Do you want to switch up the taste of your recipe but don’t know what to use instead of burgundy wine? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of the 6 best substitutes for Burgundy wine that will surely make your next gathering a hit.
From Pinot Noir to non alcoholic options, these alternatives are sure to impress even the most discerning connoisseur. So pour yourself a glass and get ready to explore our picks for the best substitutes for Burgundy wine.
1. Merlot
Merlot is a great substitute for Burgundy wine. It’s a full-bodied red that has notes of blackberry and plum, complemented by hints of herbs and spices. Merlot pairs well with dishes like beef, lamb, and game birds, making it an ideal accompaniment to hot meals.
Merlot is also known for its velvety tannins that make it easy to drink. All in all, Merlot is a great choice for any occasion that calls for Burgundy wine. Its mellow flavor will be sure to please everyone at your table.
With its balanced taste, Merlot is the perfect selection for anyone looking for an alternative to traditional Burgundy wines. Best regions for Merlot:
Bordeaux, France
Napa Valley, California
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Tuscany, Italy
Hunter Valley, Australia
Maipo Valley, Chile
Rhone Valley, France
Piedmont, Italy
Valle Central, Chile
Walla Walla Valley, Washington
2. Riesling
Riesling is another popular substitute for Burgundy wine. It has a light and fruity flavor, with hints of peach, apricot, and lemon.
According to the International Riesling Foundation, it’s one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world – with over 130,000 hectares in production. Riesling is generally dry or semi-sweet and can be served as an aperitif or enjoyed with meals.
It pairs well with foods like salads, fish dishes, spicy cuisine, and desserts. Its acidity also helps to balance richer foods like cream sauces and fatty proteins. Riesling is easy to find in stores and is generally easily available. Best regions for Riesling:
Mosel, Germany
Rheingau, Germany
Rheinhessen, Germany
Alsace, France
Clare Valley, Australia
Pfalz, Germany
Wachau, Austria
Waipara, New Zealand
Elgin, South Africa
Niagara, Canada
3. California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir is a red varietal that has a light to medium body and a flavor profile that is fruity yet acidic. It’s an especially good choice for dishes with mushrooms or other earthy flavors, as the acidity helps to cut through their richness.
Try adding it to your stroganoff or spaghetti bolognese or enjoy a glass alongside your meal. When selecting a bottle of California Pinot Noir, look for one that is aged in oak barrels to bring out its earthiness.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid bottles labeled just ‘California’ as these tend to be overly sweet and fruity. Instead, opt for one labeled with the specific vineyard name or region where it was grown.
California Pinot Noir pairs well with poultry, pork, salmon and other lighter meats. It also goes well with creamy sauces or dishes featuring root vegetables such as turnips and carrots.
Its delicate flavor makes it perfect for pairing with milder cheese such as Brie or Camembert. With its versatility and complexity of flavors, California Pinot Noir can be an enjoyable substitute for Burgundy wine in any dish. Best regions for California Pinot Noir:
Carneros
Russian River Valley
Santa Lucia Highlands
Sonoma Coast
Anderson Valley
Santa Rita Hills
Monterey
Russian River Valley
Sonoma Valley
1 Santa Cruz Mountains
4. Red Grape Juice
Red grape juice is a sweet and succulent alternative to the sophisticated taste of Burgundy wine. It’s a near-perfect substitute for the full-bodied, velvety texture and subtle fruity notes that come with Burgundy.
Rich and robust in flavor, red grape juice can be enjoyed by itself as an aperitif as well as part of a meal. Whether it’s from freshly pressed grapes or from concentrate, this delightful beverage can be found in most grocery stores across the country.
The dark red hue and strong aroma provide an enjoyable experience for all who partake in its flavor. Not only does red grape juice taste delicious it also contains many essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial to our health.
Drinking it daily can provide us with improved energy levels, better digestion, and glowing skin. Plus, it’s alcohol free! Best regions for Red Grape Juice:
Southwest France
Bordeaux, France
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Mendoza, Argentina
Barossa Valley, Australia
Ribera del Duero, Spain
Tuscany, Italy
Niagara Peninsula, Canada
Washington State, USA
Douro Valley, Portugal
5. Viognier
Viognier is a white wine with similar characteristics to Burgundy. It has a full-bodied texture and is often described as having floral and stone fruit aromas, like apricot, peach, and pear. It also contains herbal notes and a hint of spices.
Viognier pairs well with poultry, pork, fish dishes, and creamy sauces. The flavor profile of Viognier can vary depending on where it’s produced; for example, French Viogniers tend to be more floral while American versions are more fruity.
The alcohol content of Viognier is typically between 12% and 14%, making it slightly stronger than Burgundy but still light enough to enjoy without overindulging.
Overall, Viognier is an excellent substitute for Burgundy. It has similar characteristics but won’t overpower the flavors of your food the way some red wines can. Best regions for Viognier:
Rhone Valley, France
Northern Rhone Valley, France
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Central Coast, California, USA
Clare Valley, South Australia
Columbia Valley, Washington, USA
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Victoria, Australia
Rogue Valley, Oregon, USA
Walla Walla Valley, Washington, USA
6. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice has many similarities to that of a burgundy in terms of taste and color. Its tartness gives it a unique flavor profile, while still being light and refreshing. With its deep red hue, it looks almost identical to a burgundy wine when poured into a glass.
It’s versatile too – cranberry juice can be used in various recipes or even as an ingredient in cocktails and mocktails. Furthermore, it’s low in sugar and calories compared to wine, making it an ideal choice for those looking for healthier alternatives.
All in all, cranberry juice is an excellent alternative to burgundy wine that won’t disappoint.
How To Choose A Burgundy Wine Substitute?
When selecting a substitute for Burgundy, it’s important to consider the flavor profile you’re aiming to achieve. For example, if you’re looking for a dry option, then Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are great choices.
If you’re looking for something with a sweeter finish, then Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio may be more appropriate.
As we’ve mentioned, non-alcoholic options are also available; apple juice or cider offer sweetness while grape juice or concentrate provide tartness that resembles red wine.
Consider your dish and choose the most suitable substitute for Burgundy wine accordingly.
Where To Buy Good Quality Alternative Wines To Burgundy?
A good place for purchasing good quality wine is to look for wines from the Bordeaux region of France. These wines are known for their complexity and elegance.
Other regions that produce excellent quality wines include the Rhone Valley and the Loire Valley. Additionally, many wineries in California, Italy, and Spain offer great choices in terms of quality and price.
We’ve added the region guide above to help you find a great wine! If you are looking for a good bargain, look to South American countries such as Chile and Argentina. They offer a great selection of wines at reasonable prices.
Using Wine In Cooking
Red wine can be a great addition to a variety of dishes. It adds a unique and complex flavor that can help enhance the flavor of many dishes. When using red wine in cooking, it is important to choose the right wine.
A full-bodied red wine, such as the ones we’ve discussed, is the best choice for most recipes. When using red wine in a recipe, it is important to keep the amount of wine in proportion to the other ingredients.
Red wine should be used in small amounts, usually no more than 1/4 cup for a dish that serves four people. That said, it’s fine to experiment with quantities to find the most appropriate amount for your taste.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of options to replace Burgundy wine in any recipe – just remember to take into account the flavors you’re looking for and pick accordingly!
With so many choices available, it’s easy to find the perfect substitute for any dish and there are plenty of non-alcoholic options too if you prefer. So go ahead and experiment; your taste buds will thank you!
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
