It usually happens that when making a recipe that calls for red wine, we’re using the one we have at home or buying some cheap wine. But we’re making a big mistake because using good quality wine for cooking is important as using other good quality ingredients while preparing food.
Wine is a fantastic ingredient that can enhance the flavor of various dishes. Red wine, in particular, is a popular choice for cooking because it’s a great addition to dishes made with meats, sauces, and stews.
But with so many different types of red wine, knowing which is the best for your recipe is challenging. In this article, we’ll explore the top red wines for cooking and how to choose the right one for your dish, so let’s begin.
Best Red Wine for Cooking
Here is a list of the 15 best red wines for cooking. These red wines can add depth and flavor to dishes and are popular choices for cooking, so we will stick to the good old rule that you should not cook with a wine you wouldn’t drink.
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
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Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. It’s one of the most known types of wine in the world.
Cabernet Sauvignon has a rich and complex flavor profile with blackcurrant, black cherry, and blackberry notes. Depending on the region where the grapes are grown and the aging process, this wine can also have hints of vanilla, cedar, and tobacco.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile wine that pairs well with many different dishes. Its bold flavor and tannins make it an excellent choice for hearty meat dishes like steak, lamb, and beef stew. It’s also a great addition to tomato-based sauces, mushroom dishes, and hard, aged cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan.
Just remember to use it sparingly because its bold flavor can overpower the flavor of the other ingredients used in the recipe.
I recommend Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, a specific brand of Cabernet Sauvignon produced by the Chateau Montelena winery in California’s Napa Valley.
2. Merlot
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Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine known for its soft, smooth flavor. It’s made from the Merlot grape, usually grown in regions like France, Italy, and California.
Compared to Cabernet, Sauvignon Merlot has lower tannin content, making it smoother and easier to drink. Merlot has notes of red fruits like raspberry and cherry and hints of plum, chocolate, and sometimes tobacco.
It’s a versatile wine that pairs well with various dishes. Its soft, fruity flavor makes it a good match for various types of meat like chicken, turkey or duck, beef, lamb, and pork, as well as tomato-based sauces, roasted vegetables, and even seafood.
If you’re looking for a wine that is easy to drink and pairs well with various foods, then Merlot is the best choice. My recommendation for Merlot is Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot, produced by the Duckhorn Vineyards winery in California’s Napa Valley.
3. Pinot Noir
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Pinot Noir is a popular, versatile type of red wine and pairs well with various dishes. It’s made from the Pinot Noir grape, grown in various regions worldwide, including France, Australia, and the United States.
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine with a delicate flavor with notes of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. It has a silky texture with low tannins and crisp acidity.
Pinot Noir pairs well with lighter meats like chicken or turkey, pork, fish, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. It’s also a good complement to earthy flavors such as mushrooms or truffles.
Pinot Noir is a great choice if you’re looking for a lighter-bodied red wine that isn’t too heavy or overpowering; it’s easy to drink and pairs well with various foods. La Crema Pinot Noir is a specific brand of Pinot Noir produced by the La Crema Winery in California’s Sonoma Coast region.
4. Zinfandel
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Zinfandel is a red wine grape variety that is grown primarily in California. Its bold and robust flavor profile has notes of dark fruits like blackberry, cherry, and plum. It also has a distinct spiciness, often peppery or smoky.
Zinfandel wine matches hearty and flavorful dishes like barbecue, spicy sausages, or grilled meats. It also pairs well with bold and savory sauces, like tomato-based or marinades.
Zinfandel can come in various styles, from lighter and fruitier to more complex and full-bodied. It’s a wine that can be enjoyed independently or with food, making it a versatile choice for different occasions. Zinfandel is worth a try if you’re looking for a red wine that can withstand bold flavors and spice.
Ridge Vineyards Geyserville Zinfandel Blend is a specific brand of Zinfandel produced by Ridge Vineyards, a winery in California’s Sonoma County.
5. Malbec
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Malbec is a red wine grape originally from France but is now most commonly associated with Argentina. It’s a full-bodied wine with intense flavor and notes of blackberry and plum, as well as hints of chocolate, coffee, and spice.
