The 5 Best Cooking Wines for Beef in 2024
When it comes to cooking with beef, using the right wine can enhance flavors and add depth to your dishes. In this article, we will explore the top five cooking wines for beef in 2023 and discuss their unique characteristics that make them suitable for beef recipes.
1. 2017 Merlot from Duckhorn
Duckhorn’s 2017 Merlot is an excellent choice for beef recipes. This wine is a blend of 80% Merlot, along with other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. It offers a complex profile with layers of flavors.
On the nose, you’ll find prominent aromas of black fruits like cherry and blackberry, as well as strong plum aromas. On the palate, ripe plum and blackberry flavors are complemented by hints of cherry, blueberry, licorice, cocoa and coffee. The wine has a smooth and bold character with balanced oak flavors from 15 months in oak barrels.
Recipe inspiration:
- Merlot Beef Osso Buco served on long grain white rice with thyme
- Merlot Beef Pot Roast with Smoked Paprika, Broth and Tomato Puree
- Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Merlot Shallot Sauce
2. 2016 Pinot Noir from Roserock
Roserock’s 2016 Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that pairs well with many beef dishes. It is sourced from the Eola-Amity Hills in Oregon, known for its unique soil composition and microclimate that produces grapes with intense flavors.
This Pinot Noir has a pale ruby color with dark purple reflections. It offers clear aromas of blueberries, cherries and herbs. On the palate, you’ll experience deep fruit flavors, herbs, blueberries and spices like cassis or cinnamon. The wine is tart and dry with earthy tones on the finish.
Recipe inspiration:
- Garlic Butter Beef Sirloin in a Delicious Pinot Noir Mushroom Gravy
- Pinot Noir Beef Shoulder Stew served with Rosemary Flavored Long Grain Brown Rice
- Pinot Noir Sticky Beef Ribs (Smoked)
3. 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stark-Condé
Stark-Condé’s 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold and flavorful wine that pairs exceptionally well with beef. Produced in Napa Valley, California, this wine showcases the region’s unique microclimates and soils, resulting in rich and expressive flavors.
This Cabernet Sauvignon features prominent aromas of black fruits such as cherry and blackberry. On the palate, you’ll find ripe plum and blackberry flavors accompanied by a black pepper crust. The wine is well-balanced with oak undertones from aging in French oak barrels.
Recipe inspiration:
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Mustard Roast Beef with Black Pepper Crust
- Cabernet Sauvignon Braised Short Ribs with Root Vegetables
- Grilled Ribeye Steak with Cabernet Sauvignon Reduction Sauce
4. 2017 Syrah from Montes Alpha in Colchagua Valley
The 2017 Montes Alpha Syrah from Colchagua Valley is an excellent choice for beef recipes that call for slow cooking and a rich blend of flavors. This wine comes from Chile and showcases the unique characteristics of the region.
Slow-cooked pulled Syrah beef pasta is an ideal dish to pair with this wine. The wine offers an abundance of herbs, spices and vegetable flavors that complement the beef beautifully. It has a deep red color and delivers a satisfying flavor experience.
Recipe inspiration:
- Slow-cooked pulled Syrah beef pasta with herbs, spices and vegetables
- Syrah marinated beef skewers with a spicy tomato relish
- Syrah braised beef shanks with root vegetables and red wine reduction
5. 2016 Zinfandel from Louis Martini
Louis Martini’s 2016 Zinfandel is a bold and robust wine that adds a unique twist to beef dishes. With its rich flavors and distinctive profile, it is an excellent option for those looking for a savory and hearty pairing.
One such dish is the Beef and Chorizo Zinfandel Chili Tortilla. The wine’s dark fruit, spice and pepper flavors complement the beef and chorizo for a mouthwatering combination. The wine’s character and intensity make it an excellent choice for bold beef dishes.
Recipe inspiration:
- Beef and Chorizo Zinfandel Chili Tortilla
- Zinfandel Braised Beef Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions
- Zinfandel Marinated Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Conclusion
Choosing the right cooking wine is crucial when preparing beef dishes, as it can significantly enhance the flavors and overall dining experience. The top five cooking wines for beef in 2024 are Duckhorn’s 2017 Merlot, Roserock’s 2016 Pinot Noir, Stark-Condé’s 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Montes Alpha’s 2017 Syrah from Colchagua Valley, and Louis Martini’s 2016 Zinfandel.
Each of these wines offers unique characteristics that make them ideal for beef dishes. The 2017 Merlot from Duckhorn is a complex and bold wine with black fruit flavors and oak undertones. The 2016 Pinot Noir from Roserock is a versatile wine with deep fruit flavors and earthy tones. The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stark-Condé is a bold wine with black pepper crust flavors. The 2017 Syrah from Montes Alpha in Colchagua Valley is a rich and flavorful wine ideal for slow-cooked beef dishes. Finally, the 2016 Zinfandel from Louis Martini is a robust wine with distinctive flavors of dark fruit, spice and pepper.
When preparing beef dishes, consider the flavors and characteristics of these wines to create delicious and balanced recipes. Whether you’re making a Garlic Butter Beef Sirloin, Cabernet Sauvignon Roast Beef or Zinfandel Chili Tortilla, these wines will elevate your dishes and create a memorable dining experience.
Remember, while these wines are recommended for cooking with beef, it’s important to choose a wine that you enjoy drinking as well. By following your preferences and considering the flavors and characteristics of the wines, you can create culinary masterpieces that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
FAQS
What makes a cooking wine suitable for beef dishes?
Answer: A good cooking wine for beef should have moderate tannins, be slightly aged to retain fruity flavors, and pair well with the rich flavors of beef. Varieties such as Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese are often recommended for beef recipes.
Can I use any wine with beef?
Answer: While you can technically use any wine with beef, it is recommended that you choose wines that complement the flavors of beef. Choose wines with moderate tannins and fruity flavors as they tend to work best with beef recipes.
Do I need to use expensive wines to cook with beef?
Answer: It is not necessary to use expensive wines to cook with beef. The key is to choose a wine that you enjoy drinking, as the flavors will be infused into your dish. There are many affordable options that can still enhance the flavors of your beef recipes.
Can I substitute cooking wines for regular drinking wines?
Answer: Yes, you can substitute cooking wines for regular drinking wines. However, keep in mind that cooking wines are made specifically for cooking and often have added salt or other ingredients. When using regular drinking wines, choose wines that have a similar flavor profile to the recommended cooking wines for beef.
How should I store beef cooking wines?
Answer: To store beef cooking wines, store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Ideally, reseal the bottle tightly after each use to preserve the flavors. If you have leftover wine, you can also freeze it in ice cube trays and store the cubes in a sealed container in the freezer for future use.
Can I use nonalcoholic wine as a substitute for cooking beef?
Answer: Non-alcoholic wines can be used as a substitute for cooking beef, especially if you prefer to avoid alcohol in your dishes. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile may be slightly different, so it’s a good idea to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly when using nonalcoholic wines in beef recipes.