Red wine is great for more than just drinking. Use it when cooking sauces and stews to add some extra complexity. The experts at Jacques Scott Wine & Spirits have some delicious red wine recommendations.
Jacques Scott Wine & Spirits is the leading retailer of premium beer, wine and liquor in the Cayman Islands. Visit our online store and order everything you need, including mixers and soft drinks, and have us deliver it FREE anywhere on Grand Cayman. If we receive your order before 3:00 pm, we’ll deliver it the same day (Monday through Saturday).
We stock an extensive selection of wines from around the world, including the finest French, Italian and American wines and award-winning wines from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Spain, Portugal and South Africa.
If you prefer to shop in person or simply want to look around for something unique, we have six convenient Grand Cayman locations to serve you in every district from West Bay to East End. Please note that our stores are closed on Sundays.
Cooking with Red Wine
Rule of thumb: It’s not necessary to choose the most expensive red wine for your recipe, but the wrong wine can turn an otherwise good dish bad. If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it.
Some dishes might benefit from a wine with more fruitiness, while others might benefit from a wine with more acidity. In general, the best options are dry red wines, including:
Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is considered a moderately dry, medium-to-light bodied wine. It has a balanced acid that makes it a great choice for cooking. It is a redder, less tannic wine with berry and earth flavors that go very well with beef. Try the Chateau St Jean Pinot Noir from Sonoma County, California.
Chianti: Chianti wines, which come from Chianti in the Tuscany region of Italy, vary in style, primarily based on ageing. Styles range from light to full bodied, but they are always dry. It’s an excellent choice for cooking meats, such as pork spare ribs and barbecued steak. Try the Ruffino Chianti
Merlot: Merlot has relatively low tannins (reducing the risk for bitterness) and is soft and fruity. It will bring balance and strong flavors to any dish and makes a great ingredient in red sauce pastas or spicy dishes. Try the Yellow Tail Merlot from South Australia.
Now that you have a few tips on the best red wine for cooking, your next dish is destined to be a masterpiece. Stop by Jacques Scott Wine & Spirits on Grand Cayman for more suggestions and to pick up something to drink while waiting for the food to cook!
