Even if you only serve wine with evening meals on an occasional basis, you undoubtedly already know that red wines such as Bordeaux are generally served with red meat such as beef or lamb. Bordeaux in particularly has traditionally been a robust red wine with the strong flavor profiles necessary for pairing with rich red meat dishes. However, many people are limiting or even eliminating red meat in their diets -- but that doesn't mean that they have to sacrifice enjoying a good glass of Bordeaux with their meals. Following are three important things that you should know about pairing red Bordeaux with vegetables. 

Vintners Are Producing Lighter Red Bordeaux 

Red Bordeaux has traditionally been well-aged, resulting in big flavors that cry out for being accompanied by succulent savory entrees such as roast beef or leg of lamb. However, modern vintners are beginning to produce red wines that require less aging, resulting in less robust wines that pair better with today's lighter fare. Ask your wine retailer to recommend a younger Bordeaux if you plan on serving it with a vegetarian entree. 

Pair Red Bordeaux With Earthy, Rich Vegetables 

The earthy notes of roasted mushrooms add a rich accent that pairs well with red Bordeaux. A thick, cheesy vegetarian lasagna sprinkled with roasted mushrooms is an ideal entree to pair with Bordeaux, and you could also serve it with a vegetarian pizza topped with a layer of roasted mushrooms. Other vegetables with rich flavors include acorn squash, carrots, pumpkins, yams, and sweet potatoes. A thick vegetable stew using these ingredients will pair perfectly with a glass of red Bordeaux, especially if you add a cup or so of wine to the broth as the concoction is brewing. 

Bind the Traditional Bordeaux Tannins With Healthy Fats

One of the main reasons why red Bordeaux and other wines with big flavor profiles pair well with red meats is due to the presence of fats. To get a similar effect with vegetarian dishes, use olive oil, nut oils, and other healthy fats in crafting your vegetarian entrees. You can also use nuts and seeds that are high in omega-3 oils in your food. For instance, finishing off a plate of pasta primavera with a sprinkling of sunflower seeds provides a delightful crunch as well as a layer of healthy fat to complement a good glass of red Bordeaux.  For more information on how to use enjoy red Bordeaux with vegetarian cooking, contact your wine retailer at your earliest convenience.