National Red Wine Day: 4 Red Wine and Food Pairings To Try

What are the red wine and food pairings you need to try?

1. Red meat and Cabernet Sauvignon 
2. Duck or salmon and Pinot Noir 
3. Barbecue and Malbec 
4. Roasted beef and Merlot

Drinking wine can be intimidating given that there are numerous types to choose from. But if you’re looking for an alcoholic drink that will pair with a wide array of meals, there’s no better choice than red wine. The rich tannins of well-loved liquor which comes from fermenting dark-colored grapes have made it a popular pairing with certain food selections. The finest red wine and food pairings just might elevate your dining experience like never before.   

In just a few clicks, you can easily order wine online in the Philippines. But keep in mind that certain red wine and food pairings should not be missed. The flavors of red wine vary from light to full-bodied; from velvety, spicy, fruity, zesty, to acidic. The key is to avoid dominating either the food or the wine’s flavors. Depending on the type of red wine, the flavors should complement each other. 

To commemorate National Red Wine Day this August 28, we’ve listed the four best red wine and food pairings you shouldn’t miss out on and the reasons why they work together. Read on!  

Red Meat and Cabernet Sauvignon 

Only a few wine and food pairings can be as iconic as Cabernet Sauvignon wine and red meats. Cabernet Sauvignon is a type of red wine that originates from the Bordeaux region of France. Given that these red wines owe much of their rich color, texture, and flavor to dark grape skins, the result is a full-bodied, dry wine with strong tannins and intense acidity.  

On the palate, the Cabernet Sauvignon leaves dark flavors of black currant, blackberry, and plum. The strong tannins on the wine make it a great pairing choice for red meats such as steak and lamb chops. The Cabernet Sauvignon’s tannins marry with the fat of the red meats and it refreshes your palate after every bite.

And while you can choose just about any Cabernet Sauvignon variety when you order alcohol delivery in Manila, some bottles can elevate the flavors of your red meats better. Try the Jacob's Creek Classic Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a classic,  full-bodied Australian wine that perfectly captures the flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, spice, and subtle cedar with every sip.  

Duck or Salmon and Pinot Noir 

Hailing from the Burgundy region in France, Pinot Noir is recognized as one of the oldest red wine types to date. This alcoholic drink often has fruit-forward flavors from red cherry, black cherry, blackberry, raspberry, and strawberries. After a sip, you might also notice the notes of spice vanilla because of aging in French oak barrels. 

Pinot Noir is a dry, light- to medium-bodied red wine with low tannins and high acidity. The wine’s soft tannin makes it ideal for pairing with dishes that have less fat. You’ll find that grilled salmon and braised duck pair phenomenally with the light-bodied yet savory flavors of the Pinot Noir. Aside from duck and salmon, it also pairs well with mild, soft cheeses.  

Looking for a highly rated Pinot Noir? The Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2016 has received an impressive 3.9 rating from Vivino. Wine fans loved it for the fragrant aroma, smooth tannins, and overall balanced body. 

Barbecue and Malbec

Malbec wine originates from Argentina’s vineyard. It is famous for its deep purple color and full body. One can say that Malbec is the perfect type of red wine for those who love strong and spicy flavors. It has notes of fruit that are almost jammy, black cherry, plum, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and black pepper. 

Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec wine pairs well with meat, particularly barbecued meat because it brings out the smoky and spicy flavors. Aside from barbecued meat, you can try pairing Malbec with grilled pork or burgers.  

The Terrazas Reserva Malbec is rated among the top 3% of all wines in the world (1997 Vintage). It delivers tasting notes of black fruit, dried fruit, spice, and an elegant finish of oak.    

Roasted Beef and Merlot

Merlot wine is originally from the Bordeaux region in France, but given that it is easy-drinking alcohol, it has risen to popularity and is now widely produced across different parts of the globe. Merlot wine is often mistaken for Cabernet Sauvignon because it has a medium-to-full body, but the distinct difference is that Merlot has softer tannins and leans on fruitier flavors. On the palate, it has dark fruit flavors of blackberry, plum, raspberry, black cherry with notes of vanilla, herbs, and mocha.   

Merlot is a food-friendly wine. It has a fruity and easy-drinking characteristic. For this reason, it pairs well with dishes that have various levels of richness. For the perfect main course to go with Merlot, you can try roasted meat, particularly beef. Merlot wine is also great with roasted chicken and turkey. Smoky vegetables are a great side dish choice. 

The Yellow Tail Merlot strikes the perfect balance between acidity, tannin, and body. For a surprisingly affordable price, it has everything a great wine should be. Soft, velvety, and easy to drink, it has flavors of plum, vanilla, oak, and cherry. 

Key Takeaway

Are you looking to upgrade your wine and dine nights? Then, go ahead and try these red wine and food pairings that will surely satisfy your palate. 

Gone are the days when liquor fans sipped wine on their own. As the leading affordable online store for alcohol delivery in Manila, Clink is ready to deliver all your favorite wine bottles right to your doorstep. Leave it to us to elevate the flavors of your dishes! 

Click here to start ordering now. We offer free delivery for Metro Manila orders above P1,888.