What wine to drink with sausage

Sausage is a versatile and flavorful meat that can be enjoyed in various forms, such as bratwurst, chorizo, or Italian sausage. When pairing wine with sausage, it is important to consider the flavors and spices in the sausage, as well as the cooking method used. The right wine can enhance the overall dining experience and bring out the best in both the sausage and the wine. Here are a few recommendations on what wine to drink with sausage.

1. Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a bold and robust red wine that pairs well with sausages that have strong flavors and spices. Its fruity and jammy notes complement the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors in sausages like chorizo or spicy Italian sausage. Zinfandel’s high alcohol content helps balance out the richness of the sausage, making it an excellent match.

2. Sangiovese: Sangiovese is a classic Italian red wine with medium body and acidity, making it an excellent choice for pairing with sausages like Italian sweet sausage. It has earthy and herbal notes that complement the flavors of the sausage, while its acidity helps cut through the richness. Sangiovese is also versatile enough to pair well with sausages served in tomato-based sauces or pasta dishes.

3. Syrah/Shiraz: Syrah or Shiraz, depending on the region, is a bold and spicy red wine with flavors of dark fruits, pepper, and smoke. It pairs well with sausages that have spicy or smoky flavors like Andouille or Cajun sausages. The spiciness of the wine enhances the heat in the sausage, creating a harmonious flavor combination.

4. Malbec: Malbec is a red wine with medium to full body and flavors of black fruit, chocolate, and spices. It pairs well with sausages that have savory, smoky, and herbal flavors, like bratwurst or German sausages. The wine’s smooth tannins and fruitiness complement the richness of the sausage, adding depth to the dining experience.

5. Riesling: If you prefer white wine with your sausage, Riesling is an excellent choice. It is a versatile wine with varying levels of sweetness and acidity, making it suitable for different types of sausages. The slight sweetness in off-dry Rieslings pairs well with sausages that have a touch of sweetness, like breakfast sausages or chicken apple sausages. On the other hand, a dry Riesling with high acidity can cut through the richness of sausages like bratwurst or smoked sausages.

It is worth mentioning that personal preference plays a significant role in wine pairings. While these recommendations are generally safe bets, experimenting with different wines can lead to delightful surprises. It is also essential to consider the cooking method and the accompanying sides when pairing wine with sausage. Grilled sausages may work well with different wines than sausages served in a rich tomato-based sauce, for example.

In conclusion, choosing the right wine to pair with sausage can elevate your dining experience. Whether you prefer bold reds like Zinfandel or Shiraz, classic Italian Sangiovese, or a versatile white like Riesling, there are plenty of options to choose from. The key is to consider the flavors and spices in the sausage and find a wine that complements and enhances them. So, next time you indulge in a juicy sausage, don’t forget to grab a bottle of the perfect wine to accompany it. Cheers!