Happy National Red Wine Day! (Like you really needed an excuse to drink more.) To help get you in the spirit, we’ve created a guide to help you pair red wines with some of Chicago’s favorite foods.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Full-bodied red wine with dark fruit flavors and savory notes.
Goes well with: Marinated rib-eye steak, so why not pair it with steak tacos? Other companions include cheddar, venison, grilled tuna, broccoli, tomato sauce and bittersweet chocolate.
Port
Sweet wine with notes of berry and chocolate.
Goes well with: Considered a dessert wine, ports pair well with sweets and treats. There are countless delicious doughnut shops in Chicago, so grab your favorite and sip away.
We won’t judge you if you have it for breakfast.
Merlot
Medium-bodied red wine with red fruit flavors and a soft finish.
Goes well with: Roasted meats, so why not pair it with an Italian beef sandwich? Other companions include parmesan, steak, tuna, onions, berries and dark chocolate.
Pinot noir
Light red wine with fresh berry notes.
Goes well with: Sausage and cured meats, so why not pair it with a classic Chicago hot dog? Other companions include goat cheese, brie, lamb, filet mignon, mushrooms and white chocolate.
Syrah
Full-bodied red wine with dark fruit flavors and spicy notes.
Goes well with: Pepperoni and spicy sausage, so why not pair it with a classic Chicago deep-dish pizza? Other companions include sharp cheddar, salmon, red sauce and chocolate cake.
