Top 5 Wines for Cooking as well as Drinking
Published on 28th Nov, 2025
Thinking of trying something different with your wine? Whether you want to open a bottle especially for a sauce or just need a way to make sure you don’t waste what’s left after drinking a glass or two, these 'cooking wine' inspired recipes are a great way to enjoy a top drop on your plate as well as in your glass.
McGuigan Black Label Merlot
This soft and flavoursome wine has notes of luscious red fruits, cherries and sweet spice with soft silky tannins. Hints of spice, vanilla and cedar resulting in a medium bodied wine. Match up its velvety smooth nature with a tasty dish of red meat, pork and chicken. Try it in: Chicken and Chorizo Stew with Garlic and Herb Dumplings.
Morrisons Merlot
This popular pour from south eastern Australia is smooth, plummy and packed with bramble fruit flavours. As well as a delightful drop on its own, it's a great cooking wine that's made for hearty dishes. Try it in: Penne Bolognese Pie with Cheese and Mushroom Crust.
Gonzalez Byass Elegante Dry Fino
Fans of a good dry white like Pinot Grigio will find that our Fino sherry is right up their street. This Spanish white is smooth, crisp and dry making it the perfect pairing with tapas. It's great with a pre-dinner dish of olives too. Try it in: Chilli and Ginger Steamed Sea Bass.
Pata Negra Rueda
If Sauvignon Blanc's your usual tipple and you fancy something different to your usual, try this fresh and fruity Spanish pour. It's one to have with - and in - Paella as well as being great with Tapas too. Try it in: Prawn and Chorizo Paella.
Marsala Superiore
This San Pellegrino Marsala Superiore Garibaldi Dolce is actually a great dessert wine on its own, but adds a real burst of flavour to pasta dishes too. It has an intense amber colour, a pleasant aroma of sweet plum, and honeyed notes of dried fig. Try it in: Creamy Wild Mushroom and Walnut Pasta.
