What can you eat with red wine?
What can you eat with red wine? Red wine is the star of many evenings and social gatherings. But what would a good wine be without the right appetizer? Pairing a red wine with the right appetizers is undoubtedly the key to transforming a simple drink into an unforgettable culinary experience. Here we bring you a practical guide to ensure the ideal pairings.
What foods can I eat with red wine?
Red Wine and Cheese | A Classic Wedding
Nothing says elegance like a well-selected cheese board! Aged cheeses such as Manchego, Gouda and Parmesan are ideal partners for robust red wines. It is the intense flavour and firm texture that beautifully complements the tannins and richness of the wine. For softer, fruitier wines, it is advisable to opt for creamy cheeses – a Brie or Camembert, for example.
Sausages and red wines | Intense flavours
Cold cuts like Iberian ham, chorizo, and salchichón are typical suspects, default accompaniments, and a safe choice. These salty, smoky-tasting appetizers bring out the complex nuances of red wines like Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. A simple charcuterie board will elevate your wine tasting to another level.
Red wines with dried fruits or nuts
Almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts – with their crunchy texture and gently toasted flavour – pair wonderfully with red wines. Dried fruits such as figs, prunes and apricots are snacks that add a sweet and chewy touch, making a perfect match for the wine’s acidity and tannins.
Wines and Tapas or Montaditos
Don’t forget the tapas! The typical montaditos are perfect: combinations of ingredients such as goat cheese and honey, tomato and anchovies, or Serrano ham with pepper. These small bites full of flavour are more than ideal to accompany a glass of red wine. A real explosion of flavours in every bite.
Reds with Olives and Pickles
Olives and pickles are another classic appetizer that pairs perfectly with red wine. Green and black olives add a salty, slightly bitter flavor, while gherkins and pickled onions offer a refreshing acidity that cleanses the palate between sips.
Wine with Bread and Olive Oil
It may seem like a last resort, but a nice crusty bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil is an extremely delicious appetizer and is a popular accompaniment to red wine. You can add a pinch of sea salt and some aromatic herbs to further enhance the experience and make it sublime.
Do you want to know more about what you can enjoy with red wine?
Now that you know that the ideal appetizer exists for every type of wine, you also know how to turn any occasion into a gourmet experience. Discover the secrets and learn how to be a good taster. From cheeses and sausages to dried fruits and olives, there is a world of flavors to discover that we Mediterraneans know better than anyone.
The next time you uncork a bottle of your favorite red wine, don’t forget to prepare some of these delicious appetizers. You are invited to our wine tasting Barcelona where you will learn much more about this amazing world.