What wine goes well with cottage pie?

Cottage pie, with its hearty meat and vegetable filling topped with mashed potatoes, is a dish that begs for a robust wine pairing. Here are some great options:

Red Wines:

* Cabernet Sauvignon: Its full body and dark fruit flavors will complement the richness of the meat and gravy. Look for a Chilean or Australian Cabernet Sauvignon for a slightly softer profile.

* Merlot: A smoother red wine with notes of plum and cherry that won't overpower the dish. Look for a Merlot from Bordeaux or California.

* Zinfandel: This bold American red wine has spicy, peppery notes that will cut through the richness of the pie. Choose a Zinfandel from California for a juicy, flavorful wine.

* Malbec: This Argentinian grape produces wines with dark fruit and earthy flavors, making it a great pairing for the savory notes of the cottage pie.

* Shiraz: A full-bodied, peppery Australian red with dark fruit flavors that will enhance the depth of the dish.

White Wines:

* Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay with oak aging can stand up to the richness of the pie. Choose a Chardonnay from California or Burgundy for a fuller-bodied option.

* Viognier: This aromatic white wine has floral and stone fruit flavors that complement the herbs and spices in the cottage pie. Look for a Viognier from the Rhône region of France.

Other options:

* Beaujolais: This light-bodied red wine from France is fruity and slightly tart, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cottage pie.

* Pinot Noir: A lighter red with earthy and cherry flavors, Pinot Noir is a more delicate pairing for cottage pie. Look for a Pinot Noir from Burgundy or Oregon.

Tips for pairing:

* Consider the ingredients in your specific cottage pie. If it's very rich, you might want a fuller-bodied wine. If it's more on the lighter side, a lighter wine may be better.

* Taste the wine before you serve it with the cottage pie. You want a wine that will complement, not clash, with the flavors of the dish.

* Don't be afraid to experiment! There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to wine pairing, so try different wines and see what you like best.