Cold weather calls for robust red wines to pair with hearty stew
With plunging temperatures and snow in the forecast, I reach out for inspiration from Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking — specifically to Chapter 7, Braised Beef.
Canadian winter is the time to choose robust red wines that only pair with heartier dishes, such as beef stews and roasted red meats. The next step is to select a wine that I’ll add to the dish — and to my glass.
Tender, braised beef cooked at a lower temperature results in a dish with layers of mellow complexity which is exactly what we want in the wine. A robust, round and rich red is called for, suggesting a Cotes du Rhone or Chateauneuf-du-Papes, Pinot Noir, Mourvedre, or maybe a Syrah/ Shiraz, Minervois or a Bordeaux.
There are plenty of options for a suitable red wine to pair with beef stew. Of course, you will need a cup or two for the red wine marinade (Child recommends using a youthful red such as a Cotes du Rhone or Chianti) and then wine to add to the pot to loosen the flavourful brown bits after browning the beef cubes (from Acme Meat Market of course). The last step is slow-braising the meat until tender and swimming in a rich and savoury gravy. Quality ingredients are key for any recipe — I wouldn’t use a wine that I wouldn’t want to drink as well because the flavour of the wine will show up in the food.
What could be better than serving up a fragrant and rich stew paired with an equally beautiful, robust red after enjoying a winter activity outdoors, such as a visit to the magical ice castle.
A hearty beef stew will be rich and savoury, requiring a wine that can stand up to the flavours of the dish. Here are a few great recommendations that will meet the challenge.
RACINE COTES DU RHONE 2015 $19
This is a terrific value wine from the outstanding 2015 vintage — a blend of 70 per cent Grenache and 10 per cent each of Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Expect juicy fruit, sweet spice on a rich easy-to-drink red. This wine is on the list at Three Boars.
TENUTA DI SESTA CAMPONOVO 2015 $20
A youthful and rich Tuscan red blend of Sangiovese and Colorino grapes that has that freshness one expects from the region with intense aromas and flavours of strawberry, cherry, earth and spice. On the list at Three Boars.
VIRANEL TRADITION ROUGE 2014 $21
Arnaud from Chateau Viranel in Langedoc, France, was just in town for a wonderful dinner at the Marc restaurant. His wines are popular and this round and juicy blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan is a solid pairing with stews and roasted meat. A smooth, lush wine full of blackcurrant, cherry, violets and spice.
PRIMARIUS 2015 $25
Although a full-flavoured red Burgundy is the traditional pairing, this new-world blend of grapes from different vineyards and a great vintage is a solid choice. Loads of blackberries, raspberries and cherries mingling with warm spices. Great price for a round, rich and delicious Oregon Pinot Noir. You will find this wine on Ampersand 27 and Soltice’s wine lists.
AA BADENHORST SECATEURS SHIRAZ 2015 $27
A South-African red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache that’s a favourite at our wine shop. Natural fermentation and foot-stomping contribute to a wine with depth and complexity. Aromas and flavours of black berries, cherries, lavender, herbs and spices that can handle the heartiest meals.
SELENITA NIT 2011 $39
Tried and approved as a great pairing with beef stew by Chris B. last week! This is an organic wine that is a blend of Garnacha and Carignan from Montsant, Spain, that is a show-stopper.
A full-bodied and full-flavoured wine that has a vibrant red berry palate that is powerful and equally elegant with nuances of warm baking spice and forest flowers.
A gem of a wine with a little age that overdelivers.
This wine is on Wishbone’s list. Wine selections are available at select Alberta shops. Log onto liquorconnect.com to check availability. Call to verify.
Juanita Roos opened Color de Vino, a fine wine and spirits store, with her family in 2014. She has travelled to wine regions around the world and completed the prestigious WSET Diploma from London, England, the prerequisite for the Master of Wine program. Send your questions about wine to info@colordevino.ca.