Veal is a delicate meat with a subtle flavor, so you want to choose a wine that won’t overpower it. At the same time, you want a wine that will complement the flavors of the dish and enhance your dining experience. So, which wine goes with veal?
Key Takeaways
- Veal dishes with lighter sauces or fried veal cutlets pair well with white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
- Grilled veal chops or veal stews pair better with red wines such as Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, or Valpolicella.
- When in doubt, a medium-bodied red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can be a safe choice for most veal dishes.
- It’s important to consider the complexity and acidity of the veal dish when selecting a wine pairing.
In general, red wines tend to pair well with veal. However, this can depend on the preparation and seasoning of the dish. For example, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Chianti can pair nicely with a simple veal cutlet, while a richer Barolo or Cabernet Sauvignon may be better suited for a more complex preparation like a veal stew. White wines can also work with veal dishes, particularly those with creamy or buttery sauces. A Chardonnay or Viognier can be a good choice in these cases.
Remember, wine pairing is subjective and what works for one person may not work for another.
Understanding Veal and Wine Pairing
Veal is meat that comes from young cattle, usually less than six months old. It is known for its tender texture and delicate flavor. Veal can be prepared in many different ways, such as scaloppini, osso buco, and saltimbocca.
Pairing wine with veal can be a tricky task, but it can also be an enjoyable experience. The key is to find a wine that complements the flavor and texture of the meat. Here are some general guidelines to follow when pairing wine with veal:
- Lighter cuts of veal, such as scaloppini or medallions, pair well with light-bodied red wines or white wines. These wines have a lower tannin content and higher acidity, which help to balance the delicate flavor of the meat.
- Richer cuts of veal, such as osso buco, pair well with full-bodied red wines. These wines have a higher tannin content and lower acidity, which help to complement the richness of the meat.
- Veal dishes with a cream or butter-based sauce pair well with white wines, such as Chardonnay. These wines have a higher acidity, which helps to cut through the richness of the sauce.
- Veal dishes with a tomato-based sauce pair well with red wines, such as Sangiovese or Barbera. These wines have a higher acidity, which helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
When pairing wine with veal, it is also important to consider the cooking method and seasoning of the dish. For example, a veal dish with a heavy seasoning of herbs and spices may pair well with a bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon.
Factors to Consider
With regards to pairing wine with veal, there are several factors to consider. As a wine enthusiast, I always consider the acidity, flavor profile, texture, fat, tannins, preparation and cooking method, sauce, and seasoning of the veal dish.
Acidity
Acidity is an essential factor to consider in veal and wine pairing. Veal dishes with high acidity pair well with wines that have high acidity levels. For instance, veal dishes prepared with lemon juice or vinegar will pair well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of the veal dish also plays a crucial role in wine pairing. Veal dishes with mild flavors pair well with light-bodied wines like Pinot Noir, while those with bold flavors pair well with full-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Texture
The texture of the veal dish is also an important consideration. Tender veal dishes pair well with light-bodied wines, while hearty veal dishes pair well with full-bodied wines.
Fat
Fat is another factor to consider in veal and wine pairing. Veal dishes with high-fat content pair well with full-bodied red wines like Syrah or Malbec.
Tannins
Tannins are compounds found in wine that give it a dry, bitter taste. Veal dishes with high tannins pair well with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Preparation and Cooking Method
The preparation and cooking method of the veal dish also plays a role in wine pairing. Veal dishes that are grilled or roasted pair well with full-bodied red wines, while those that are sautéed or pan-fried pair well with light-bodied white wines.
Sauce and Seasoning
The sauce and seasoning used in the veal dish also influence wine pairing. Veal dishes prepared with tomato-based sauces pair well with medium-bodied red wines like Chianti. Veal dishes prepared with cream-based sauces pair well with full-bodied white wines like Chardonnay.
Red Wine Pairing with Veal
With regards to pairing red wine with veal, there are several options to choose from. In this section, I will discuss some of the most popular red wine options that pair well with veal.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with rich, flavorful veal dishes such as Osso Bucco or roasted veal chops. The high tannin content in Cabernet Sauvignon helps to cut through the richness of the meat, while the bold flavors of blackberry, cassis, and cedar complement the dish perfectly.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied red wine that pairs well with lighter veal dishes such as veal scallopini or veal medallions. The wine’s bright acidity helps to cut through the richness of the meat, while the flavors of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones provide a subtle complement to the dish.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with hearty veal dishes such as veal stew or grilled veal chops. The wine’s bold flavors of blackberry, spice, and pepper complement the rich flavors of the meat, while the high alcohol content helps to cut through the dish’s richness.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a medium-bodied red wine that pairs well with lighter veal dishes such as veal piccata or veal marsala. The wine’s bright acidity and flavors of red cherry, plum, and spice provide a perfect complement to the dish, while the wine’s tannins help to cut through the richness of the meat.
