Meat on the menu? This red charmer goes with every dish
Some red wines are made to drink with meat. Like the full-bodied red wines from the Spanish wine region of Ribera del Duero. Delicious with roasted red meat and game.
Many countries have their own red superstar. Italians have nebbiolo, Australians have shiraz and Spain has tempranillo. And just saying that name makes me happy, although after a few glasses I do laugh with my mouth closed. That is immediately the only downside of this wine: it quickly gives you blue teeth. I’ll gladly accept that. Because what fantastic wines they are. From fresh and fruity light aperitif wines to full-bodied and rich concentrated flavor bombs to enjoy with food. Lighter tempranillos go very well with tapas, while the heavier ones are delicious with robust game flavors or roasted meat dishes. The classic combination is with lamb.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero, which literally means riverbank along the Duero, is one of Spain’s best-known wine regions, in the heart of northern Spain, 120 kilometers north of Madrid. Ribera is known for its complex red wines with plenty of tannins, made primarily from tinto fino or tinto país, as the tempranillo grape is called in Spain itself. Put these (Christmas) wines on the menu and you’ll steal the show!
With tapas
Bodegas Antidoto Roselito Rosado, €9.90
Do as the Spaniards do and serve this fresh rosé as an aperitif with a well-stocked drinks platter con manchego y jamón. Success guaranteed!
With grilled lamb
Valduero Crianza 2015, €12.90
Lamb is subtle yet intense on the one hand, earthy yet juicy on the other. Combined with tempranillo, it’s a match made in heaven! Especially when the wine in question has aged for 15 months in French and American oak, like this top-notch bottle. A chic wine at a great price, guaranteed to earn you points at the table.
With a winter BBQ
Protos Roble 2018, €9.99
It doesn’t all have to be too heavy at the barbecue. So this young tempranillo is a lovely fruity crowd-pleaser, best enjoyed lightly chilled. It’s also currently on special for €6.99. Light the fire!
With stews
Condado de Haza Crianza 2016, €17.95
A lush red wine that goes wonderfully with virtually any spicy dish. Lamb stew, boeuf bourguignon, bean casserole… you name it; this guy is your best friend with stewed meat. Don’t serve it too warm, but at around 17 degrees, so it can show at its best.
With game
Pago de los Capellanes Reserva 2015, €39.95
Game on the table at Christmas: it doesn’t get more classic than that. But what do you serve with your venison steak or that hare pepper stew? This Reserva is the absolute pinnacle of what Ribera del Duero has to offer. It won’t be overpowered by the pronounced game flavor; it simply adds another layer of intensity. Your guests at the table will nod approvingly. You can safely count on being allowed to arrange the Christmas wines again next year.
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