If you’re like most cooks, you’ve probably reached for Burgundy wine to add depth of flavor to a sauce or braise because Burgundy wine is a classic choice for cooking.
But what do you do if you’re out of Burgundy wine and don’t want to run to the store? Don’t worry – there are plenty of Burgundy wine substitutions that will give your dish all the flavor it needs.
In this blog post, I’ll recommend some alternatives to Burgundy wine that will work well in most recipes. So let’s get started!
What is Burgundy Wine? What kind of wine is Burgundy?
Burgundy wine is a type of wine that is produced in the Burgundy region of France. It is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes and can be red, white, or rosé.
Burgundy wine is often considered to be some of the best wines in the world and is a favorite of many wine enthusiasts. It has a fruity flavor and is often used in cooking.
However, for those who live outside of the region and want to enjoy Burgundy wines, there is a way to do so without having to travel.
Burgundy is also a color that resembles red wine(source).
What does Burgundy wine taste like?
Burgundy wine is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes and has a fruity, earthy flavor.
Burgundy wine is often served with food and can be paired with a variety of dishes. It is also a good choice for celebrations and is often served at weddings and other special occasions.
Best Burgundy wine substitute for cooking
Burgundy wine is a popular choice for cooking, but there are many other substitutes that can be used. Some of the best substitutes for Burgundy wine in cooking include:
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular option as a Burgundy wine substitute for cooking. Cabernet Sauvignon wines tend to have fruity and bold flavors, which can help add complexity to many dishes.
The added benefit of Cabernet Sauvignon wine is that it can be found in most grocery stores, making it a convenient substitute for cooking.
2. Pinot Noir – Best Substitute for Burgundy Wine
Substitute Pinot Noir for burgundy wine in any recipe. The two wines are very similar in taste and color, so Pinot Noir is a perfect replacement for burgundy wine.
When substituting Pinot Noir for burgundy wine, use an equal amount of the wine. For instance, if the recipe demands 1 cup of burgundy wine, use 1 cup of Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine with high acidity. It is one of the most popular types of red wine and is known for its elegant flavor. It is a versatile and delicious wine that is perfect for any occasion.
Pinot Noir pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even chocolate desserts. It is also a popular wine to drink on its own.
Pinot Noir wines are typically light in color, with a delicate flavor that is often described as being “fruity.” The acidity in Pinot Noir makes it a refreshing wine to drink, and it is often enjoyed by itself or with food.
3. Merlot- Less Expensive substitute for Burgundy wine
Merlot is another good choice for burgundy wine in cooking. -It is the only grape used for red wine in Bordeaux.
Merlot is a type of red wine that is produced all over the world. It is typically made from a blend of different grape varieties, with Merlot being the predominant variety.
So, Merlot is used in many of the same dishes as burgundy wine. It has a similar flavor profile, so it’s a good choice if you want to change things up without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s usually less expensive than burgundy wine, so it’s a budget-friendly option as well.
The taste of Merlot is characterized as being a soft, fruity, and easy-to-drink wine. Merlot is often used as everyday drinking wine and pairs well with food.
It can also be aged for a longer period of time, which will result in a more complex flavor. Merlot is a popular choice for many wine drinkers and is widely available in both supermarkets and specialized wine shops.
4. Zinfandel – Decent Alternative To Burgundy Wine
Zinfandel is a variety of red grapes that are used to make red wine. It is a rich, full-bodied wine with flavors of blackberry and spice.
When substituting Zinfandel for burgundy wine in a recipe, it is important to add a bit of sweetness to balance the wine’s tannins.
A proper way to do this is to add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to every cup of Zinfandel used. Cooking time should remain the same.
Zinfandel is a versatile red wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food. Its taste is typically fruity and slightly sweet, making it a popular choice for those who don’t usually enjoy dry red wines.
Zinfandel can be used in a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to light pasta dishes. It is also a popular choice for making sangria.
5. Shiraz- Suitable Replacement for Burgundy Wine
Another excellent Burgundy wine substitute for beef dishes is Shiraz.
