Pairing Wine With Kielbasa

Kielbasa and cabbage recipes are a delight to pair with some wines, especially in the summer. Delicious store-bought frozen sausages are also excellent choices for a wholesome yet enjoyable meal. The best part is that you have a host of wines to select from for kielbasa dishes. Kielbasa is eaten with fresh veggies, sauteed bell peppers, buttered green beans, or simply sauerkraut. All these options make it a great pairing for wines like Merlot, and Chianti or even sparkling wines like Cava, Prosecco, or Sekt.

Wine Characteristics To Pair With Kielbasa

Smoked sausages are an enjoyable meaty meal in which you want to pair some wines that don’t overpower the smokiness but instead enhance the meal. 

Best Red Wine To Drink With Kielbasa

When selecting a red wine for kielbasa it’s best to go with some of the classics. We suggest starting with lighter body options such as an Italian Chianti and going into fuller-bodied options such as Merlot or other red blends including Malbec.

Malbec

One of the easiest choices to pair with kielbasa is a Malbec given its fruit-forward tasting notes. The red fruit and medium to full-bodied notes will complement the smokiness of the meat.  

Chianti

One of the best reds that can be paired with kielbasa is a classic Chianti. The mild red wine notes would complement the flavors of this dish especially served with butter garlic potatoes.  

Merlot

One of the easiest choices is a Merlot given its fruit-forward tasting notes. The light tannins from a Merlot would be best appreciated in dishes that enhance its rich fruit and ripe berry flavors.

Best White Wine To Drink With Kielbasa

Pairing kielbasa with white wine is another way to balance out this meal by offering a lighter, crispy, and softer wine instead of going for heavy reds. Overall, a balanced pairing.  

Cava

We recommend kielbasa as an excellent opportunity to pop open a sparkling white too. Who doesn’t like a bubbly cava paired with the smoky and fattiness of sausages and grilled veggies?   

Pinot Blanc

This rare gem of a white is a fantastic option to pair with meat-forward dishes. The rich and creamy nature of this wine enhances the overall meal and pairs well with casserole sides.  

Sekt

Sekt is Germany’s best-kept secret and one of the best sparkling wines to opt for. It is a unique and exotic wine that has an effervescence and a fragrance of white peaches and ripe apples.

Best Wine To Drink With Kielbasa 

Kielbasa is a delicious and protein-rich meat that can be paired well with any wines that you’d have available. You can go for some all-time classics or try new ones.   Our best recommendations for kielbasa would be:

• Merlot
• Malbec
• Chianti
• Pinot Blanc
• Cava
• Sekt