The best red wines for cooking are those with moderate tannins: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese (the main grape in Chianti), and lighter-style Cabernets. Heat won’t improve the undesirable qualities of bad wine: it will accentuate them.Click to see full answer. Similarly, it is asked, what is the best red wine to cook with beef?Best dry red wine for cooking beef stew or a wine-based sauce: Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Note that more fruit-forward wines will become fruitier as they reduce. For sauces that could use a little sweetness, like something paired with mushrooms, this can be excellent.Likewise, what is the best red wine to drink? Malbec. Malbec grapes have some of the thickest skins of all wine-grape varieties. Pinot Noir. Pinot noir is one of the most popular red wines in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme in the United States as a go-to wine. Petite Sirah. Madiran. Barbera. what is the best wine to cook with? The 5 Best White Wines for Cooking Crisp White Wine (Such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc & Unoaked Chardonnay) This is your go-to category. Dry Sherry. Like Faith, I have a bottle of this in my kitchen at all times. Dry Marsala. Sparkling Wine. Dry Madeira. How do you cook with red wine? Use dry red wines with moderate tannins. Be aware that very full-bodied reds—big Cabernets, Syrahs, Barolos—that contain big tannins can leave an almost chalky taste when the wine is reduced. Add red wine to slow-cooking stews or tomato sauces. Use it for pan sauces for seared lamb, duck, chicken, or beef.