Malbec wine matches rich and flavorful dishes, like grilled or roasted meats, stews, tomato-based sauces, and strong cheeses. It can also be a good complement to spicy foods, as its bold flavors can help to balance out the heat.
Malbec wine can come in various styles, from lighter and fruitier to more complex and full-bodied. It’s often blended with other grape varieties in Argentina to create a more balanced and nuanced flavor profile.
Malbec is a wine that is appreciated by many for its bold and intense flavors. If you’re looking for a red wine that can stand up to rich and flavorful dishes or enjoy wines with a more full-bodied and complex character, Malbec is worth a try.
Achaval-Ferrer Malbec is a specific brand of Malbec produced by Achaval-Ferrer, a winery in Argentina’s Mendoza region.
6. Syrah/Shiraz
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Syrah is a red wine grape widely grown worldwide, especially in France’s Rhône Valley and Australia. It has a full-bodied and bold flavor, with notes of blackberry and plum and hints of pepper, tobacco, and spice.
Syrah wine matches bold and savory dishes like grilled or roasted meats, stews, spicy foods, and strong cheeses. It’s also perfect for marinades and sauces for lamb and other game meats.
Syrah can come in various styles, from lighter and fruitier to more complex and full-bodied. Syrah is often blended with other grape varieties in France to create a more nuanced flavor profile. In Australia, Shiraz is often produced as a single varietal wine that is bold and intense.
If you’re looking for a red wine that can stand up to rich and flavorful dishes, or if you enjoy wines with a more full-bodied and spicy character, Syrah is worth a try.
Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz is a specific brand of Shiraz produced by the Mollydooker winery in Australia’s McLaren Vale wine region.
7. Barbera
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Barbera is a type of red wine grape primarily grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. It has a bright and fruity flavor profile, with notes of red cherry, raspberry, and plum and hints of spice and earthy undertones.
Barbera wine is a great match for many dishes thanks to its bright acidity and versatility. It can be used in savory dishes like roasted or grilled meats and tomato-based pasta sauces. It can also pair well with spicy foods and dishes with a slightly acidic or tangy flavor.
Barbera can come in various styles, from lighter and fruitier to more complex and full-bodied. It’s known for being an easy-drinking wine meant to be enjoyed in its youth. However, some winemakers produce more complex and age-worthy Barbera wines that can develop interesting flavors and aromas with time in the bottle.
Barbera is worth a try if you’re looking for an easy-drinking and approachable red wine. Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne is a specific brand of Barbera produced by the Vietti winery in the Piedmont region of Italy.
8. Petite Sirah
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Petite Sirah is a dark-skinned type of grape variety usually grown in California and other parts of the United States. It’s known for producing bold and full-bodied red wines with deep colors and intense flavors.
Petite Sirah wines have rich and concentrated flavors with blackberry, blueberry, and dark chocolate notes. They can also have spicy and peppery undertones and high tannins, giving the wine structure and aging potential.
Petite Sirah matches hearty and flavorful dishes, like grilled or roasted meats, stews, and strong cheeses. The bold flavors and tannic structure can stand up to rich and flavorful foods, making it a great choice for pairing with a wide range of dishes.
Petite Sirah can come in various styles, from more fruit-forward and approachable to more complex and age-worthy. Some winemakers blend Petite Sirah with other grape varieties, such as Syrah or Zinfandel, to create unique and interesting wines with even more complexity and depth.
Petite Sirah is a wine that many appreciate for its bold and full-bodied flavors and its versatility in food pairing. Petite Sirah is worth trying if you’re looking for a red wine that can stand up to hearty and flavorful dishes or if you’re simply a fan of bold and intense flavors.
Bogle Vineyards is a winery located in California’s Sacramento Valley, and they produce a range of wines, including a popular Petite Sirah.
9. Sangiovese
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Sangiovese is a type of red grape variety primarily grown in Italy, where it’s the main grape used in Chianti and other Tuscan wines. It’s also grown in other parts of the world, including California, Australia, and Argentina.
