Dad Wines: Bottles and Pairings for Fathers Day

I know, I know, it’s the stereotypical wine pairing, but it is the traditional meat and potatoes type of meal every dad is looking for!

Cabernet will always be a staple wine in our house. It’s big and bold and many dads will go for it when having a steak or meat and potatoes entree. Napa Cabernet’s are big and bold with intense fruit. Sonoma Cabernet’s are a little less fruity and powerful and a bit more rustic. Chilean Cabernet’s are big, fruity, and spicy as well as a great value. For something fun, try an Australian Cabernet, with tons of fruit, and a touch of menthol. For a splurge, look into getting a nice earthy Bordeaux (which can be Cabernet based).

If you are doing carnitas, a Tempranillo from the Rioja region is a perfect match for dad! 

 Pork is generally a lighter meat and pairs beautifully with wines with red fruit flavors and a bit of spice. Enter Tempranillo: a medium bodied red wine, with spicy red fruit flavors, and a little bit of vanilla from American Oak (a signature characteristic of Rioja). It’s not as bold as Cabernet. but has a great fruity and spicy kick. Perfect for dads that enjoy some heat in their meal! 

Another big bold choice! Did you know the jammy character and bit of spice in Zinfandel is perfect company for dad’s BBQ dinner? 

This is my husband’s favorite red varietal, therefore I’m led to believe it should be every dad’s favorite! (Just Kidding). I have to say though if dad is a big bold red wine lover, and sometimes enjoys Cabernet or Syrah, try a jammy Zinfandel. Then pair it with anything BBQ. There’s a tiny bit of fruity/tangy sweetness to the wine, which is fantastic with BBQ sauce.