What’s the best wine to cook with?
Cooking with red wine can add depth and complexity to a dish, but choosing the right wine can be a challenge. Here are a few tips for selecting the best red wine for cooking:
1. Consider the flavor profile of the dish: If you’re making a rich, savory stew, you might want to choose a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. If you’re making a lighter dish like coq au vin, a lighter wine like Pinot Noir or Gamay might be a better choice.
2. Don’t use a wine you wouldn’t drink: While it’s true that cooking can mellow out the flavors of a wine, using a wine that you don’t enjoy drinking is not a good idea. The flavors of the wine will still come through in the finished dish, so choose a wine that you like the taste of.
3. Avoid oaky wines: Wines that are aged in oak barrels can have strong flavors of vanilla and spice that might not be appropriate for all dishes. If you’re making a dish with delicate flavors, opt for a wine that’s not aged in oak.
4. Don’t use cooking wine: Cooking wines are often high in salt and have an artificial flavor that can be off-putting. It’s always better to use a real wine for cooking.
Can I use cheap wine for cooking?
Consider the price: While you don’t need to use an expensive wine for cooking, it’s important to avoid using a wine that’s too cheap. Wines that are very inexpensive are often mass-produced and may not have the depth of flavor that you want in your cooking.
Is Taylor Port cooking wine?
No, while Port wine is delicious (and we’ve made our own vintage in Portugal), do not use sweet wine for cooking. The intense flavor and sugar of the dessert wine will overpower the dish. Unless of course the recipe calls for Port wine, then you can.
What wine should I use to cook with?
It really depends on the dish you’re making and your personal preferences. Here are a few red wines that are popular for cooking:
1. Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied wine is made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape and is known for its bold flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry. It’s a good choice for hearty dishes like stews and braises.
2. Pinot Noir: This light to medium-bodied wine is made from the Pinot Noir grape and has flavors of red fruit and earth. It’s a good choice for dishes like coq au vin and beef bourguignon.
3. Zinfandel: This medium- to full-bodied wine is made from the Zinfandel grape and has flavors of blackberry and pepper. It’s a good choice for dishes like BBQ ribs and chili.
4. Gamay: This light-bodied wine is made from the Gamay grape and has flavors of red fruit and floral notes. It’s a good choice for dishes like roasted chicken and pork tenderloin.
5. Sangiovese: This medium-bodied wine is made from the Sangiovese grape and has flavors of cherry and earth. It’s a good choice for dishes like spaghetti Bolognese and lasagna.
No matter which red wine you choose, it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way when it comes to cooking with wine. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more if needed. The key is to use just enough wine to enhance the flavors of the dish without overpowering it.
In conclusion, the best red wine for cooking depends on the flavor profile of the dish and your personal preferences.
