I wasn’t always a wine drinker, and at one point I never thought I would be. So, when I would look at menus that would show the best wines to accompany certain meals, I didn’t get it- couldn’t you drink any wine with any type of dish- why were red wines recommended for red meats while white wines always seemed to go with fish? I guess I would never understand until I was introduced to the world of wines and their distinct personalities.
After I met my husband, I was introduced to his cousins, who quickly became my family too. This amazing group of girls created a safe support system for each other and twice a month would go out for some therapeutic girl chat over wine. I never knew what to order once I started going along for the ride, so I generally ordered whatever someone else ordered. Many times I was left disappointed, but the key thing here is I got to try many different types of wines and finally understanding what to expect with each. I’m not quite a wind connoisseur, but I know what I like, and I finally understand wine pairings (although I don’t necessarily adhere to the recommendations.)
When it comes to making dinner at home, I use wine in my recipes. My beef stew, for example, is one of my favorite one pot meals that my entire family enjoys. The recipe will follow soon, but let me tell you about this ultimate comfort meal. It starts with 1 inch cubes of beef or pork, browned in a coated cast iron pot. Onions are added, and once carmelized I add some Gallo Hearty Burgundy to deglaze the pot. I toss in some baby carrots, frozen peas, and a little tomato sauce, then let the stove top do the rest of the work. Easy, hearty, healthy, and delicious- what more could you ask for?
I’ve tried this recipe many times and changed it up throughout the years, typically changing the wine each time. I usually have whatever is on hand. The hearty burgundy I used from added a body to this dish that flavored the beef nicely. During dinner, I poured some hearty burgundy for my hubby and I, and enjoyed the perfect pairing. Not only because the flavor of the wine was hinted in the dish, but also because the full bodied wine picked up the flavors of all the other ingredients with each sip. A perfect pairing made in the kitchen!
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Hearty Beef Stew
Ingredients
2 pounds cubed beef
1 cup baby carrots
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup Gallo Family Vineyards Hearty Burgundy Wine
2 tbsp Tomato Paste
1/2 tsp cinnamon
salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Brown beef on both sides. Add onions and stir gently. Once onions have caramelized, add wine to deglaze pan. Add remaining ingredients, stir gently, cover pot, and simmer for 30 minutes or until beef is tender and cooked through.
What are some of your favorite wine pairings?
ohhhhhh the stew looks fabulous!! And you made it so easy to follow!
This looks so hearty and delicious!
Looks delicious, beef stew with wine is the best!
That looks so good!
I don’t really drink much but I just love the flavor of wine in a beef stew. That looks delicious!
Oh yum. I love a good beef dish made with a red wine. That looks really tasty.
This looks really, really good!
What a perfect way to pair this wine. It sounds terrific and so flavorful.
I like to pair wine with cheese. Nice and simple.
This looks so delicious. I make stew quite a bit as everyone in the family loves it but never thought of putting wine in my stew. Thank you for the great recipe!!!