A great glass of red Bordeaux wine is just what you need to complete a perfect meal. It is the ideal drink to unwind with after a long day, and its bold flavor matches perfectly with a wide variety of foods.
To ensure that you get the best experience when you are enjoying this wine, it is essential to pair it with the right foods. So, what is the best food to pair with red Bordeaux wine?
In this blog post, we will share with you the best food to pair with red Bordeaux wine, so you can elevate your dining experience.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, we’ve got you covered with the best food to pair with red Bordeaux wine.
About red Bordeaux wine – What does a Bordeaux blend taste like?
A Bordeaux blend typically consists of a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
These grapes are blended to create a balanced and complex flavor profile that has the structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon but with more fleshy fruit components from the other grapes.
The flavors in red Bordeaux wines can include dark fruits such as blackberry, cherry and plum, along with notes of tobacco, leather, herbs and spices. Depending on the vintage or characteristics of the winemaker’s style, there may be flavors of cedarwood or even smoky bacon.
As these wines age, they often develop additional layers, including earthy notes and dried fruit characters such as figs or prunes.
The tannin structure is usually quite firm, which results in a wine that can pair nicely with red meats or aged cheeses.
Best Food to Pair with Red Bordeaux Wine
1. Beef
Beef is one of the best foods to pair with red Bordeaux wine. This is because the tannins in the wine go perfectly with the proteins in the beef, making it a wonderful combination.
When it comes to beef, the perfect pairings include steak, beef Wellington, and beef stew. Remember to serve the beef at room temperature to enhance the flavor.
2. Lamb
Lamb is another excellent choice for pairing with red Bordeaux wine. Its creative flavor profile and texture make it the ideal meat to complement the wine’s bold and complex flavors.
Look for dishes that include lamb chops, rack of lamb, or braised lamb shanks.
3. Cheese
Just like with any other wine, cheese is an excellent pair for red Bordeaux.
You can opt for hard and strong cheeses like aged cheddar or soft cheeses like brie or Camembert. The wine’s tannins help cut through the cheese’s creaminess and enhance the flavors of both.
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4. Dark chocolate
If you have a sweet tooth, look no further for the perfect pairing with your red Bordeaux wine.
Dark chocolate’s bitterness complements the wine’s sweet tannins like nothing else. You can also try different kinds of chocolate-based desserts for a unique and indulgent dining experience.
5. Roasted Vegetables
For a vegetarian option, consider roasted vegetables. Bordeaux is a versatile wine, and roasted vegetables’ earthy flavors and textures match perfectly with its bold flavors.
Some popular vegetable dishes that go especially well with red Bordeaux include roasted eggplant, zucchini, and butternut squash.
6. Rich Stews and Casseroles
If you’re looking for a comfort food pairing, a rich beef bourguignon or lamb stew is the answer.
These dishes are typically cooked with red wine as well, which makes them the perfect pairing.
You can enjoy the hearty texture of the meal alongside the depth and complexity of the wine. Add some crusty bread to the meal to soak up the sauce, and you’ve got a fantastic culinary experience.
left bank Bordeaux food pairing
The Left Bank of Bordeaux is home to some of the most renowned wines in the world, and so it stands to reason that the region is a prime destination for food pairing.
The Left Bank is generally associated with Cabernet Sauvignon-rich wines, making them ideal complements to dishes that are beefy or gamey in flavor.
Dishes like steak au poivre, boeuf bourguignon, braised short ribs and roasted duck all pair exceptionally well with Left Bank classics.
Additionally, other classic regional dishes like cassoulet are perfect when paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon blend from the Left Bank.
While red meats may be the obvious choice to pair with these wines, you can also take an alternative approach by going for lighter proteins such as pork or chicken; these pair perfectly with Merlot-dominant blends.
For example, grilled pork chops with a rosemary and garlic rub would be delicious alongside this style of wine.
You can also draw inspiration from traditional French cuisine and serve lightly-breaded fish filet that has been cooked in butter; this pairs well with both Merlot-driven Bordeaux blends as well as the region’s white wines.
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Aged Bordeaux food pairing
Aged Bordeaux wines pair exceptionally well with a wide range of dishes, thanks to their complex flavor profiles and ability to evolve over time.
