Beverage | Vegetarian Gluten Free

Red Wine

Vitis vinifera (fermented product) Allergens: Sulfites
red wine

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Vitaceae (grapes)
  • Primary Cuisine European
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Grapes

The Forktionary Angle

"More than just a drink, red wine is a foundational culinary agent, deepening flavors in stews, sauces, and marinades."

Definition

An alcoholic beverage made from fermented dark-colored grape varieties, known for its complex flavors.

Sensory Profile

TasteFruity, tannic, sometimes earthy or spicy, acidic
TextureViscous, smooth (depending on body)
AromaBerry, plum, cherry, oak, spice, earthy
AcidityMed-High

Technical Metrics

Culinary Usage

Essential for deglazing pans and creating rich sauces like coq au vin or bourguignon.

Opened Shelf Life

An opened bottle of red wine generally lasts 3-5 days when properly re-corked and stored.

Tannin Source

Tannins, responsible for astringency, come primarily from grape skins, seeds, and oak barrels.

Nutrition Facts

Per 147 ml (5 oz)
Calories85 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.1 g
Total Carbohydrate2.6 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0.6 g
Calcium11 mg
Iron0.69 mg
Potassium127 mg

Chef’s Secret

Reduce wine by half before adding other liquids to concentrate its flavor and cook off harsh alcohol notes.

Substitutions

Best Match

Beef Broth/Stock

1:1

Best for savory dishes like stews and sauces, adds depth and umami without alcohol.

Cranberry Juice (unsweetened)

1:1

Mimics the acidity and fruitiness in some recipes, good for deglazing.

Red Grape Juice + Vinegar

1:1 juice + 1 tsp vinegar per cup

Provides sweetness, fruitiness, and necessary acidity for marinades or reductions.

Pomegranate Juice

1:1

Offers a tart, fruity, and slightly tannic profile.

Buying Guide

Use a wine you'd drink for cooking; avoid "cooking wine."

Flavor Pairings

Red meat rich pasta dishes hard cheeses dark chocolate.

Recipes Using Red Wine

Time To Make Tomatoes Dinner Party Preparation

A Cheaper Cioppino

Craving a flavorful cioppino but watching your wallet? Food columnist Renee Enna's recipe delivers a toothsome fish stew without breaking the bank! This budget-friendly version uses affordable firm white fish (like cod or tilapia), shredded crab for richness, and hearty mushrooms for texture, replacing pricey shellfish. Enjoy the depth of flavor from low-sodium tomatoes and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this incredible, low-sodium (optional) seafood stew. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!

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Low In Something Low In Something Onions Romantic

A French Onion Soup Lovers French Onion Soup

This isn't just French onion soup; it's an unforgettable culinary experience! Years of perfecting this recipe have culminated in the ultimate combination of rich, caramelized onions, savory broth, and perfectly melted cheese. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor in every spoonful. Our secret? Slow-caramelized onions for unparalleled sweetness!

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Beef Course Vegetables Canadian

Alberta Beef Mushroom And Pepper Pasta

A hearty and flavourful pasta dish inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Canada! This Alberta Beef, Mushroom & Pepper Pasta recipe, adapted from Anita Stewart's classic Canadian flavours, boasts tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and sweet peppers in a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Course Tomatoes Time To Make Dinner Party

Apple Bacon Tomato Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup bursting with smoky bacon, sweet sautéed apples, and juicy tomatoes. This thick and satisfying recipe is elevated with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and served alongside crusty bread for the perfect autumnal meal. Adapted from a popular cooking website.

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Meat Eggs Dairy European Lamb Sheep

Arni Kleftiko Rebel Lamb

Discover the legendary Arni Kleftiko, a dish steeped in Greek history! 'Kleftiko' means 'stolen' in Greek, reflecting the clever way Greek rebels slow-cooked lamb in clay pots buried underground during the Ottoman occupation, avoiding detection by concealing the delicious aroma. This recipe recreates that magical slow-braising process, resulting in incredibly tender, flavorful lamb. Whether you use a traditional clay pot or parchment paper, the result is a romantic, unforgettable meal perfect for sharing with loved ones. Pair with a robust red wine for a truly authentic experience.

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Time To Make Greek Preparation Main Dish

Arni Youvetsi Lamb And Orzo

Experience the rich flavors of Greece with this Arni Youvetsi recipe! This comforting, traditional Sunday lunch dish features tender lamb slow-cooked with orzo pasta in a luscious tomato-based sauce. The orzo absorbs the delicious lamb juices, creating a truly unforgettable taste. Easily adaptable, you can substitute the lamb with beef or chicken for a similar hearty experience. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family meal!

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One Dish Meal Served Hot Occasion Taste Mood

Authentic Traditional Moussaka

Experience the taste of authentic Greek Moussaka, a national treasure! This recipe, straight from Zakynthos Island, will redefine your expectations. Prepare to be amazed by layers of tender eggplant, rich meat sauce, and creamy bechamel. A family recipe passed down through generations, this Moussaka is guaranteed to impress. Discover the secret to a truly unforgettable Greek culinary experience.

