Wine and food are meant to be paired. Wine can enhance the taste of foods such as steaks, seafood, and vegetables. The pairing of red wine with non-meat dishes is a tried-and-true culinary tradition that goes back to around the time of the Roman Empire. But why?
In this article, we will look at how to pair red wine with seafood, steaks, and vegetables.
1. Steaks
When having steak for dinner at home, it is important to make sure that you pair it with a good red wine. The reason for this is because of the high levels of iron in beef that are needed by your body to support your health. In fact, according to a study by University College London , drinking three glasses of red wine increases blood levels of iron by about 15%. Iron is important for maintaining your immune system and supporting the formation of new blood cells in your body.
Wines that pair well with red meats:
- Zinfandel
- Cabernet
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
2. Seafood
A great way to enjoy seafoods is by pairing them with a good red wine. Red wines are rich in certain compounds like tannins which can help fortify the taste and flavor of meat. Tannins can also contribute to an overall reduction in acidity and bitterness which helps balance out any strong flavors found in seafoods such as clamato or crab meat which can be very acidic on its own when prepared improperly (e.g., over salted). Not only does this sound delicious but it also makes it easy to have dinner parties where everyone can have their choice from different types of meats and seafoods!
Wines that pair well with seafood:
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Shiraz
- Rose or Sparkling
3. Vegetables
Another way we can enjoy fish or shellfish without killing them or harming our health is by pairing them with a good red wine like white wine or rosé . Red wines are known to have lower amounts of tannins than white wines which makes it easier for people who are intolerant or allergic to tannins (e.g., pregnant women) who may not be able to drink higher quantities of red wines as frequently as whites due to their tannin content .
Wine that pairs well with vegetables:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Malbec
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio
We also have some great tips on how to pair different types of red wines:
– Go for lighter wines like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel which compliment white meats like chicken or lamb very well
– Go for sweeter wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah which complement hearty meals like grilled fish such as salmon
– Go for fuller bodied wines like Rioja (red) which complement more robust dishes such as roasts/stews
– Go for fruit forward wines such as Sauterne which complement desserts
The subject of pairing wine with food has been a subject of debate for a long time now. Some people say that the only way to really know if a wine goes well with food is to try it.
The truth is, there’s no absolute answer on this topic. The only way to really know what wine pairs well with certain foods is trial and error. It’s true that not all wines pair well with everything, but it’s also true that not all wines are bad at pairing with some foods or other flavors…