A classic pairing is roasted lamb or game meats, as the earthy notes in the wine can help bring out the savory flavors of these proteins.
Rich Bordeaux wines are also the perfect accompaniment for richer dishes like steak au poivre, duck confit and mushroom risotto since their tannins help balance the fat content of these meals.
Another great pairing for an aged Bordeaux is cured and smoked meats like chorizo, salami and prosciutto – the wine’s acidity helps cut through the saltiness of these types of foods.
Lastly, don’t forget the cheese! Aged Bordeaux pairs excellently with mature cheeses like blue cheese and cheddar – try serving a selection of your favorites along with some fresh fruit or jam for an indulgent treat.
Bordeaux wine pairing cheese- What cheese goes best with the Bordeaux blend?
Generally, Bordeaux blends pair best with soft-ripened or bloomy-rind cheeses like Camembert and Brie. You can also try harder cheese like Comte or a sharp Alpine style such as Gruyere.
Red wines often go well with blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort or Gorgonzola. For a lighter pairing, opt for fresh goat’s cheese or creamy Chevre.
Paired together in moderation, Bordeaux wine and cheese can make for a very pleasant combination! Enjoy!
Red Bordeaux wine and food pairing guide
Red Bordeaux is a type of wine known for its bold and robust flavor, making it ideal for pairing with certain types of food.
The tannins in red Bordeaux wines create a unique sensation on the palate that compliments full-flavored foods such as grilled meats, roasted vegetables and aged cheeses.
Beef dishes are particularly well-suited to red Bordeaux. The high tannins in Bordeaux wines can stand up to the hearty flavors of steaks and stews, while the acidity helps cut through heavier fat content.
Red Bordeaux also pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchinis and eggplants that have been marinated with olive oil, garlic, herbs and spices for an added depth of flavor.
When it comes to cheese pairings, aged cheeses are especially complimentary to red Bordeaux’s bold tastes.
Aged cheddars and Gruyere are perfect accompaniments that bring out the earthy notes in red Bordeaux wines. Rich, creamy blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort also offer a nice contrast to the intense tannins present in these wines.
For dessert pairings, try dark chocolate or berry-based desserts with your red Bordeaux wine.
The deep complexity of dark chocolate can be greatly enhanced by a glass of red Bordeaux, while tart berry flavors will complement any lingering fruitiness found in these wines.
Enjoying a glass of Red Bordeaux can turn simple meals into an unforgettable experience!
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What appetizers go with red Bordeaux wine?
Red Bordeaux wine pairs well with a variety of appetizers. Here are five top picks to tantalize your taste buds and pair perfectly with a glass of Bordeaux:
1. Gruyere Gougères
Puffed pastry balls made with gruyere cheese provide a salty, cheesy contrast to the fruity berry and plum flavors of the wine.
2. Steak Tartare
Raw steak seasoned with herbs and mustard, accompanied by capers and pickles, makes for a savory appetizer that complements the tannin finish in Bordeaux wines.
3. Mussels Marinière
The rich, buttery sauce in this classic French dish is an ideal match for the earthy undertones of red Bordeaux wines.
4. Charcuterie Plate
A mix of cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and pate offer salty notes to balance out the fruitiness in a glass of red Bordeaux.
5. Ratatouille
Roasted vegetables like eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and squash combined into one flavor-packed dish make for an excellent accompaniment to this full-bodied French wine.
How do you serve Bordeaux red wine?
When serving Bordeaux red wine, it is important to first ensure that the bottle has been properly aged and stored. A good quality Bordeaux should be opened at least a few hours before drinking so that the flavors can fully develop.
It is best served in a large goblet or tulip-shaped glass that will allow the bouquet of aromas to develop as it breathes and open up.
The ideal temperature for serving Bordeaux red wine is between 16°C and 18°C (60°F – 64°F). When decanting a Bordeaux red, let it sit for 10 minutes before drinking and serve within 15 minutes after opening the bottle.
To truly enjoy this amazing variety of French wines, serve it alongside food. Bordeaux reds pair particularly well with beef, lamb, and game meats. For a richer flavor, serve it with aged cheeses or chocolates. Enjoy!
