The Best Red Bordeaux Wines and Food Pairings

France’s Bordeaux region is one of the most outstanding winemaking regions in the whole world. It’s valued by both newcomers and wine aficionados alike because of its refined characteristics, complexity, and rich flavor.

Although the Bordeaux region produces both white and red wines, it’s usually the red wines that are most loved by consumers. Bordeaux red blends are complex, with refined blue, black, and red fruit, earthy tones, and rich mineral flavors.

Bordeaux red wines are normally produced from at least two varieties of grapes. But there are at least five grape varieties that are approved to be used when making a Bordeaux red wine.

What do you think are the best food pairings for Bordeaux red wines? For a little help, here’s a quick rundown of these food pairings. Read on!

Left And Right Bank Red Wines

It’s important to note that there are many sub-regions within the Bordeaux region. Some reds might be Merlot dominant, while others might be more Cabernet Sauvignon heavy, relying upon the location. 

To simplify things, we’re going to divide Bordeaux in two. The Left Bank red wines and the Right Bank red wines. Left Bank reds are more Cabernet Sauvignon heavy, for example, the ones made in Haut-Medoc.

On the other hand, the Right Bank red wines are more Merlot heavy, like those from Blays or Bourg. Below are the food pairings best for Bordeaux red blends relying upon what regional style you will be drinking.

Idea

Think of meat. Of course, you can pair many popular Bordeaux wines with other types of food. However, you’ll undoubtedly be boosting flavor the most if you pair a Bordeaux wine with meat-based dishes.

If your red wine is from the Left Bank, keep in mind that it’s going to be more Cabernet Sauvignon heavy. Therefore, it’ll usually have more earthy flavors, red fruit, and rugged tannins.

Bordeaux wines from the Left Bank matches excellently with spicier, saltier, fattier, and heavy steaks and lambs. On the other hand, Right Bank Bordeaux red wines pair best with more savory or leaner meats, such as duck or pork.

Food Pairing: Left Bank Red Bordeaux

Here’s a list of the best food pairing for Left Bank Red Bordeaux wines:

• Caramel Chicken. Don’t like red meat? If yes, then try making a caramel chicken as a food pairing. This dish is savory but packed with soy sauce, ginger, and cloves. The saucy additions to this dish aid emphasize plenty of the appetizing aspects of Bordeaux red wines.
• Maple Bacon Burger. This food will highlight any rich and refined Left Bank Bordeaux red wines.
• Super Sirloin Steak And Onion Bites. This dish is a noteworthy appetizer that matches excellently with Left Bank Bordeaux.
• Filet Mignon. This food pairs well whichever way you marinate it with Bordeaux wines. But because we are talking about Left Bank food pairing here, try adding some sweetness and spice with Mango salsa and Chipotle sauce. Also, try cooking it in a hard anodized pan — Home Design X has a great buyer’s guide if you don’t already own one!

Food Pairing: Right Bank Red Bordeaux

Here’s a list of the best food pairing for Right Bank Red Bordeaux wines:

• Chicken Pizza. Right Bank red wines tend to be lighter in terms of the body. Thus, it’s best to pair it with a chicken-based dish. Consider some sweet and savory plates for these wine styles. Chicken pizza with cilantro and red onions will offer you the best pairing, guaranteed.
• Pulled-Pork Sandwiches. Another recipe perfect for Right Bank Bordeaux reds are the pulled pork sandwiches. This recipe is best for lunches and appetizers.
• Shepards Pie. This recipe makes for an excellent food pairing with Bordeaux reds because you can add a lot of spices and blend it with different forms of chopped or ground beef.
• Asian Style Pork Chops. Although Bordeaux is located in France, a lot of Asian sauces and dishes accent Right Bank red wine flavors very nicely. Consider pork chops made in garlic, Asian sweet chili sauce, and Apple Cider vinegar.
• Flank Steak. This recipe is usually on the leaner side. Therefore, it pairs perfectly with a Right Bank Bordeaux red wine because Merlot dominant Bordeaux wines are leaner themselves. 

Takeaway

Pairing food and Bordeaux red wine is quite easy and fund. You can start by getting a Bordeaux wine you love and make something you relish eating.

Relying upon what side of the River Gironde the Bordeaux wine was made, there is your classic Right Bank red wine and Left Bank red wine.

The food pairings mentioned above will depend on what regional style you will be drinking. Although these food pairings might be a bit specific, any drinker or consumer will find success with these pairings no matter what the Bordeaux they are drinking.

If you’re not certain whether your Bordeaux is from Left Bank or Right Bank, no worries, a simple search on Google will do the trick, or you can ask someone knowledgeable of the wine. 

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