Love drinking Red wine? How about meals cooked with Red wine? Wine has been used in cooking for many years now. Meals benefit from red wine because of their fruitiness, acidity, body and flavor. But what Red wine works great for cooking? How do you even work with Red wine when making your favorite meals?
First, there are some rules to follow when it comes to cooking with red wine, and these are the following:
• As a general rule, you only cook with the wine that you’re willing to drink.
• When a recipe calls for a Red wine, don’t try to substitute it with White wine.
• More often than not, wine that grows in a particular region would make a great pair with recipes of the same region.
• The price of the wine doesn’t matter. What matters is the type of wine you’re going to use. Your choice of wine can make or break your sauce.
What is the best burgundy wine for cooking?
Pinot Noirs are the most versatile wines used for cooking. If you love drinking a glass or two of Burgundy wines, then there is a high possibility that you’ll get to enjoy meals cooked with the famous food-friendly red wine. You can use it to cook beef roast, lamb chops and other yummy meals. But which one should you choose when cooking your favorite dish?
The term Burgundy refers to wines that came from the East Central of France, in Burgundy. The best-known red burgundy wine is dry reds made from Pinot Noirs. As for white burgundy wines, these are made from Chardonnay. However, there is no best burgundy wine used for cooking, as it will depend on what you wish to cook. So how do you know which burgundy wine to cook with? Choose one that you will enjoy drinking.
Like most wines, the best Pinot Noirs can come with a hefty price – especially those that came from Burgundy. With their aromatic scent and delightful complexity, its no wonder this type of wine is not only enjoyed by drinking but also in making meals. Luckily, one can now cook with awesome tasting Pinot Noirs that can be bought locally. Some are even produced in some parts of the world.
But what if you don’t have that burgundy, also known as light red wine? What is the best substitute for burgundy wine in cooking?
Burgundy wines have been added in cooking because of their flavor and aroma, their ability to tenderizing meat and as a base for sauces. These are also used in deglazing pans and makes the flavor of beef, duck and lamb stew with that rich and savory taste. Substituting burgundy wines won’t give you that exact flavor that a real Burgundy would produce, but it will still give your meal that lovely taste.
Red Wine
Since burgundy was made from Burgundy France, the best substitute for burgundy wine in cooking are those red wines that are also made from Pinot Noirs Grapes. Merlot has that beautiful flavor described by many as a mix of chocolate and spicy fruitcake flavors with a dash of black currant. It originates from the French Bordeaux but is also produced in Eastern Europe, Australia and California.
Zinfandel
Also known as Primitivo, they are made from zinfandel grapes produced in California and Southern Italy. If you want a much lighter burgundy substitute, Zinfandel would be your go-to wine. The taste of Zinfandel is described as a mix of black pepper and red and black fruits.
Cabernet Sauvignon
This s another wine that originates from Bordeaux France. This claret wine was described by many as having a black current taste mixed with a hint of smoky aroma. The grapes used to make the Cabernet Sauvignon are now cultivated in many places such as in North and South America, Africa and Australia.
Bonarda
This is an excellent burgundy wine substitute from Argentina. Make yummy and savory beef meals from Bonarda like tenderloin steaks. Some described Bonarda to have red fruit tart flavors with a subtle bitter aftertaste. The smell is likened to fresh cut flowers like peonies, irises and violets, with a hint of plum and cherry.
Some substitutes that would still give your meal that great taste are Oregon Pinot Noir and California Pinot Noir. Burgundy wines are now produced in Australia, California, Chile and New Zealand. However, this substitute may cost a little more money than the original burgundy red wine.
Rice Wine Vinegar and Chicken Broth Mix or Rice Wine Vinegar and Red grape juice
Need to deglaze a pan or want to make a creamy sauce? The best substitute for burgundy wine is rice wine mixed with Chicken broth or stock or diluted rice wine vinegar with red grape juice. However, it is important to note that rice wine vinegar can make your dish too sharp or too sour, to be careful when using this mix. You would not want to overwhelm your palate by cooking with too much rice wine vinegar as it still is vinegar. Use just enough amount to give your meal that nice sharp to taste touch.
White Wine Vinegar and Grape juice Mix
If you are going to cook meat and the reason for using a burgundy wine is to use it as a marinating ingredient, white wine vinegar and grape juice mix is a great substitute. Create a mixture of equal parts grape juice and white wine, and you’re good to go. The grape juice will help you make the meat nice and tender while managing the sour taste of the white wine vinegar.
When choosing the best substitute for burgundy wine in beef bourguignon, grab a bottle of wine made from the same wine burgundy wines were made from – Pinot Noir. Doing so will give your scrumptious meal that nice, smooth and silky taste that a burgundy wine is known for. In bringing out the best flavor and aroma of lamb chops and beef stew, choose only the best substitute that works for you.