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Want to learn how to pair food with non alcoholic red wines? This is one of our favorite parts of indulging in alcohol-free wine in the first place! A quality glass of alcohol-free red wine is great…and so is a perfectly cooked meal. The only thing better than these two individual components? The experience you’ll have by pairing them together! There is nothing like accentuating the flavor notes of one of your favorite dishes with a perfectly curated bottle of red. And just because you’re not actually drinking alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Whether you’re planning a dinner party for friends or just want to enjoy some of your favorite hors d'oeuvres with a glass of vino, you’ve come to the right place. The way in which food and wine complement each other is very unique. And, it can get pretty complex, too. Fortunately, we’re here to demystify the entire topic for you. By the end of this short blog post, you’ll feel more confident in choosing foods to pair with non alcoholic red wine.
We’re going to cover what types of foods pair with red wine in particular. Then, we’ll give you some of our favorite specific foods to pair with alcohol free red wine. From classics like steak and cheese to more off-the-wall picks like duck, mushrooms, fish, and more - we’ve got 10 amazing pairings for you to add to your next menu!
What Types of Foods Pair Best With Non-Alcoholic Red Wines?
First things first - what types of foods pair best with non-alcoholic red wines? This may surprise you. But, the foods that go best with red wine are actually quite similar to those that pair well with the alcoholic versions. In general, you want to look for foods that are high in fat and protein. This is because these types of foods can help to balance out the tannins in red wine. Tannins are a type of naturally occurring substance found in the skin of grapes. They are also present in other foods and drinks like tea and coffee. When it comes to wine, tannins add astringency and bitterness.
To a certain extent, these tannins provide the flavor and body that most of us have come to know and love in wine. However, for many, tannins can be a bit overwhelming on their own. When they are paired with foods that are high in fat and protein, the result is a much more balanced and enjoyable experience. This is why so many people love pairing their alcohol-free red wine with food - to create a more mellow experience. By doing so, one can really appreciate the subtle tasting notes of the wine without the tannins overpowering them.
Now - in saying all this, are there certain types of food you should avoid pairing with non-alcoholic red wine? You bet! We recommend steering clear of foods that are high in acidity. This is because they can make the tannins in wine taste even more astringent and bitter. So, foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based salad dressings are best enjoyed with other types of drinks.
But, exactly what does non alcoholic red wine pair with? If you came here hoping to discover exactly what to pair with non alcoholic red wine, keep reading. We're going to unveil our top ten favorite foods to pair with alcohol-free red wine.
Our 10 Favorite Foods To Pair With Non-Alcoholic Red Wines
Now that we’ve answered the question - what goes well with non alcoholic red wine? - it’s time to give you some of our favorite specific foods to pair with your next bottle. You can't go wrong with any of these. But the right choice for you will depend on the occasion. Are you looking to prepare a three-course meal - complete with dessert? Or do you just want something light to snack on while you sip a glass of red? This first recommendation is always a great option to fall back on if you just want to elevate the wine drinking experience - dark chocolate.
Dark Chocolate
This one is a classic for a reason. The bitterness of dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the tannins in red wine. And, the sweetness of the chocolate helps to balance out the acidity. If you want to take things to the next level, look for a dark chocolate that has a high percentage of cacao. The higher the percentage, the more intense the flavor will be. Trust us - that’s a good thing when it comes to this pairing!
Pasta (Specifically With Red Sauce)
There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of pasta smothered in red sauce. And, this is one of our favorite foods to pair with non alcoholic red wine. The reason why it works so well is that both the pasta and sauce are high in fat and protein. This helps to mellow out the tannins in the wine. And, the acidity in the sauce helps to bring out the fruity flavors of the wine.
Steak
This is another great option if you’re looking for something hearty to pair with your non alcoholic red wine. The reason steak pairs so well with red wine is because it is high in fat and protein. This helps to balance out the tannins in the wine. And the savory flavors of the steak help to bring out the fruitiness of the wine.
