Bratwurst Wine Pairing: 10 Best Wines for Bratwursts

If you’re a fan of bratwurst, you know that this traditional German sausage is best enjoyed with a cold beverage in hand.

While beer is the classic choice for many, did you know that there are wines that can perfectly complement the flavors of bratwurst too?

That’s right, we’re talking about the perfect bratwurst wine pairing.

By choosing the right wine, you can elevate your bratwurst experience to a whole new level.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the 10 best wines to pair with bratwurst, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Zinfandel.

So, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite sausage, read on to discover the perfect wine pairing for your bratwurst.

But first, what wine goes with bratwurst?

Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic pairing for traditional bratwurst, while Cotes du Rhone complements jalapeno bratwurst. Chardonnay goes well with cheddarwurst, Malbec with blutwurst, and Sauvignon Blanc with chickenwurst.

The 10 Best Wines For Bratwursts

Bratwursts are a delicious and hearty meal, but finding the right type of wine to pair with them can be daunting.

Here we look at ten types of wines that will best bring out the flavors of bratwursts:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that originates from the Bordeaux region of France. It is known for its dark fruit flavors such as blackberry, black currant, and black cherry, as well as its high tannin content.

Cabernet Sauvignon pairs exceptionally well with traditional bratwurst, as the rich and bold flavors of the wine balance out the savory flavors of the sausage.

When it comes to choosing a specific Cabernet Sauvignon brand to pair with bratwurst, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Some popular brands include:

• Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: This Cabernet Sauvignon has a rich, full-bodied flavor with hints of blackberry and plum. It pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted bratwurst.
• Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon: With flavors of black cherry and vanilla, this Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent pairing for bratwurst with caramelized onions.
• Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon: This Cabernet Sauvignon has a smooth texture with flavors of black currant and spice. It pairs well with bratwurst topped with sauerkraut.

2. Cotes du Rhone

Cotes du Rhone is a versatile red wine from the Rhone Valley region in France. It is known for its spicy notes of black pepper, licorice, and herbs, which make it an excellent pairing for spicy jalapeno-flavored bratwurst. This wine has a bold flavor profile that can stand up to the heat and spice of the sausage.

Some popular Cotes du Rhone brands to try include:

• Guigal Cotes du Rhone: This wine has a complex flavor profile with notes of black fruit, licorice, and herbs. It pairs well with grilled or roasted jalapeno bratwurst.
• Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes du Rhone: With flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and spice, this wine is an excellent pairing for jalapeno bratwurst with grilled onions.
• E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rouge: This wine has a rich, fruity flavor with hints of spice and a long finish. It pairs well with jalapeno bratwurst topped with cheese.

3. Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a popular white wine that pairs well with cheddarwurst, a type of bratwurst made with cheddar cheese. Chardonnay is known for its buttery texture and flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak. This wine can balance out the salty and creamy flavors of cheddarwurst and add a touch of elegance to the dish.

Some popular Chardonnay brands to try include:

Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay: This wine has a rich, buttery texture with flavors of ripe pear and apple. It pairs well with grilled cheddarwurst.

Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay: With flavors of tropical fruit and vanilla, this wine is an excellent pairing for cheddarwurst with sauteed peppers and onions.

Bogle Vineyards Chardonnay: This wine has a crisp, clean finish with flavors of green apple and lemon. It pairs well with cheddarwurst topped with spicy mustard.

4. Malbec

Malbec is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with blutwurst, a type of bratwurst made with blood and spices. Malbec is known for its rich, fruity flavors of black cherry, plum, and raspberry, as well as its high tannin content. This wine can complement the richness of blutwurst and enhance its unique flavor profile.

Some popular Malbec brands to try include:

• Alamos Malbec: This wine has flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, and spice. It pairs well with grilled or roasted blutwurst.
• Terrazas de los Andes Malbec: With flavors of black cherry and vanilla, this wine is an excellent pairing for blutwurst with caramelized onions.
• Luigi Bosca Malbec: This wine has a smooth texture with flavors of plum, blackberry, and tobacco. It pairs well with blutwurst topped with mustard.

5. Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing white wine that pairs well with chickenwurst, a type of bratwurst made with chicken meat. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its crisp acidity and flavors of grapefruit, lime, and grass. This wine can balance out the lighter flavors of chickenwurst and add a zesty touch to the dish.

Some popular Sauvignon Blanc brands to try include:

• Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc: This wine has a bright, citrusy flavor with notes of passionfruit and gooseberry. It pairs well with grilled or roasted chickenwurst.
• Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc: With flavors of lemon and lime, this wine is an excellent pairing for chickenwurst with grilled vegetables.
• Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc: This wine has flavors of peach and grapefruit with a crisp finish. It pairs well with chickenwurst topped with a mango salsa.

6. Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine that pairs well with grilled bratwurst. It is known for its delicate flavors of red fruit, such as cherry and raspberry, as well as its low tannin content. Pinot Noir can enhance the smoky and charred flavors of grilled bratwurst without overwhelming them.

Some popular Pinot Noir brands to try include:

• Meiomi Pinot Noir: This wine has flavors of dark cherry and vanilla with a silky texture. It pairs well with grilled or roasted bratwurst.
• La Crema Pinot Noir: With flavors of red fruit and spice, this wine is an excellent pairing for bratwurst with grilled onions.
• Cloudline Pinot Noir: This wine has a light, fruity flavor with hints of earthiness. It pairs well with grilled bratwurst topped with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.

7. Riesling

Riesling is a white wine that pairs well with bratwurst and sauerkraut, a traditional German dish made of fermented cabbage. Riesling is known for its fruity and floral flavors, as well as its acidity, which can balance out the salty and sour flavors of sauerkraut.

Some popular Riesling brands to try include:

• Dr. Loosen Riesling: This wine has a light, crisp flavor with notes of citrus and peach. It pairs well with bratwurst and sauerkraut.
• Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling: With flavors of green apple and apricot, this wine is an excellent pairing for bratwurst with caramelized onions and sauerkraut.
• Trimbach Riesling: This wine has a mineral-like flavor with hints of lemon and grapefruit. It pairs well with bratwurst topped with spicy mustard and sauerkraut.

8. Shiraz/Syrah

Shiraz/Syrah is a bold red wine that pairs well with bratwurst and barbecue sauce. Shiraz/Syrah is known for its dark fruit flavors such as blackberry, plum, and blueberry, as well as its spicy notes of black pepper and clove. This wine can complement the sweetness and smokiness of the barbecue sauce and enhance the flavors of the bratwurst.

Some popular Shiraz/Syrah brands to try include:

• Penfolds Shiraz: This wine has a bold, fruity flavor with notes of blackberry and chocolate. It pairs well with grilled or roasted bratwurst with barbecue sauce.
• Two Hands Shiraz: With flavors of blueberry and spice, this wine is an excellent pairing for bratwurst with grilled onions and barbecue sauce.
• E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Syrah: This wine has a rich, fruity flavor with hints of black pepper and tobacco. It pairs well with bratwurst topped with a smoky barbecue sauce.

9. Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a red wine that pairs well with bratwurst and spicy mustard. Zinfandel is known for its jammy flavors of raspberry, blackberry, and plum, as well as its spicy notes of black pepper and cinnamon. This wine can balance out the heat and spice of the mustard and add a fruity touch to the dish.

Some popular Zinfandel brands to try include:

• Ravenswood Zinfandel: This wine has a rich, full-bodied flavor with hints of raspberry and black pepper. It pairs well with grilled or roasted bratwurst with spicy mustard.
• Seghesio Zinfandel: With flavors of black cherry and cinnamon, this wine is an excellent pairing for bratwurst with caramelized onions and spicy mustard.
• Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut Zinfandel: This wine has a fruity flavor with hints of vanilla and oak. It pairs well with bratwurst topped with a tangy mustard sauce.

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine is a refreshing beverage that pairs well with bratwurst and potato salad. Sparkling wine is known for its crisp acidity and effervescence, which can complement the creamy and tangy flavors of potato salad. This wine can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bratwurst.

Some popular sparkling wine brands to try include:

• Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial: This wine has a light, fruity flavor with a clean finish. It pairs well with bratwurst and potato salad.
• Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label: With flavors of apple and brioche, this wine is an excellent pairing for bratwurst with grilled vegetables and potato salad.
• G.H. Mumm Brut Cordon Rouge: This wine has a crisp, dry flavor with notes of citrus and white fruit. It pairs well with bratwurst topped with a tangy mustard sauce and potato salad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right wine to pair with bratwurst can elevate the flavors of the sausage and enhance the overall dining experience. From the bold flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon to the delicate notes of Pinot Noir, there is a wine to suit every bratwurst pairing preference.

Whether you prefer your bratwurst grilled, roasted, or topped with spicy mustard or barbecue sauce, there is a wine that can complement and enhance the flavors of the dish.

Here are the top 10 best wines for bratwurst wine pairing:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Cotes du Rhone
3. Chardonnay
4. Malbec
5. Sauvignon Blanc
6. Pinot Noir
7. Shiraz/Syrah
8. Riesling
9. Zinfandel
10. Sparkling Wine

Try experimenting with different wine and bratwurst combinations to find your perfect pairing. Whether you’re grilling up a batch of traditional bratwurst or trying out a spicy jalapeno or rich blutwurst, there is a wine that can take your bratwurst pairing to the next level.