What to Drink with Carbonade? - Food & Wine Pairings

If you are pressed for time

When serving carbonade, we recommend red wines that are both fruity and not too full-bodied, as they pair well with the dish. These include:

In Burgundy, Pinot Noir.
A Beaujolais, such as the Juliénas appellation (“Vielles vignes” 2012 from Château d’Empreintes)
Light red wines from Roussillon.
The Southwest also beckons, with a Madiran, for example.

What kind of wine goes well with beef stew?

When faced with this rich and flavorful dish, the Flemish will be quick to offer you a good beer—and you might just find yourself tempted! When it comes to wine, however, it’s a different story. Forget white and rosé; here, we’re talking about red wine. You should opt for either a full-bodied red or a lighter red with a bit of liveliness. Why? A full-bodied red wine works well as long as it doesn’t have too many tannins, which can be hard to balance. Too many tannins will weigh down the dish. A light, fruity red wine will cut through the dish’s richness and give it a little kick. So go for that kind of wine.

Which bottles should I choose?

To make the right choice, opt for a red wine that is fairly light or medium-bodied, yet fruity, with well-balanced intensity. Look to Burgundy, where you’ll find wines made from Pinot Noir that pair perfectly with saucy dishes like beef stew. Beaujolais also offers some excellent reds, such as the Juliénas appellation with the 2012 “Vieilles Vignes ” from Château d’Empreintes, for example. Light red wines from Roussillon are also a great choice and pair very well with carbonade. Looking for a bit more flavor? Madiran from the Southwest beckons with its mellow tannins and subtle power—a match made in heaven!

The beef stew is simmering

Carbonade is a dish made with beef (often chuck), simmered in a beer or wine sauce. Typical recipes can be found in several regions, notably the Flemish carbonade from northern France. There is also Provençal carbonade. It is also a specialty of northern Italy. Carbonade is often compared to beef bourguignon. Above all, carbonade is a dish enjoyed with family or friends, especially in the winter. It is a hearty dish that is sure to delight your taste buds.

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