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Cuisine Dinner Party French Course

Bavette Flap Steak With Beurre Rouge Roasted Potatoes

Indulge in this stunning Bavette Flap Steak recipe! This flavorful cut of beef, similar to flank and skirt steak, is surprisingly affordable and packed with deliciousness. We'll sear it to perfection, then roast it to your desired doneness. The star of the show? A rich and decadent Beurre Rouge sauce – a classic French shallot, wine, and butter sauce that will elevate this dish to unforgettable levels. Perfectly crispy roasted potatoes complete this luxurious meal. Prepare for a flavor explosion that's worth every calorie!

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Dietary Beans Main Ingredient Low Carb

Beef And Lentil Stew

This hearty Beef and Lentil Stew is the perfect comforting meal for a chilly evening. Tender beef chunks simmered with earthy lentils, savory vegetables, and aromatic spices create a rich and satisfying dish that's surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!

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Weeknight Low Sodium Equipment Weeknight

Beef And Mushroom Stew

Indulge in this unbelievably rich and flavorful Beef and Mushroom Stew! A surprising touch of sour cream elevates this hearty classic, creating a luxuriously creamy texture that's both comforting and sophisticated enough for a dinner party. Perfect for a chilly evening, this home-style stew is bursting with savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Main Dish Preparation Low Fat Stews

Beef Bourguignon Ala Pressure Cooker

Experience the rich, savory flavors of authentic French Beef Bourguignon in a fraction of the time with this pressure cooker recipe! Inspired by the Better Homes and Gardens pressure cooker cookbook, this recipe boasts tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a deeply flavorful sauce – all ready in under an hour. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this simplified recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

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Comfort Food Course Easy Preparation

Beef Braised With Red Wine And Mushrooms

Indulge in this rich and deeply flavorful Beef Braise! Slow-cooked to perfection in a robust red wine sauce with earthy porcini and cremini mushrooms, this recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. A touch of dried porcini adds an unparalleled depth of umami. Cooking Light approved, with 307 calories per 1 1/4 cup serving. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Oven Dinner Party Equipment One Dish Meal

Beef Daube Provenal

Indulge in the rich, rustic flavors of this classic French Beef Daube Provençal! This slow-cooked beef stew, simmered in red wine with hearty vegetables, is incredibly simple to make yet delivers an unforgettable depth of flavor. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive Sunday supper, the tender beef and flavorful sauce are sure to impress. Easily adaptable for slow cookers or ovens, this recipe includes suggestions for a complete meal with crusty baguette and fresh salad.

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Main Ingredient Roast Beef Main Ingredient Course

Beef In Red Wine

Indulge in this decadent Beef in Red Wine roast, inspired by Charlotte Turgeon's Encyclopedia of Creative Cooking. This recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth beef experience, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich red wine sauce. The 12-24 hour marinade ensures maximum flavor penetration, resulting in an unforgettable culinary masterpiece. Learn a simple tomato peeling trick for effortless prep!

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Steak 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Main Ingredient

Beef In Red Wine Mushroom Sauce

Ron Kalenuiks' legendary Beef in Red Wine Mushroom Sauce recipe! This decadent dish features tender beef simmered in a luxurious red wine sauce, bursting with earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.

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4 Hours Or Less Dietary Stews Cuisine

Beef Stew In Berbere Sauce

Transport your taste buds to Ethiopia with this rich and flavorful beef stew! Inspired by Sunset Magazine's March 2006 recipe, this dish boasts exotic spices and a warming berbere sauce. Easily adjust the spice level to your preference – reduce cayenne pepper for a milder version. For an authentic twist, substitute Ethiopian Tej honey wine (or mead) for the red wine, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Prepare for a culinary adventure that's both comforting and unforgettable!

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Meat Vegetables English Northeastern United States

Beef Stew With Carrots And Mushrooms

Indulge in this rich and flavorful beef stew, featuring earthy cremini mushrooms, sweet carrots, and a robust red wine sauce. No tomatoes needed! This classic recipe, adapted from Cooking Light (Jan/Feb 2006), is perfect for a cozy night in. Enjoy tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a deeply satisfying sauce.

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Easy Dietary 15 Minutes Or Less Low Calorie

Belgian Endive Blue Cheese And Pear Salad

This stunning Belgian Endive, Blue Cheese, and Pear Salad is the perfect low-carb, crowd-pleasing dish! Impress your friends and family with this elegant yet easy-to-make recipe. Sweet pears, crunchy endive, creamy blue cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette create a flavor explosion that's both sophisticated and satisfying. Even the kids will love it! Perfect for a birthday dinner, holiday gathering, or a light yet impressive weeknight meal.

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