Shiraz is also a red wine that is made from the Syrah grape. It originates from the city of Shiraz in Iran but is now produced in many different regions around the world.
The taste of Shiraz can vary depending on where it is grown and how it is made, but it is typically a full-bodied wine with high alcohol content and strong flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice.
Shiraz is often used as a blending grape, but it can also be made into a single varietal wine. Shiraz pairs well with red meat, game, and hearty stews. It can also be enjoyed on its own or with cheese and fruit.
Shiraz is a red wine that is made from the Syrah grape. It is a full-bodied wine with intense flavors of blackberry, spice, and pepper. Shiraz is an excellent choice for red meat dishes or hearty stews.
6. Try Syrah Instead of Burgundy wine
Substitute Syrah for burgundy wine in your favorite recipe, and enjoy the delicious results. This hearty red wine is perfect for braised meats, stews, and rich sauces. its deep flavor will add a touch of elegance to any meal.
Syrah is a variety of red wine grapes. The style of wine produced from Syrah is typically full-bodied with high tannin levels and strong flavor.
· This grape is also used to produce some dessert wines, such as Port.
Syrah can be found in many regions around the world, including the Rhone Valley in France, Australia, and California in the United States.
There are many different ways to enjoy Syrah wine. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food.
Syrah is a great wine to serve with red meat, such as steak or lamb. It can also be paired with strong cheeses or rich chocolate desserts.
If you’re searching for a unique way to enjoy Syrah, try pairing it with grilled vegetables or a savory pasta dish. No matter how you enjoy it, Syrah is sure to please your palate.
7. Substituting Malbec For Burgundy Wine
Malbec is from a cool climate region, as this will help to preserve the wine’s freshness. When it comes to pairing Malbec with food, try dishes that are rich and hearty, as the wine can stand up to these flavors quite well.
Don’t forget to let your bottle of Malbec breathe before serving, as this will help to bring out its best qualities.
Malbec pairs well with grilled meats, game birds, and hearty stews. It can also be used as a dessert wine, especially when paired with chocolate. Malbec is a versatile grape that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
8. Petite Sirah
Substituting Petite Sirah for burgundy wine is a great way to add a unique flavor to your dishes. This robust red wine has a rich red wine with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and plum that can stand up to hearty meats and rich sauces.
If you’re looking for a wine that will really make your food shine, reach for a bottle of Petite Sirah.
It pairs well with grilled meats, hearty stews, and rich pasta dishes. Petite Sirah can also be enjoyed on its own or with various cheeses.
9. Tempranillo
Tempranillo tastes like a cross between blueberries and raspberries with hints of chocolate or tobacco.
It pairs well with grilled meats, pasta dishes, and even chocolate desserts.
If you don’t have access to a good burgundy wine, you can substitute Tempranillo for it. This Spanish varietal has many of the same characteristics as Burgundy, so it will make a good stand-in in most recipes.
Just be sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly, as Tempranillo is usually a bit fruitier and more full-bodied than Burgundy.
10. Grenache
Grenache has a similar fruity flavor but is lighter in the body than Burgundy wines. So, if you’re looking for a substitute that will be just as full-bodied as burgundy wine, then Grenache is your best bet.
Grenache is a very food-friendly grape and can be paired with a wide variety of dishes. Its fruitiness makes it a good match for grilled meats, while its acidity can help to balance out richer dishes. Grenache-based wines are also often used in cooking, particularly in sauces and stews.
Read More- Best Substitutes for Cognac
Non-alcoholic substitute for burgundy wine in cooking
One possible non-alcoholic substitute for burgundy wine in cooking is apple cider. Apple cider can be substituted for burgundy wine in recipes that call for a sweeter flavor profile. Additionally, apple cider can also be used to deglaze pans and add a touch of sweetness to sauces.
Another option is to add additional flavorings such as Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, onion/garlic paste, or even red wine vinegar to intensify the flavor.
