Are you cooking a meal with a cookbook that gives you the liberty to pair your wine with your food? Or, you’ve had a specific wine in mind but haven’t been sure how it will pair with your meal.
If you’re curious about the best wines to cook with chefs, we’ve got you covered.
Below, we’ll give you insider information on 4 of the best wines to cook with.
- Merlot
The Merlot is a great French red wine for cooking. It is a smooth, fruity red wine with low tannins.
Merlot is a great wine to cook with because of its versatile flavor profile. People use this wine in many different dishes. These dishes range from simple pasta sauces to more complex meat dishes.
The Merlot pairs well with a variety of different ingredients. It is also used in both red and white wine recipes.
Merlot is also a good wine to cook with because it is relatively affordable and easy to find. You can look here for more info on other great wines you can cook with.
- Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is the best white wine to cook with because it’s dry, crisp, and simple. It enhances the delicate flavor of most seafood dishes.
It can brighten a seasoned broth for steamed mussels or add dimension to shrimp. It can also hold its own with heartier dishes like pasta with cream sauce and roasted vegetables.
Pinot Grigio is also a superb choice for those who are new to cooking with wine because its delicate flavors won’t overwhelm the palate. In general, Pinot Grigio is a good, all-purpose choice.
- Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp white wine that can enhance a dish with citrusy and herbaceous flavors. This variety of white wine is the preferred option when making risotto. It also pairs well with sautéing fresh fish or a fresh, spicy marinade.
The dense creaminess of the risotto and the acidic, juicy nature of Sauvignon Blanc are ideal complements to one another. Adding it to the cooking process leaves a very subtle trace of that pairing in the finished product.
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-known, full-bodied wine. It’s a splendid choice for braising proteins like ribs.
The braising effect softens the meat as it cooks. It also enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
The braising liquid left over can then serve as a glaze. The lack of sugar in the cabernet prevents it from caramelizing over a hot pan when deglazing.
The Best Wines to Cook With
Finding the best wines to cook with can be daunting. But with this list mentioned above, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pairing for your next meal.
With the huge selection available, there’s a wine for everyone. If you’re still not sure about what to pick, contact your local wine store for recommendations.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a bottle or two and get cooking!
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