With regards to comfort food, meatloaf is a classic that never disappoints. The hearty dish is perfect for a cozy night in, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. But what wine should you serve with meatloaf? While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, pairing the right wine with your meatloaf can elevate the flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.
I have spent countless hours experimenting with different wine pairings for various dishes. I can confidently say that there are several wine options that pair perfectly with meatloaf. From bold reds to crisp whites, there is a wine out there for every meatloaf recipe and budget. In this article, I will share my top picks for the best wines to serve with meatloaf, as well as some tips for finding the perfect wine pairing for your next meatloaf dinner.
Best Red Wines to Pair with Meatloaf
With regards to pairing red wine with meatloaf, there are several options that can enhance the flavors of this classic comfort food. Here are some of my favorite red wine pairings for meatloaf:
Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine that pairs well with meatloaf due to its soft tannins and fruit-forward flavors. This wine has a smooth texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors of meatloaf. Merlot is also a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of meatloaf recipes, from classic beef to turkey or vegetarian options.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that has bold tannins and a rich flavor profile. This wine pairs well with meatloaf because its high tannin content can balance the meaty flavors of the dish. Cabernet Sauvignon is also a great choice if you’re serving meatloaf with a tomato-based sauce or a side of roasted vegetables.
Zinfandel is a bold and spicy red wine that pairs well with meatloaf due to its high tannin content and peppery notes. This wine has a rich flavor profile that can complement the savory flavors of meatloaf, especially if your recipe includes a spicy sauce or seasoning. We can personally recommend Seven Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel.
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine that has a delicate flavor profile and low tannins. This wine pairs well with meatloaf if your recipe has a lighter sauce or if you’re serving the dish with a side of salad or vegetables. Pinot Noir has a fruity flavor that can complement the sweet and savory flavors of meatloaf. Try Bread & Butter Pinot Noir here.
Syrah / Shiraz is a full-bodied red wine that has a bold flavor profile and high tannins. This wine pairs well with meatloaf if your recipe includes bold spices or if you’re serving the dish with a side of roasted root vegetables. Syrah/Shiraz has a smoky flavor that can complement the savory flavors of meatloaf.
Beaujolais is a light-bodied French red wine that has a fruity flavor profile and low tannins. This wine pairs well with meatloaf if your recipe has a lighter sauce or if you’re serving the dish with a side of fresh vegetables. Beaujolais has a bright and refreshing flavor that can complement the sweet and savory flavors of meatloaf.
Barbera is a medium-bodied Italian red wine that has a fruity flavor profile and low tannins. This wine pairs well with meatloaf if your recipe has a tomato-based sauce or if you’re serving the dish with a side of pasta or risotto. Barbera has a bright acidity that can balance the rich flavors of meatloaf.
Malbec is a full-bodied red wine that has a bold flavor profile and high tannins. This wine pairs well with meatloaf if your recipe includes bold spices or if you’re serving the dish with a side of roasted vegetables. Malbec has a rich and complex flavor that can complement the savory flavors of meatloaf.
Bordeaux is a full-bodied French red wine that has a complex flavor profile and high tannins. This wine pairs well with meatloaf if your recipe includes bold flavors or if you’re serving the dish with a side of hearty vegetables. Bordeaux has a rich and earthy flavor that can complement the savory flavors of meatloaf.
Overall, there are many red wine options that can pair well with meatloaf, from light-bodied and fruity to full-bodied and bold. When choosing a wine to pair with meatloaf, consider the flavors and spices in your recipe, as well as the side dishes you plan to serve.
Best White Wines to Pair with Meatloaf
As a wine enthusiast, I always love to pair my meals with the perfect wine. Meatloaf is no exception. With regards to meatloaf, I usually go for red wine, but white wine can be an excellent choice too. In this section, I will share with you some of my favorite white wine pairings for meatloaf.
Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that can complement the creaminess of mashed potatoes served with meatloaf. It can also pair well with a meatloaf that has a sweet glaze or sauce. Some Chardonnay wines to pair with meatloaf include:
- Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay
- Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay
- Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing white wine that can cut through the richness of meatloaf. It goes well with a meatloaf that has a tangy tomato-based sauce or a spicy glaze. One we have really enjoyed is Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Some Sauvignon Blanc wines to pair with meatloaf include:
- Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
- Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
- Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied and acidic white wine that can balance the flavors of meatloaf. It goes well with a meatloaf that has a lighter sauce and is more fluffy and delicate. Some Pinot Grigio wines to pair with meatloaf include:
- Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
- Jermann Pinot Grigio
- Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio
Why Pairing is Important
I know that pairing the right wine with food can make all the difference in the world. With regards to meatloaf, a dish that is rich in flavors, choosing the right wine is crucial to the success of the meal. The right wine pairing can enhance the flavors of the meatloaf, while the wrong one can overpower or clash with the dish, leaving you with a less-than-ideal dining experience.
Factors to Consider with Meatloaf
With regards to pairing wine with meatloaf, there are a few factors to consider. The first one is the type of meat used in the meatloaf. Beef is the most common type of meat used, but some recipes call for pork, veal, or a combination of meats. The type of meat used will affect the flavor and texture of the meatloaf, which in turn will impact the wine pairing.
Another factor to consider is the seasoning and sauce used in the meatloaf. Some recipes call for a tomato-based sauce, while others use gravy or a glaze. The seasoning used, such as herbs, spices, or garlic, will also impact the flavor profile of the meatloaf.
Lastly, the cooking method used for the meatloaf should also be taken into account. Meatloaf can be baked, grilled, or pan-fried, and the cooking method can affect the texture and flavor of the dish.
Choosing the right wine to pair with meatloaf can elevate your dining experience and make your meal more enjoyable. By considering the type of meat, seasoning, sauce, and cooking method used in the meatloaf, you can make an informed decision and select a wine that complements the flavors of the dish.
Best Wine with Meatloaf
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wine to pair with your next meatloaf dinner:
Tannins are compounds found in wine that can give it a bitter taste and a drying sensation in the mouth. When pairing wine with meatloaf, it’s important to choose a wine with enough tannins to balance out the meaty flavors of the dish. Medium-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz are great options as they have enough tannins to stand up to the heartiness of the meatloaf.
Acidity is another important factor to consider when pairing wine with meatloaf. Wines with high acidity can help cut through the richness of the meat and provide a refreshing contrast. White wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay are good choices if you prefer a wine with higher acidity.
The sweetness of the wine can also play a role in how well it pairs with meatloaf. Sweeter wines like Riesling or Moscato can complement the sweetness of the meatloaf glaze or sauce. However, if your meatloaf is on the sweeter side, it’s best to choose a wine with lower sweetness to balance it out.
The mouthfeel of a wine refers to its texture and body. When pairing wine with meatloaf, it’s important to choose a wine with a similar mouthfeel to the dish. For example, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon can pair well with a hearty, meaty meatloaf while a lighter-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio can complement a lighter, fluffier meatloaf.
The aromas of the wine can also enhance the flavors of the meatloaf. Red wines like Shiraz or Zinfandel can have aromas of black pepper, which can complement the spices in the meatloaf. White wines like Chardonnay can have buttery aromas that can pair well with a meatloaf that has a rich, buttery sauce.
By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect wine to pair with your next meatloaf dinner. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules With regards to wine pairing, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your taste buds.
Wrapping up, white wine can be an excellent choice to pair with meatloaf. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio are some of my favorite white wine pairings for meatloaf. However, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s taste buds are different, and what works for me may not work for you. So, feel free to experiment and find your perfect pairing.
Wine improves with age.
I improve with wine.