Red Wine-Infused Cranberry Sauce Pairing

Elevate your cranberry sauce pairing to a new level of culinary excellence with the exquisite combination of the naturally sweet cranberries and the deep, fruity complexities of a boldly aged Rioja red wine. This Red Wine Infused Cranberry Sauce Pairing is not just reserved for special occasions but can become a delightful addition to your everyday meals as well. Whether you’re planning a grand dinner party to impress your guests or simply seeking to elevate your daily dining experience, this extraordinary pairing will awaken your taste buds and leave a lasting impression.

At the heart of our cranberry sauce pairing is the timeless charm of cranberries. These ruby-red jewels of the fruit world bring a unique blend of tartness and sweetness to your palate. They’re not only a staple on the Thanksgiving table but also a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Now, imagine taking this classic cranberry sauce and infusing it with the bold character of a Rioja red wine. Rioja, a renowned wine region in Spain, is celebrated for its dedication to producing wines of exceptional quality, often aged to perfection. The red wines from this region are known for their robust fruit flavors, subtle oak undertones, and a well-defined structure that comes from the aging process.

When these two worlds collide – the vibrant cranberries and the nuanced Rioja red – a symphony of flavors unfolds on your taste buds. The cranberries absorb the rich, fruity notes of the wine, resulting in a sauce that is not only sweet and tart but also boasts the complexity and depth of the Rioja red. The wine’s subtle oak influence adds a layer of sophistication, elevating your cranberry sauce pairing from ordinary to extraordinary.

This Red Wine-Infused Cranberry Sauce Pairing is an excellent addition to any dinner party or holiday feast. Imagine the reaction of your guests as they savor this unique creation, their taste buds dancing with delight. It’s a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

But why limit this exquisite pairing to special occasions alone? Incorporate it into your everyday meals to transform ordinary dishes into memorable culinary experiences. Serve it alongside roast chicken or turkey, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle it over a salad – the possibilities are endless. Each meal becomes a celebration of flavors, and your dining table becomes a stage for culinary creativity.

Our Red Wine-Infused Cranberry Sauce Pairing is more than just a simple condiment; it’s Thanksgiving elevated. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when you combine the time-honored tradition of cranberry sauce with the sophistication of a Rioja red wine. So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or adding a touch of elegance to your daily meals, let this pairing be your guide to a world of culinary delight. It’s a journey that promises to amaze and delight your palate, one unforgettable bite at a time.

Here are four aged reds (over three years aged) to try with the cranberry sauce pairing:

Monte Real Gran Reserva
Contino Reserva
Lan Edicion Limitada
El Cristo de Samaniego

RED WINE-INFUSED CRANBERRY SAUCE PAIRING

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup red wine (choose a full-bodied variety)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Zest of one orange
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
A pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the red wine, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add the cranberries to the simmering mixture. Stir gently and let the cranberries cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until they start to burst open and the sauce thickens. While the cranberries cook, feel free to savor a glass of your Rioja red.

Continue to simmer and stir occasionally, allowing the sauce to reduce and reach your desired consistency. This usually takes an additional 5–10 minutes.

Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar if necessary.

Remove the cinnamon stick, and let the sauce cool before serving.

Enjoy your cranaberry sauce pairing as a complement to roast turkey, chicken, or even as a condiment for a cheese and charcuterie board. 

Pair these aged Rioja reds for elevated flavors. Download tasting notes here: 

Monte Real Gran Reserva
Contino Reserva
Lan Edicion Limitada
El Cristo de Samaniego