thanks to its balance of acidity and tannins.
- Syrah Sicilia DOC – Excellent with spiced, lightly smoked meat.
- Aglianico del Vulture DOC – Ideal for succulent, richly flavoured meat.
Recommended Sparkling Wines
- Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC – An interesting option for fattier, more succulent cuts, thanks to its acidity and freshness.
Mistakes to Avoid in Pairing
Avoid light white wines with grilled or braised red meat, because they would be overwhelmed. Watch out for wines that are too young and astringent, which could accentuate the sensation of dryness on the palate. Avoid wines that are too aromatic (e.g. Gewürztraminer) which clash with the bold flavours of red meat.Specific Pairings for Some Famous Dishes
Bistecca alla Fiorentina → Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico Riserva Beef braised in Barolo → Barolo, Amarone della Valpolicella Grilled beef → Aglianico del Vulture, Syrah Sicilia DOC Roast lamb with aromatic herbs → Chianti Classico, AmaroneRed meat: My personal top three
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1
Crozes-Hermitage 2023 - Dard et Ribo
- Type: Red Wine
- Region: Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône
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2
Crozes Hermitage AOC Rouge "Les Baties" 2022 - Dard et Ribo
- Type: Red Wine
- Region: Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône
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3
Saint-Estèphe AOC “Le C De Calon Ségur” Troisième Vin 2021 - Château Calon Ségur
- Type: Red Wine
- Region: Bordeaux, France, Saint-Estèphe
Red meat: wines and territories
Roasts: Roast lamb - Roast beefRed meat barbecue:
Braised beef:
Burger:
Stewed meat:
Braised pork ribs:
Liver:
Foie gras:
Grilled red meat:
Game:
Spiced stews:
Beef tagliata:
Meat tartare:
All those I have tried