Wrap Up
Pairing food and wine can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With these tips on the best foods to pair with red Bordeaux wine, you can create a unique and memorable dining experience.
Remember to consider the flavors and textures of the food you are serving and choose a wine that complements them well.
Whether you are serving a meat dish or a vegetarian one, you can never go wrong with red Bordeaux wine.
Remember to evaluate the intensity of both the wine and the food and ensure they complement each other well.
Experimenting with different dishes will lead to new culinary experiences and provide knowledge about even more excellent food and wine pairings. We hope you’ve found some inspiration for your next meal and have a delightful gastronomic experience. Cheers!
FAQs
What food goes best with the Bordeaux blend?
Bordeaux blend wines are typically full-bodied and have a very bold flavor. Therefore, dishes that can stand up to the strength of the wine are recommended.
Hearty cuts of beef, like ribeye steak or lamb shanks, are excellent pairings with wild game such as venison or duck.
Additionally, mushroom-based dishes work well too. Dishes made with robust herbs and spices like rosemary, oregano and black pepper will also pair nicely with Bordeaux blend wines.
Cheese is another great pairing for these types of wines, and blue cheese, in particular, pairs extremely well due to its creaminess and pungent taste.
If you’re looking for something more casual, try hard cheeses such as parmesan or cheddar with charcuterie, like salami and prosciutto.
Enjoy your Bordeaux blend with these flavorful dishes for a truly remarkable experience. Bon Appetit!
Note: Please consult with a professional sommelier for the most accurate wine pairing suggestions. Additionally, always drink responsibly and in moderation. Cheers!
What is the signature food in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux is known for its rich food culture, with many dishes that have been enjoyed in the region for centuries.
One of the most popular dishes is Canelé de Bordeaux, a small cake-like pastry made from a mixture of eggs, milk and sugar.
It has a crunchy caramelized exterior and a soft custard-like inside. Other classic dishes include Duck à la Rouennaise (duck cooked with onions, carrots and mushrooms) and Poulet au Vin Blanc (chicken cooked in white wine).
The city also offers some delicious seafood options like Sole Meuniere (sole fish served in butter sauce), Moules Marinières (mussels cooked in white wine) and Coquilles Saint-Jacques (scallops with a creamy sauce).
Lastly, don’t forget to try the delicious desserts of Bordeaux, such as Tarte aux Pommes (apple tart) and Gâteau au Chocolat (chocolate cake). Bon appétit!
What is the most popular food in Bordeaux?
The most popular food in Bordeaux is traditionally French cuisine. Dishes such as cassoulet, steak frites, and duck confit can be found on menus throughout the city.
Bordeaux also has a vibrant seafood culture, with dishes including oysters, mussels, and fish cooked in wine all common. Sweets are another local favorite, with crepes, madeleines and chocolate mousse often served at the end of meals.
An abundance of fresh produce makes for delicious salads and soups; boudin noir (black pudding) is also popular in the region.
For a traditional experience in Bordeaux, head to one of its many classic bistros or brasseries for a meal of regional specialties. Bon appetit!
What is the most popular dish in Bordeaux?
The answer is simple: confit de canard (duck confit). This dish has been a staple of Bordeaux cuisine for centuries, and it consists of a whole duck leg slowly cooked in its own fat.
It is usually served with potatoes and a flavorful sauce, making it an incredibly rich and delicious meal.
Not only is this dish popular among locals, but tourists from around the world flock to Bordeaux to enjoy this delicacy.
Aside from the taste, there are many health benefits associated with duck confit, including being rich in protein and low in fat.
Whether you’re a local or visitor to Bordeaux, be sure to sample some of the city’s most beloved culinary creations – duck confit!
What is Bordeaux’s famous dessert?
Bordeaux’s most famous dessert is Canelé. This traditional pastry has a crunchy caramelized crust and soft, creamy custard inside.
The flavor of the cake comes from vanilla beans, rum, and dark muscovado sugar, creating a unique combination of flavors that are unmistakably Bordeaux.
Canelés can be found in many bakeries throughout the city, but for an authentic experience, it is recommended to try them at one of the well-known patisseries that specialize in these cakes.
In addition to being a popular dessert choice in Bordeaux, canelés have become increasingly popular worldwide as people discover their deliciousness!
