What pairs nicely with Beef Rigatoni?

Happy Friday and first day of December. This bout of warm weather has us jumping for joy! But how does that old saying go? In like a lamb, out like a lion. Although that saying is more specific to the month of March, we are thinking all this nice weather isn't preparing us for the lion that is right around the corner.

Anyway, this time of year we always crave comfort food. Meals that are hearty and filling. With our busy schedules we try to prep food that is quick and easy. Healthy crock pot meals are always a fan favourite in our house. One of our go-to recipes is Beef Rigatoni.

Not only does it call for a cup of Vintner's Cellar red wine, it also pairs lovely with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti, Zinfandel and Montepuliciano. Tomato-based pasta sauces are high in acidity so pairing wine with them can be tricky, but not impossible. You'll want to stick with a medium-bodied, and somewhat tart red wine as your best option. We always find it fun to try a wine we don't typically make or buy. One of our new favourites is our Chianti! Either way, wine and food combined is delicious.

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Beef Rigatoni

2 lbs of stewing beef

2 onions diced

1 cup of grated carrots

1 cup of diced celery

1 cup of Vintner's Cellar red wine

3-4 garlic minced cloves

2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme

1 sprig of fresh rosemary

2, 500 ml cans of crushed tomatoes

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cooked rigatoni and freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Place stewing beef, onions, grated carrots, celery, wine, garlic, thyme, rosemary and crushed tomatoes in slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours. You want the slow cooker to be set for a slow simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked rigatoni with freshly grated Parmesan.

Cheers,

Vintner's Cellar Saskatoon