Cheese
Cheese is always a good idea for pairing with red wine. This is because cheese is high in fat and protein - checking off two boxes at once! This helps to mellow out the astringency of the tannins. And, the saltiness of the cheese helps to bring out the fruit flavors in the wine.
Pork
Pork is another great option for those looking for a hearty dish to pair with their non alcoholic red wine. The reason pork pairs so well with red wine is that it is high in fat and protein - just like steak! This helps to balance out the tannins in the wine. Plus, the savory flavors of the pork help to bring out the fruit flavors in the wine.
Duck
Looking to really impress your guests with something a bit more out of the box? Pair your non alcoholic red wine with roasted duck. Duck is a rich and flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with non alcoholic red wines. The reason duck pairs so well with red wine? You guessed it – it's because it is high in fat and protein! But duck also features a savory complexion that complements your wine’s inception – grapes.
Pizza
Pizza is another one you can't go wrong with - no matter what you’re pairing it with! It pairs especially well with non alcoholic red wine. The reason pizza pairs so well with red wine is because it is high in fat and protein - you know the drill by now! This helps to balance out the tannins in the wine. And, the acidity of the tomato sauce helps to bring out the fruit flavors in the wine.
Fish
You might be surprised to see fish on this list. But don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! The reason fish pairs so well with red wine is that it is high in protein. This helps to balance out the tannins in the wine. The light flavors of the fish help to bring out the fruitiness of the wine. However, you may want to add some sides that complement fish well and contain fat - as fish is incredibly lean on its own.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a great option for those looking for something earthy to pair with their non-alcoholic red wine. The reason mushrooms pair so well with red wine is because they are high in umami - which is a savory flavor that helps to bring out the fruit flavors in the wine. While not everyone loves mushrooms, this can be a great, unique pairing for alcohol-free red wine.
Salad
Last but not least, we have salad! This might seem like an odd choice. But, salads can actually be a great option for pairing with non-alcoholic red wine. Just be sure you’re choosing your dressing carefully - remember, you don’t want anything too acidic. Ditch the vinegar-based dressings if you’re planning on pairing with red wine.
Advice for Pairing Non-Alcoholic Red Wine With Food
Whether you’re going alcohol-free because you want to experience the health benefits of non-alcoholic wine or you simply want to enjoy a glass or two on a weeknight without worrying about hangovers - these pairings above will help you truly enjoy both the food and wine to the fullest.
So there you have it - our list of the best foods to pair with non-alcoholic red wine! Now that you know what to pair with non-alcoholic red wine for a flavor-packed experience everyone will appreciate, we want to leave you with some parting advice. Here are some tips to get the most out of your food and wine pairing experience - specifically, when going the alcohol-free route.
- Stick with quality food and wine pairings. This is especially true of the non-alcoholic red wine you buy. If the goal is to experience the flavor and tasting notes to their fullest, you want a bottle that has been carefully crafted to offer the utmost flavor.
- When pairing non-alcoholic red wine with food, it’s important to keep the flavors in balance. This means avoiding foods that are too sweet, salty, or acidic. Avoid extremes in favor of more moderate foods.
- If you’re unsure of what to pair with a particular non-alcoholic red wine, ask your local sommelier or Boisson expert!
- And last but not least, have fun and experiment! There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to food and wine pairing. So go ahead and get creative. Try new things and find what works for you. Cheers!
Wrapping up our Review of the 10 Best Foods to Pair With Alcohol-Free Wine
That concludes our review of the 10 best foods to pair with alcohol-free wine. At this point, you’re ready to start getting your next tasting menu figured out! Wondering where to buy non alcoholic wine online? Just head over to Boisson - the premier alcohol-free spirits store. Not only do we offer our products online, but you can visit us in person in NYC. Our selection of non alcoholic red wine features the top brands and bottles in the industry. We even have alcohol-free white wine if you want to mix things up - along with all the other types of spirits you need to fill out your alcohol-free liquor cabinet. Shop now and explore all we have in store for you!
