For a night of relaxation and delicious food, there’s nothing like pairing the perfect red wine with your dinner. To help you choose the best bottle for your evening, here is a list of the top five red wines for an ideal dinner at home.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular and widely-recognized red wines. Its bold flavour and intense aroma make it the perfect match for hearty red meats like steak or lamb. Its high tannin content gives it its signature dry finish, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer less sweetness in their wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is sure to impress all your guests with its full-bodied taste.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is another well-known type of red wine, with a flavour profile that is typically lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon but still packed with flavour. Its delicate fruit flavours and subtle tannins make it the perfect partner for seafood dishes, poultry, and pork. It pairs particularly well with mushroom-based sauces, adding a delicious depth of flavour that can make any extra dinner special.
Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah or Shiraz is a powerful, full-bodied red wine with intense fruit flavours and spicy notes. Its deep red colour and distinct character make it the perfect accompaniment for hearty beef, lamb, and game dishes. The smoky notes of the wine also go well with sharp cheeses and chocolate desserts.
Merlot
Merlot is smooth and velvety, with a medium body and low tannin content. Its flavours range from juicy red berry fruits like raspberry and cherry to earthy notes of tobacco and chocolate. Merlot pairs well with roasted pork, grilled salmon, roast beef, and hearty vegetarian dishes like mushroom risotto or ratatouille. It can also be sipped by itself, making it the perfect addition to a cosy night.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a unique red wine, highlighted by its bold berry flavours and soft spiciness. It has an intense backbone of ripe berry flavours, accented by black pepper, clove, and hints of caramel. Zinfandel complements hearty dishes such as beef brisket, short ribs, and chilli. It can also be enjoyed with roasted vegetables or robust cheese-based dishes like lasagna.