Medium-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz pair with Meatloaf, as they are loaded with enough tannin to harmonize with this classic comfort food. Lighter reds that have more of an acidic edge, such as Zinfandel, or Dolcetto, also make an excellent companion to Meatloaf.
Cabernet Sauvignon & Meatloaf Pairing
Our favourite choice would either be a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot with a bit of spiciness to it. Meatloaf tends to be a little dry and sometimes bland, so these two wines will add a bit of flavour and depth to the dish.
With a Cabernet Sauvignon, expect some additional flavours like leather, tobacco, menthol and green peppercorn to add a bit of depth and spice to each bite of Meatloaf.
Zinfandel and Meatloaf Pairing
Due to the variety of meats and other ingredients used in Meatloaf, you can’t go wrong with Zinfandel . Zinfandel is one of the most food-friendly wines out there, and no matter what the meat used, whether it is beef, turkey, or sausage, Zinfandel will combine quite well.
In fact, given the right Zin, you could consider Zinfandel the ketchup to your Meatloaf as the Zin has a sweet and refreshing quality to it. Zinfandel is rarely tannic, but rather fruity and outright delicious.
Shiraz and Meatloaf
A nice jammy Shiraz is excellent with Meatloaf as the flavours of this comfort food will help bring out the blueberry and dark fruit flavours of this wine. With Meatloaf, we personally prefer a Southern Australian Shiraz which has notes of black pepper that bring a little “pow” to each bite.
Dolcetto & Meatloaf Pairing
If you like a lighter styled red, and are feeling Italian, Dolcetto makes for a great pairing. Dolcetto has a sweet tannin and acidic splash to it that makes it a great pair with a meatloaf with any sort of tomato sauce accompaniment. If the Meatloaf is a little dry, the fruity Dolcetto will come off as refreshing. Barbera is a wine that is similar, and enjoyable with meatloaf as well.
While I give these pairings a 3.5, they both make an excellent pairing. The score has more to do with that these wines are not as mainstream as the wines we mentioned above, and may be more difficult to find. Dolcetto and Barbera also have a rustic quality that not everyone would appreciate.
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