A Quick Table
| Substitute For Burgundy Wine In Coq Au Vin | Pinot noir, Light red wines |
| Substitute For Burgundy Wine In Beef Stew | Red table wine, Dry red wine such as Merlot, Zinfandel, or cabernet sauvignon, Non-Alcoholic beef broth, or tomato juice |
| Substitute For Burgundy Wine In Beef Bourguignon | Dry red wine, a combination of beef broth and tomato sauce, dry sherry, red zinfandel wine, |
Final Words For Substituting Burgundy Wine
The wine in a dish will add flavor and depth to the sauce. It also helps balance out some of the other flavors in a meal, such as garlic or onions.
And when cooking with wine, there are many different substitutes that can be used in place of Burgundy wine.
Some of the best substitutes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. These wines should be substituted in a 1:1 ratio.
If the recipe calls for one cup of Burgundy wine, then simply substitute one cup of Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, and the rest of the ingredients should remain unchanged.
There are some instances where the addition of Burgundy wine is essential to the recipe.
A good example of this is in making coq au vin, a classic French dish that needs Burgundy wine for the poaching liquid.
While Burgundy wine is known for its red color and fruity taste, other wines also fit the bill. Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Syrah wines are all great choices when making recipes that call for Burgundy wine.
You can also consider alternatives like grape juice, beef broth, or even water instead of the Burgundy wine.
Read More- Ideal Substitution for Maraschino Liqueur.
FAQs Related To Burgundy Wine and Its Alternatives
Q1. What is Burgundy wine called in Australia?
Burgundy wine is called “Burgundy” in Australia. It is a type of red wine that is made from Pinot Noir grapes. It is a light-bodied wine with fruity flavors and aromas. Pinot Noir grapes are used in the making of several wines, such as Pinotage and rosé, although Burgundy is produced from 100% Pinot Noir.
Q2. What is a good burgundy wine for cooking?
A good burgundy wine for cooking should have a fruity and earthy flavor. It should also have a medium- to full body with low acidity.
Some good examples of burgundy wines for cooking are the Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse, the Chateau de la Commanderie Saint-Emilion, and the La Ferme du Mont Brouilly Beaujolais.
The Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse is a medium-bodied wine with good acidity. It has flavors of cherry, raspberry, and cola.
The Chateau de la Commanderie Saint-Emilion is a great option with a medium body and flavors of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, plum, and subtle spice.
The La Ferme du Mont Brouilly Beaujolais has flavors of raspberry, strawberry, cola, pepper, and spice.
Q3. Is burgundy wine the same as red wine?
There is a lot of confusion about the difference between burgundy wine and red wine.
The main difference between the two wines is that burgundy wine is made with Pinot Noir grapes, while red wine can be made with a variety of different grapes.
A burgundy wine, also known as a Pinot Noir, is made with grapes that are grown in the Burgundy region of France. This wine is usually enjoyed alone, without food.
Burgundy wines are typically not the best wines to cook with because their flavor tends to get lost when mixed with other ingredients, so it is best to drink them by themselves.
A red wine, on the other hand, can be made with any number of different grapes. Red wines are usually for drinking with meals, especially meat.
Red wines are typically more full-bodied than Burgundy wine, which means they have a higher alcohol content and are thicker. Some of the most popular red wines are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz.
Q4. What wine is like a burgundy wine?
Burgundy wine is a type of wine that is made from the Pinot noir grape. It is a red wine that is full-bodied with flavors of blackberry and raspberry. What distinguishes Burgundy wines from other types of wine is that they come from a very specific region in France.
It depends. While there are wines that come from Burgundy, France, there are wines that come from other places in the world made to mimic Burgundy wines. For example, many California Pinot Noirs are like Burgundy wines in flavor and aromatics.
Q5. What is another name for burgundy wine?
Burgundy wine is also known as Pinot Noir.
Q6. Is a Bordeaux similar to a Burgundy?
As the two types of wine can vary greatly depending on the specific variety and region. However, in general, Bordeaux wines are often considered to be more fruity and earthy than Burgundy wines, which can have a more complex flavor profile that includes notes of mushrooms, leather, and tobacco.
Burgundy wines are typically known to be the classic pairing for a simple roast chicken dinner; white Bordeaux wine is often associated with the equally simple but elegant French dish Coq au Vin. The best way to reply to this query is to simply experiment!