Chili is one of the most beloved dishes around, especially when it comes to wintertime comfort food.
Rich in flavor and full of spices and beef, chili is always a crowd-pleaser!
But what if we told you that you could take your beef chili experience one step further?
While beer has long been touted as the classic companion for any bowl of chili, there’s another beverage that pairs even better: wine.
That’s right — by exploring all the different flavors in a good glass of wine or two, you can add an entirely new dimension to your dinner table.
Ready to learn more?
In this article, we’ll walk through some best practices when it comes to pairing wines with beef chili while providing some amazing suggestions along the way!
In a rush? Here is the short answer:
When pairing wines with beef chili, Malbec, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent choices. Tempranillo is another good option for a lighter-bodied wine to pair with the hearty beef chili. The fruitiness of these wines will help to cut through the spice of the chili and provide a perfect balance.
Why Consider Serving Wine With Beef Chili?
Serving wine with beef chili can make the meal even more enjoyable, especially if it’s a special occasion.
Just like pairing foods with wines, picking an ideal wine for your beef chili is essential to making sure that the flavor of both the food and drink are enhanced.
Wine and beef chili pairing works best when you choose a bottle that’s full-bodied enough to stand up against the bold flavors in your chili dish.
You also want something that will have enough acidity to cleanse your palate between bites and rich tannins for structure and balance. Whether you prefer red or white wines, there are plenty of options to try out!
3 Tips For Picking A Wine For Beef Chili
Choosing the right wine to pair with beef chili can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips that will help you pick the best wines for your chili.
- First, think about the ingredients in your chili. Different combinations of spices and vegetables will require different flavors in wine. For example, if you’re using smoky paprika and tomatoes, then you’ll want to look for a bolder red.
- Second, consider how spicy your chili is as this too can influence which type of wine will work best with it. Spicy chilis usually go better with sweet or fruity wines while mild chilis often pair nicely with drier varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- Third, don’t be afraid to experiment! Even if you don’t think an unusual combination would work together at first glance, give it a try anyway – sometimes these unorthodox pairings turn out surprisingly well!
The Best Red Wines For Beef Chili
Red wines are a great choice for beef chili, as their bold flavors can stand up to the richness of the meat and spices.
For milder beef chili recipes, a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir with its earthy aromas and subtle fruitiness is an excellent choice.
For heartier chilis like those made with ground beef, Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal with its deep berry flavors, notes of black pepper and chocolate, and medium tannins that act as a foil for the dish’s spices.
If you prefer something more unusual, try Zinfandel or Merlot – both offer sweet berry notes along with hints of herbs, making them perfect companions for your beef chili.
Syrah also works wonderfully in this type of dish due to its intense spice character that will provide depth and complexity to any recipe.
The Best White Wines For Beef Chili
When it comes to beef chili, white wines can be an excellent choice for a few reasons.
For one, many white wines are light and crisp and pair nicely with the spiciness of the chili. Additionally, lighter whites don’t overpower the dish as easily as some red wines do.
For a classic pairing with beef chili, choose a bottle from France’s Loire Valley such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc; they are both vibrant and juicy enough that they won’t be overwhelmed by bold flavors in your chili but will still provide enough acidity to cut through any fat in the dish.
Chardonnay is also a wonderful choice if you want something more complex and full-bodied – opt for an unoaked version for a great balance of fruitiness and creaminess without being overly heavy on either.
Riesling is another fantastic option for pairing with beef chili because of its sweetness which helps balance out spicy dishes like this one; go for a dry style rather than dessert wine unless you have added extra sugar to your recipe!
Other Wines To Pair With Beef Chili
In addition to the classic red and white wines, there are a few other types of wine that can be considered when pairing with beef chili. Rosé is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs nicely with spicier dishes as it has its own inherent fruitiness.
A full-bodied rosé can stand up to stronger flavors in the chili while still providing some sweetness and acidity.
Sparkling wines such as sparkling shiraz, Prosecco, cava, or Champagne also pair great with beef chili because of their high acidity which helps cut through the richness of the dish.
Lastly, if you want something out of the ordinary for your dinner guests try a slightly sweet Riesling which rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Serving Temperature And Glassware
Serving temperature is an important factor to consider when pairing wines with beef chili. Red wines will taste best when served at about room temperature (65-68°F); white wines are typically served chilled (35-45°F).
It’s also important to make sure that your glasses match the type of wine you are serving; for example, a Sauvignon Blanc would typically be served in a narrower glass, whereas a Cabernet Sauvignon would likely be better suited to a wider glass.
When selecting the size of your glassware, it’s important to remember that larger glasses tend to allow more air and oxygen exposure which can affect the aroma and flavor of your wine.
By choosing the right temperature and appropriate glassware for each varietal, you’ll ensure that your guests have an enjoyable experience with their food and wine pairing.
Conclusion
When served in the right way, the right wine can take your beef chili to a whole new level. The key is to pick a bottle that complements its flavors and ingredients, while still being enjoyable on its own.
So, what wine goes with beef chili?
The best type of wine to pair with beef chili is a bold red such as Malbec, Shiraz, Tempranillo or Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines have a full-bodied flavor that will bring out the smoky and spicy flavors in the chili.
Whether you go with a red or white wine for your beef chili, be sure to also consider serving temperature and glassware as well. Serving wines too warm or out of improper glasses can ruin both the taste and presentation of your dish.
The best thing about pairing wines with food is that there are no rules – experiment, have fun, and find what works for you!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.