Shepherd’s Pie Wine Pairing: Rioja Crianza

Mar 15

Written By Dani

Alright friends, this has to be one of the most random wine pairing suggestions I've ever done! When I previously thought of pairing a wine with Shepherd's Pie, Rioja was NOT one that I would think to open. But when a suggestion was made, I thought about it...and realized this dish is pretty perfect with a Rioja Crianza.

Surprisingly, shepherd’s pie paired with Rioja Crianza has become one of my top 10 favorite wine pairings EVER (which is saying a lot!) Read on to learn why:

Why Shepherd’s Pie Pairs with Rioja

Shepherd’s pie is such a homey meal with the comforting elements of mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, beef or lamb. And don’t forget the sauce that gives us delicious flavors of tomato mingled with Worcestershire sauce!

Rioja Crianza is a fruit-forward, lighter-bodied example of Rioja with just enough complexity but not a ton of oak influence.

Those red-fruit components, accompanied by good acidity, matches the acidity of the Worcestershire and tomatoes in the pie pretty perfectly. And because it is light-bodied with minimal oak intensity, it does not overwhelm the pie…in fact, the wine complements the food and vice versa…bringing out the beauty of the flavors in each!

What is Rioja Crianza?

Keeping things simple, Rioja is a region in Northeastern Spain that is famous for red blends based on the Tempranillo grape. Expect flavors of both red and black fruity (like blackberry, black cherry, red cherry and redcurrant) mingled with earthy flavors like dried herbs and forest floor.

If a bottle of Rioja says “Crianza” on it, that means the wine has been aged for at least 1 year in oak and 1 year in bottle. The added aging gives the wine complexity and depth without overwhelming the fruity nature of the wine. Crianzas are an incredible value and rarely exceed $15-$18 a bottle.

There are other categories of Rioja like Reserva and Gran Reserva, but I do not recommend them as pairings with Shepherd’s Pie because they will overwhelm the dish. These two wines are better paired with heavier dishes like steak.

Elements of Rioja Crianza that make it the perfect pairing:

Medium Body: it stands up to the Shepherd’s pie without overwhelming it

Red Fruit Flavors: Contrast the earthy, gamy quality of lamb and brightens up the dish

Just a Touch of Oak: Adds complexity to match the complexity of so many flavors in the pie

Happy Pairing!

Cheers, Dani

Shepherd’s Pie with Red Wine

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs russet potatoes

4 Tbsp butter (or whatever your preference)
1/2 Cup milk (or whatever your preference)
pinch of salt (to your preference)

For the Filling:

1 large onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 Cup peas and carrots (or more to your liking)
1 and 1/2 lbs ground beef or lamb
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
1/2 cup Rioja or other red wine (or sub for more broth)
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme, minced

Directions

Make the mashed potatoes: place peeled, chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil on stovetop and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes can easily be pierced with a fork. Drain in a colander.
Return the pot to the stovetop and add butter and milk, heating until butter is melted. Add the potatoes and salt and mash thoroughly. Add more butter or milk to your liking. Alternatively, whip the potatoes with a mixer or use a potato ricer.
Meanwhile, make the filling: In a large cast iron saucepan, heat the ground beef or lamb over medium heat until no longer pink. Add the diced onion, garlic, frozen peas and carrots and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Add the Worceshershire, tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, and broth. Once most of the broth is absorbed, add the Rioja or red wine. Stir until barely absorbed, then remove from heat.
5. Use the back of a spoon to flatten the filling along the bottom, then spoon the mashed potatoes over and smooth across the entire top. Optional: run the tines of a fork lightly across the top of the mashed potatoes to create a circular design (this will toast the potatoes beautifully)
6. Place in 400 degree oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top of the mashed potatoes begins to brown. You can also broil for 1-2 minutes if you'd like the top a little more browned. Enjoy with Rioja Crianza.