Sangiovese wines are typically medium-bodied, with high acidity and moderate tannins. They usually have flavors of red cherry, strawberry, and plum, as well as herbal and earthy notes.
Depending on the winemaking style and aging process, Sangiovese wines can also have more complex leather, tobacco, and spice flavors.
Sangiovese is a versatile wine that pairs well with various dishes, including pasta dishes, tomato-based sauces, and grilled meats. Its acidity and tannins make it a great match for rich and flavorful foods and dishes with a bit of spice.
In Italy, Sangiovese is often blended with other grape varieties to create different styles of wine. For example, in Chianti, Sangiovese is typically blended with small amounts of grapes such as Canaiolo, Colorino, or Merlot. Sangiovese may be blended with international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah in other regions.
Whether you’re a fan of Italian wines or looking to try something new, Sangiovese is worth exploring. Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva is a high-quality Italian wine made primarily from the Sangiovese grape variety.
10. Tempranillo
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Tempranillo is a type of red grape primarily grown in Spain, but it’s also grown in other parts of the world, including Portugal, Argentina, and the United States.
Tempranillo wines are usually medium-bodied with moderate tannins and moderate to high acidity. They often have flavors of red and black fruits, such as cherry, plum, and blackberry, and vanilla, tobacco, and spice notes. The wine can also develop complex leather, earth, and mineral flavors as it ages.
Tempranillo is a versatile wine that pairs well with grilled meats, stews, tomato-based sauces, and spicy dishes. The high acidity and tannins make it a good match for rich and flavorful foods, while its fruitiness and spice notes can complement dishes with a bit of heat.
Whether you’re a fan of Spanish wines or looking to try something new, Tempranillo is worth exploring.
Bodegas Muga Reserva is a high-quality red wine made from Tempranillo grapes and small amounts of Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano. The wine comes from the Rioja region of Spain, known for producing some of the world’s most renowned Tempranillo wines.
11. Grenache
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Grenache, also known as Garnacha, is a red grape grown in France, Australia, Spain, and the United States. It’s a versatile grape that can produce various wines, from light and fruity to full-bodied and complex.
Grenache wines are typically medium-bodied with moderate tannins and high alcohol content. They often have flavors of red and black fruits, like cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, and notes of spice, herbs, and pepper. As they age, Grenache wines can develop complex leather, tobacco, and earth flavors.
Grenache is a versatile wine that pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and dishes with strong flavors and spices. Its high alcohol content and moderate tannins make it a good match for rich and flavorful foods, while its fruitiness and spice notes can complement dishes with a bit of heat.
Whether you’re a fan of Rhone-style wines or looking to try something new, Grenache is worth exploring. Domaine de la Mordoree La Reine des Bois Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a wine made from Grenache grapes grown in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region of France’s Rhone Valley.
12. Nero d’Avola
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Nero d’Avola is a red wine grape variety native to Sicily, Italy, and one of the most widely planted on the island. It’s known for producing full-bodied, rich, and fruity wines.
Nero d’Avola wines are usually deep in color, ranging from ruby to garnet. They have intense aromas of black fruits, such as black cherry, blackberry, and plum, and notes of spices, herbs, and licorice. On the palate, they’re full-bodied with a good balance of acidity, tannins, and dark fruit, chocolate, and tobacco flavors.
Nero d’Avola is a wine that pairs well with various dishes, like roasted meats, game, and hearty pasta dishes. It’s also a good match for aged cheeses and dark chocolate desserts.
Nero d’Avola is a wine that showcases the unique characteristics of the Sicilian terroir and is a great choice for those looking to explore the world of Italian wines.
Planeta Santa Cecilia Nero d’Avola is a high-quality red wine made from the Nero d’Avola grape variety in the Sicily region of Italy.
13. Carmenere
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Carmenere is a red wine grape variety originally from Bordeaux, France, but now mostly grown in Chile. Carmenere wine is medium-bodied with moderate tannins and acidity and is known for its deep red color, herbaceous aromas, and flavors of dark fruits like blackberry and black cherry.
