Veal, renowned for its tender texture and delicate flavor, provides a versatile canvas for culinary exploration. To elevate the dining experience, pairing veal with the right wine becomes an art form—a delicate balance of flavors and aromas that harmonize to create a symphony on the palate.
In this article, we look into the best wines to pair with veal, exploring the nuances of different cuts, cooking methods, and regional influences to help you discover the perfect wine companion for your veal dishes.
Understanding Veal
Before we embark on the journey of wine pairing, let’s appreciate the essence of veal. Derived from young calves, veal is prized for its tenderness, pale color, and subtle taste.
The meat’s mild flavor allows it to seamlessly integrate with various herbs, sauces, and cooking techniques, offering a diverse range of culinary possibilities.
Let’s look at the best wines to drink with veal below.
Different Cuts, Different Experiences
- Veal Chops:
- Description: Rib or loin chops are tender cuts with a bone that adds flavor during cooking.
- Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly sweet, and tender.
- Recommended Wine: Opt for a medium to full-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti to complement the mildness of the chops.
- Veal Scallopini:
- Description: Thin slices of veal, often used in quick-cooking dishes like piccata or marsala.
- Flavor Profile: Delicate, versatile, and easily infused with flavors.
- Recommended Wine: A light to medium-bodied white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the nuanced flavors of veal scallopini.
- Osso Buco:
- Description: Cross-cut veal shanks braised to perfection, often served with a rich sauce.
- Flavor Profile: Rich, savory, and deeply flavored.
- Recommended Wine: Choose a bold red wine like Barolo or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the robust flavors of osso buco.
- Veal Roast:
- Description: Whole veal roasts, whether oven-roasted or slow-cooked, offer a hearty dining experience.
- Flavor Profile: Juicy, savory, and well-seasoned.
- Recommended Wine: A medium to full-bodied red, such as Shiraz or Zinfandel, pairs well with the hearty character of veal roasts.
Wine Pairing Principles for Veal
To create the perfect harmony between veal and wine, consider the following principles:
1. Match Intensity:
Pair the intensity of the wine with the richness of the veal dish. Heartier cuts like osso buco benefit from bold red wines, while lighter preparations, such as veal piccata, pair well with lighter wines.
2. Consider Cooking Methods:
The cooking method significantly influences the flavor profile of veal. Grilled veal may pair differently than slow-braised osso buco. Choose wines that complement the cooking technique.
3. Balance Acidity:
The acidity in wine can cut through the richness of veal. White wines with bright acidity, such as Chardonnay or Vermentino, work well with veal piccata or lighter dishes.
4. Incorporate Herbs and Sauces:
Take into account the herbs and sauces used in your veal preparation. For herb-infused dishes, consider wines with herbal notes, while creamy sauces may pair well with oaked whites or light reds.
5. Explore Regional Pairings:
Consider the traditional wine pairings of the region where the veal dish originates. Italian veal dishes, for example, may find perfect companionship with Italian varietals like Sangiovese or Nebbiolo.
Recommended Wine Varietals for Veal Pairing
1. Pinot Noir:
- Flavor Profile: Light to medium-bodied with red fruit notes.
- Pairing: Veal piccata or veal scallopini with lighter herb-based sauces.
2. Chardonnay:
- Flavor Profile: Full-bodied with notes of apple, citrus, and sometimes oak.
- Pairing: Creamier veal dishes, such as veal in a creamy mushroom sauce or a velvety osso buco.
3. Merlot:
- Flavor Profile: Medium to full-bodied with plum and berry notes.
- Pairing: Veal chops or roasts with herb-infused seasoning.
4. Sangiovese:
- Flavor Profile: Medium-bodied with cherry and herbal notes.
- Pairing: Italian veal dishes like osso buco or veal piccata.
5. Syrah/Shiraz:
- Flavor Profile: Bold and full-bodied with dark fruit and spice notes.
- Pairing: Hearty veal roasts or braised dishes with robust flavors.
6. Vermentino:
- Flavor Profile: Crisp and refreshing with citrus and herbal notes.
- Pairing: Lighter veal dishes, particularly those with citrus-infused sauces.
Regional Influences on Veal and Wine Pairing
Veal dishes vary significantly across regions, and understanding these influences can guide your wine selections:
1. Italian Veal Dishes:
- Characteristics: Herb-infused, often served with rich tomato-based sauces.
- Wine Pairing: Sangiovese-based wines like Chianti or Barolo complement the herbal notes, while a robust Shiraz can enhance tomato-based sauces.
2. French Veal Preparations:
- Characteristics: Creamy sauces, delicate herbs, and refined flavors.
- Wine Pairing: Chardonnay or Pinot Noir from Burgundy can elegantly complement the refined French preparations.
3. American Veal Creations:
- Characteristics: Diverse preparations, from grilled chops to slow-cooked roasts.
- Wine Pairing: Versatile options include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or even a Zinfandel, depending on the specific dish.
Make the Perfect Pairing: A Few Examples
1. Veal Marsala with Pinot Noir:
- Description: Tender veal cutlets in a Marsala wine sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the dish, allowing the earthy and fruity notes to enhance the savory Marsala sauce.
2. Osso Buco with Barolo:
- Description: Braised veal shanks in a rich, flavorful broth.
- Wine Pairing: The robust flavors of Barolo stand up to the intensity of osso buco, creating a luxurious pairing.
3. Veal Piccata with Vermentino:
- Description: Thin veal slices in a lemony, caper-infused sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp Vermentino cuts through the acidity of the lemon and capers, providing a refreshing contrast.
4. Grilled Veal Chops with Merlot:
- Description: Juicy veal chops seasoned and grilled to perfection.
- Wine Pairing: The fruity and plummy notes of Merlot enhance the grilled flavors without overwhelming the dish.
5. Veal Roast with Chardonnay:
- Description: Slow-roasted veal with aromatic herbs.
- Wine Pairing: A full-bodied Chardonnay complements the richness of the roast, adding a layer of complexity.
The Best Wines To Pair With Veal
Pairing veal with the right wine is an exploration of flavors, a journey through the culinary traditions of different regions, and an appreciation of the artistry behind both food and wine.
As you embark on your journey of the best wine and veal pairings, consider the characteristics of the specific veal dish, the regional influences, and your personal preferences.
Whether indulging in Italian-inspired osso buco, savoring a classic French preparation, or relishing an American twist on veal, the perfect wine pairing enhances the experience, creating moments of culinary delight that linger on the palate.
Cheers to the symphony of veal and wine—a timeless pairing that continues to captivate and inspire.
Check out some of our other pairings including the best wines to pair with beef and the best wines to pair with pork.
