When it comes to pairing food and wine, we often hear the classics: red with meat, white with fish. But if you truly want to elevate your wine experience, it’s all about the details—and one detail that often gets overlooked is the power of herbs. So, is there a single herb that pairs best with red wine? The answer is yes—and it’s rosemary.
Why Rosemary?
Rosemary is a bold, aromatic herb with earthy, woody notes that echo the depth found in many red wines—especially those made from grapes like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Sangiovese. The essential oils in rosemary harmonize beautifully with the tannins in red wine, enhancing both the complexity of the wine and the dish. It’s an herb that understands the elegance of a good red.
How to Enjoy Rosemary with Red Wine
You don’t eat rosemary straight from the plant—but cooking with it is a simple and delicious way to make your red wine shine. Here are some easy ways to bring rosemary into your wine moments:
1. Oven-Roasted Root Vegetables with Rosemary
Toss carrots, potatoes, and parsnips with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh rosemary. Roast until golden. Pair with a medium-bodied red like Chianti, and enjoy how the wine’s fruity acidity plays off the roasted, herbal notes.
2. Garlic and Rosemary Lamb
A timeless classic. Rosemary enhances the rich flavor of lamb and pairs perfectly with fuller reds like Syrah or a bold Bordeaux blend.
3. Rosemary Bread
Bake a rustic bread infused with rosemary. Serve alongside an aged cheese selection—such as Manchego or Comté—and a generous pour of red wine. Perfect for an elevated wine and cheese night.
4. Grilled Vegetables with Rosemary Oil
Mix chopped rosemary into olive oil and brush onto veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers before grilling. A great match with fruit-forward reds from southern France, such as a Côtes du Rhône.
Bonus: The Aroma of Rosemary
Beyond flavor, rosemary brings an incredible aromatic experience. Throw a sprig onto a grill or in the oven, and it will release a beautifully fragrant smoke—adding an extra sensory layer to your wine pairing.
Rosemary may just be the herb that best complements a glass of red wine. With its earthy, resinous notes, it creates a bridge between food and wine, enhancing both. So next time you uncork a bottle, don’t just ask what to eat with it—ask how can I use rosemary in the dish?
Looking for more tips on wine and food pairings—or even wine and herbs? Explore our growing wine news portal right here on Corkframes.com, where we dive deep into the world of wine, from the bottle to the table.
Cheers!
