An interesting tidbit we picked up from our experience is that when cooking with red wine, you probably don’t want to use an expensive bottle, but you absolutely should avoid using cooking wine. To keep within your budget, try using a less expensive wine for cooking than what you might spend on drinking wine. When cooking with any type of wine, most of it will burn off, so you really can’t tell the difference. This strategy allows you to buy two bottles – one to use in your dish and one to enjoy with your meal (or while you cook)!
Keep reading to see what red wines are recommend for cooking!
Best Red Wines Suggested by the Liquor Laboratory
- Tempranillo
- Red Blend
- Shiraz
- Zinfandel
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Chianti
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carmenere
- Bordeaux
- Nebbiolo
- Beaujolais
Tips for Buying Red Wines
Check out the merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and red blends section in your store and think economically. Experts say you should spend between $3 and $15 a bottle for cooking with wines. Because of the oxidation that occurs with an opened bottle of wine, you have approximately 48 hours to use it. These lower-priced wines won’t have too much tannin or oak, which is good for cooking purposes.
Pinot Noir and Chianti are both tannin varietals that can be used if opened a couple of days ago. However, surprisingly, many great chefs use Black Box Red Blend as their cooking wine because it brings out the best in dishes and has a long shelf life as well.
Why You Should Cook with Red Wines
Cooking with the appropriate wines brings out the flavor of most foods, especially spaghetti all’ubriaco, beef tenderloin, or topping a dish with wine sauce. Once the alcohol burns off, you are left with wonderful flavors that add the finishing touches to a great meal.
Have fun in the kitchen and bon appétit!
Visit Robinette’s
Looking for a sensational wine to pair with your creation? Robinette’s produces several fruit wines and obtains others from growers of Michigan fruit. Visit Robinette’s winery in Grand Rapids, Michigan to sample and bring home some of our homemade wines and hard ciders!