Carmenere wines pair well with various foods, like grilled meats, roasted vegetables, hearty stews, and spicy dishes like chili and curry. One example of a Carmenere wine is the Montes Alpha Carmenere from Chile, which has a deep ruby color and blackberry, cassis, and vanilla aromas.
It’s full-bodied and complex on the palate, with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and coffee and a long, smooth finish. Another high-quality red wine from Chile made with the Carmenere grape variety is Concha y Toro Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Carmenere.
14. Côtes du Rhône
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Côtes du Rhône is a popular wine region in southern France, known for producing high-quality red wines. The red wines produced in Côtes du Rhône are typically made from a blend of grape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
These wines are known for their deep, rich flavors, with notes of dark fruits, spices, and herbs. They’re also characterized by their full body and moderate to high acidity levels and tannins, making them perfect for pairing with rich and hearty dishes like roasts, stews, grilled meats, and tomato-based sauces.
Côtes du Rhône wines are also available in white and rosé varieties. However, they’re less common. Côtes du Rhône wines are a great choice for wine lovers who enjoy full-bodied and flavorful red wines and want something that pairs well with hearty and robust dishes.
They’re also a good option for those exploring French wines, as they’re widely available and offer good value for money.
Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge is a popular red wine produced by the Guigal winery in the Northern Rhône region of France.
15. Barolo
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Barolo is a red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. It’s made from the Nebbiolo grape, known for its high tannins and acidity, and is aged for a minimum of three years, with at least two of those years spent in oak barrels. Barolo wines are typically deep in color, with cherries, roses, and spices aromas.
On the palate, they’re full-bodied, with high tannins and acidity and flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and earth. Barolo is often called the “king of wines” and is known for its ability to age well for many years, developing more complex flavors and aromas over time.
It pairs well with hearty meat dishes, such as beef or lamb, risotto, and aged cheeses. Pio Cesare Barolo is a high-quality red wine produced in the Barolo wine region of Piedmont, Italy.
Related Questions
Can You Use Any Red Wine for Cooking?
Generally, any red wine can be used for cooking, but certain wines may work better for specific dishes. It’s best to choose a wine that complements the flavors in the dish and enhances its overall taste.
What Kind of Wine is Best for Cooking?
The best wine for cooking depends on the dish you’re making. Generally, medium to full-bodied wines with balanced acidity and tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, work well for cooking.
It’s best to avoid low-quality “cooking wines” as they may contain added salt and other preservatives that can negatively affect the flavor of your dish.
When a Recipe Calls for Red Wine, What Should I Use?
When a recipe calls for red wine, you should use a wine that complements the flavors in the dish. If the recipe doesn’t specify a particular type of red wine, you can generally use a medium to full-bodied red wine with balanced acidity and tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Syrah. However, using a wine you enjoy drinking is always best, as its flavor will impact the dish’s overall taste.
What Wine is Best for Gravy?
For gravy, it’s best to use a dry red wine with medium to low tannins, moderate acidity, and good fruitiness. Some good options include Pinot Noir, Merlot, or a blend of Grenache and Syrah. Avoid using high-tannin red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, as they can make the gravy bitter.
It’s also important to use a wine that you enjoy drinking, as the flavor of the wine will impact the overall taste of the gravy.
Is There a Difference Between Red Wine and Cooking Wine?
Yes, there is a difference between red wine and cooking wine. Red wine is typically consumed as a beverage and comes in various flavors, aromas, and quality. Cooking wine, on the other hand, is specifically made for cooking and may contain added salt or other ingredients to extend its shelf life.
It’s generally of lower quality and may lack the complexity and depth of flavor found in drinking wine.
Using good quality drinking wine in your cooking can enhance the flavor of your dish, whereas cooking wine may produce a bad taste. It’s best to use a wine you enjoy drinking rather than a designated “cooking wine.”
Let’s Get Cooking!
Choosing the best red wine for cooking can greatly enhance the flavors of your dishes.
When selecting a red wine for your recipe, consider the type of meat or sauce you’ll use it in and the flavors you want to enhance.
Using one of the wines we’ve discussed, you can take your cooking to the next level and impress your guests with delicious, complex flavors.