Syrah
Syrah is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with rich, flavorful veal dishes such as Osso Bucco or roasted veal chops. The wine’s bold flavors of blackberry, plum, and smoked meat complement the dish perfectly, while the wine’s high tannin content helps to cut through the richness of the meat.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco is a medium-bodied red wine that pairs well with lighter veal dishes such as veal scallopini or veal medallions. The wine’s bright acidity and flavors of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones provide a subtle complement to the dish, while the wine’s tannins help to cut through the richness of the meat.
Haut-Médoc
Haut-Médoc is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with hearty veal dishes such as veal stew or grilled veal chops. The wine’s bold flavors of black currant, tobacco, and earthy undertones complement the rich flavors of the meat, while the wine’s high tannin content helps to cut through the dish’s richness.
Valpolicella
Valpolicella is a medium-bodied red wine that pairs well with lighter veal dishes such as veal piccata or veal marsala. The wine’s bright acidity and flavors of red cherry, plum, and spice provide a perfect complement to the dish, while the wine’s tannins help to cut through the richness of the meat.
White Wine Paired with Veal
With regards to pairing white wine with veal, several options can complement the delicate flavors of the meat. As a wine enthusiast, I suggest considering the following white wines when pairing with veal.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a popular white wine for pairing with veal. It has a rich buttery flavor that can complement the meat’s texture and flavor. A lightly oaked Chardonnay can pair well with veal scallopini, while a more full-bodied Chardonnay can stand up to the richness of veal chops.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a light and refreshing white wine that can pair well with veal dishes that have a lemon or white wine sauce. Its citrusy notes can help cut through the richness of the meat, making it an excellent choice for veal piccata.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is another white wine that can complement the delicate flavors of veal. Its crisp acidity can balance the richness of the meat, making it an excellent choice for grilled veal chops or veal Milanese.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is a white wine that can pair well with veal dishes that have a fruity or sweet sauce. Its honeyed notes can complement the sweetness of the sauce, making it an excellent choice for veal with apricot or peach sauce.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner is a white wine that can pair well with veal dishes that have a creamy or buttery sauce. Its crisp acidity can balance the richness of the sauce, making it an excellent choice for veal with mushroom or cream sauce.
Veal Dish and Wine Pairing
When pairing wine with veal dishes, there are a few things to consider. The cut of veal, the way it is cooked, and the sauce or seasoning used all play a role in finding the perfect wine pairing. Here are some suggestions for pairing wine with popular veal dishes.
Veal Chops
Veal chops are a rich and flavorful cut of meat that pairs well with a bold red wine. A full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah can stand up to the rich flavor of the veal chops. If you prefer lighter red wine, Pinot Noir can also be a good choice.
Veal Stew
Veal stew is a hearty and comforting dish that pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine. A Chianti or a Merlot can be a good choice, as they have enough body to stand up to the rich flavors of the stew without overpowering them.
Breaded Veal Cutlets
Breaded veal cutlets are a classic Italian dish that pairs well with crisp white wine. A Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc can be a good choice, as they have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the breaded cutlets.
Veal Marsala
Veal Marsala is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with a dry red wine. A Chianti or a Barolo can be a good choice, as they have enough tannins to stand up to the rich flavors of the Marsala sauce.
Saltimbocca
Saltimbocca is a classic Italian dish made with veal, prosciutto, and sage. This dish pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a Sangiovese.
Osso Buco
Osso Buco is a rich and hearty dish made with veal shanks. This dish pairs well with a full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah.
Veal Schnitzel
Veal Schnitzel is a classic German dish that pairs well with a crisp white wine like a Riesling or a Pinot Grigio.
Veal Parmigiana
Veal Parmigiana is a classic Italian dish that pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a Merlot.
Vitello Tonnato
Vitello Tonnato is a classic Italian dish made with thinly sliced veal and a tuna sauce. This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc.