Big, Bold and Delicious Red Wines to Pair with Hearty, Spring Dishes

Perhaps equally as satisfying as grilling out during the summer, hearty foods that cook most of the day and fill the house with irresistible aromas are the perfect seasonal meal to enjoy on (hopefully) the last chilly days of early Spring.

Whatever your preference–from stews, roasts or long-simmered pasta sauces–the common denominator with each of these hearty meals is that they pair perfectly with a bold red wine. Remember: big flavors demand big flavor. As pairing geeks, we believe that a perfect pairing allows the wine and food to shine equally, while also maintaining the individual character of each.

Our stores carry many bold and robust wines from around the world, and our Wine Consultants will help you discover the perfect wine to complement your feast. Here are some of our current favorites that are delicious, food-friendly and outstanding values!

Freakshow Zinfandel
$19.99 (OH), $20.99 (IL)

Savvy wine fans have known for years that one of the best red wine values from California is Zinfandel. Matching big red fruit flavors with soft tannins, a well-made Zin can often be described as “gulpable”. This wine from California’s Lodi Appellation showcases blazing red berry and dark fruit flavors that are complemented with black pepper and spice notes. This one loves heat, so don’t be afraid to spice up the meal!

Pair this with: Eggplant Caponata with Spicy Sausage

Zingari Red Blend
$15.99 (Available only in OH) – Find this in our Club 92 section

Italian wines from the famous Tuscany region are not often thought of as big and bold. This gem defies you to not rethink what you may believe about Tuscany! This Italy-meets-Bordeaux-meets-Rhone blend of Sangiovese (Italy), Merlot and Petite Verdot (Bordeaux) and Syrah (Rhone Valley) jumps from the glass with red cherry and chocolate highlights. The finish is long and juicy and begs for the biggest, boldest red sauce you can create.

Pair this with: Moroccan Mussels & Chickpeas in Spiced Tomato Broth

High Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
$14.99 (OH & IL) – Find this in our Club 92 section

From picturesque vineyards located in the High Valley of Lake County, California, we present one of our very favorite Cabernet Sauvignon values. Simply put, this zesty wine has everything that Cab fans look for–dark plum and blackberry flavors, chewy yet smooth tannins and hints of toast and spice on the finish. It seems to be the very reason why beef was created, and you’ll discover the same when you pair this with your favorite braised dish!

Pair this with: Simple Beef Stew with Red Wine Sauce

Concannon Petite Sirah
$ 12.99 (OH), $14.99 (IL) – Find this in our Pick of the Vine section

Despite the name, there is absolutely nothing petite about this full-throttle wine. While not often labeled on its own, Petite Sirah is one of the oldest red varieties in California. Most times, it is blended into other wines to enhance the wine’s color. Speaking of color, when you pour this in the glass, you may think that you have a glass of ink! The color is a prelude to intensely concentrated berry and black pepper flavors, that despite the power, manage to finish smooth and silky. If you’re looking for something different from California, we can’t recommend this one highly enough!

Pair this with: Herb and Garlic Roasted Lamb with Red Wine Sauce