Braised short ribs are a delicious, hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with wine. The rich, tender meat and savory braising liquid calls for a wine that can stand up to the bold flavors. But with the wide variety of red wines available, it can be tricky to know which wines will complement braised short ribs best. Choosing the right wine can take this dish to the next level.
In this article, we’ll cover the key factors to consider when selecting a wine for braised short ribs. We’ll go over the best grape varietals and wine styles and make recommendations of specific bottles to try. We’ll also provide serving tips to get the most out of your wine pairing. With the information in this guide, you’ll be able to confidently choose a wine that enhances the flavors of your braised short ribs.
Key Factors in Selecting Wine for Braised Short Ribs
When determining what wine pairs best with braised short ribs, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
Body and Tannins
Braised short ribs have a very bold, hearty flavor profile. You’ll want a wine that has enough body and structure to stand up to the rich meatiness of the dish. Wines that are medium to full-bodied with firm, grippy tannins work best. Light, delicate wines will get overpowered.
Fruitiness
The natural sweetness of fruit flavors balances out the savoriness of the braised ribs. Look for wines with fresh red or black fruit notes rather than overtly jammy wines. Too much ripeness doesn’t pair well.
Oak Influence
Subtle oaking adds nice complexity. Barrel-aged wines with spicy, vanilla oak notes complement the warm spices in the braising liquid. But too much oak can clash with the flavors.
Acidity
Acidity helps cut through the richness of the dish. Wines with medium to high acid provide freshness and prevent the pairing from becoming heavy.
Now that we’ve covered the key elements to look for, let’s get into the specifics on the best grape varietals and wine styles for braised short ribs.
Best Grape Varietals for Braised Short Ribs
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular and reliable matches for braised short ribs. California Cabernets are ideal. They have concentrated dark fruit flavors backed by ample tannins and oak spice. Bordeaux blends with a Cabernet base also pair wonderfully.
Merlot
Merlot has just enough body and tannins to complement the ribs without overpowering. The soft, plummy fruitiness balances the rich meat. Blends containing Merlot like Bordeaux are great options.
Malbec
Argentinian Malbec is a perfect pick for braised short ribs. It has lots of ripe cherry/berry flavors, enough tannic grip, and a smooth, velvety texture. The hint of spice from oak aging is the icing on the cake.
Syrah
Whether from California, Australia, or France, Syrah’s mix of dark fruits, savory notes, and mild tannins works beautifully with braised ribs. The peppery hints match nicely with the warm spices.
Zinfandel
California Zinfandel has plenty of bold, brambly fruit and high alcohol to stand up to the hearty rib meat. Old vine Zins with some age also complement the dish well.
Petite Sirah
With substantial tannins and dark fruits, Petite Sirah (also called Durif) has the structure needed for rich braised ribs. California and Washington make excellent Petite Sirahs.
Grenache
The bright red fruit, pepper, and herbs in Grenache pair perfectly with the savory ribs. Grenache dominant blends or single varietals from Spain, California or Australia are great options.
Best Wine Styles for Braised Short Ribs
In addition to choosing grapes/blends, you’ll also want to take the wine style into consideration:
Big Reds
Concentrated, full throttle reds are tailor-made for braised short ribs. Think California Cabernets, Barossa Shiraz, Malbecs, Zinfandels, etc. Their bold fruit and ample tannins stand up well to the hearty flavors of the dish.
Well Aged Reds
Older red wines often work beautifully with braised ribs. As wines age, the tannins soften and integrate, allowing more nuanced flavors to shine. Mature Bordeaux, Barolo, Rioja and California Cabernets from good vintages are great options.
Spicy Reds
Wines with spice notes complement the warm aromatics like cinnamon, cloves, and red chiles often used to braise the ribs. Look for bottles of Syrah, Zinfandel, Grenache and Malbec with black or white pepper on the nose and palate.
Smoky Reds
If your braised ribs have a smoky element from charring the meat or from chipotles, smoked paprika etc., reach for wines with smoky aromas. Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet and blends can take on tobacco/smoky notes during oak aging that pair perfectly.
Earthy Reds
Earthy notes like forest floor, leather and truffle in aged Old World wines provide an extra layer of savoriness and umami that enhances the dish. Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and aged Rioja are especially good.
So those are the main grape varieties and wine styles to seek out. Now let’s get into specific wine recommendations that are readily available and pair wonderfully with braised short ribs.
Best Value Wine Recommendations for Braised Short Ribs
Here are some of my top value wine picks for braised short ribs:
| Wine | Description | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Borsao Tres Picos | Garnacha from Spain with ripe berry, pepper and vanilla notes. | $12 |
| Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet | Full-bodied Chilean Cabernet with cassis, tobacco and cedar flavors. | $15 |
| Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva | Smooth, mature Tempranillo-based blend from Spain with spice and leather notes. | $20 |
| Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet | Washington State Cab with concentrated blackberry and chocolate notes. | $25 |
| Tamar Ridge Devil’s Corner Pinot Noir | Medium-bodied cool climate Pinot with cherry, earth and herbs. | $15 |
These wines provide great quality and character at reasonable prices. The Garnacha, Rioja and Pinot Noir are nice lighter weight options. While the Cabernets have the boldness needed to match the braised ribs.
Higher End Wine Recommendations for Braised Short Ribs
If you want to splurge on a special bottle, here are some higher end wines to consider:
| Wine | Description | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon | Complex Napa Valley Cabernet with blackberry, mocha and graphite notes. | $80 |
| Cigar Zinfandel | Huge, concentrated zin from Napa’s Stagecoach Vineyard. | $100 |
| Renato Ratti Barolo | Smooth, aromatic Nebbiolo with truffle, rose and strawberry flavors. | $70 |
| Penfolds Grange | Legendary Shiraz from Australia with intense ripe fruit and pepper spice. | $700 |
| Chateau Sociando Mallet | Structured Bordeaux blend with cassis, tobacco and cedar. | $60 |
These outstanding bottles are worth their higher price tags. The concentrated fruit, velvety tannins and complexity will take the braised short ribs to new heights.
Tips for Serving Wine with Braised Short Ribs
To get the most enjoyment out of your wine pairing:
– Let both the wine and ribs come to room temp before serving. This allows the fullest range of aromas and flavors to emerge.
– Decant full-bodied reds for 1-2 hours before drinking to allow them to open up and soften.
– If corked, stand the wine upright for a day before decanting to allow sediment to settle.
– Pair the side dishes smartly. Mashed potatoes, polenta or risotto work well. Avoid bitter greens or acids that may clash.
– Portions of braised ribs can vary quite a bit. Have extra bottles on hand or opt for magnums if serving a larger group.
– Sample different wines with the meal to see what you like best. The relative saltiness, sweetness, smokiness etc. can vary.
– Don’t forget to match wine with the dessert course too. Port, Banyuls and aged Sauternes are heavenly with chocolate.
Conclusion
A good wine match elevates any dish, and braised short ribs deserve an excellent pairing. Look for full-bodied, fruit forward reds with ripe tannins, subtle oak and notes of spice or earth. Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec and other big reds complement the hearty ribs beautifully. Serve your wine at room temp in big glasses. Offering older, nuanced wines and some younger, fruit-driven bottles lets guests choose their preference. Follow these guidelines and your wine will thoroughly enrich this rustic, flavorful braise.