“That’s That Me Espresso”: 3 Wines For The Espresso Lover

Are you having a Sabrina Carpenter “Espresso” summer? Maybe you don’t need espresso coursing through your veins to get your day started, but you’re more of an espresso martini lover? I don’t know who does espresso’s PR, but between the rise of the cocktail for the past few years, and the song of summer, they’re making Big Espresso winners in 2024.

Personally I don’t suggest mixing coffee and wine (though I hear some Italians do sometimes?). Instead, here are 3 red wines any espresso lover can enjoy (sans the caffeine, plus the alcohol).

Syrah

Syrah is a rich, powerful, and sometimes meaty red that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. Since then it has become the most planted grape in Australia, where it’s known as Shiraz. While grown worldwide, bigger-bodied, juicier and complex Syrah originate from warmer, if not hot climates. Typically deep ruby red with notes of plum, blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, chocolate, and intense black pepper, Syrah wines are medium to full bodied, high acidity and high tannin, making the wine a great pairing for roasted, or grilled meats.

Bold and big Syrah/Shiraz often exhibit tasting notes reminiscent of espresso. They include dark roasted coffee, bitter chocolate, rich and intense earthy undertones and hail from warmer climates like Australia (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale), Paso Robles California, and Northern Rhône (Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie). They’re full in body, rich and intense with a robust mouthfeel and concentrated dark fruit flavors that parallel the boldness of espresso. California Syrah specifically exhibit bitter chocolate notes, not only adding more depth to the wine, but paralleling the bitter chocolate tastes that can be found in high-quality espresso.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is grown world-wide from France, Chile, California to Australia, South Africa and Argentina. Because of this, its flavors (and quality) vary widely. Generally, Cab Sauv is full-bodied red, exuding dark fruit flavors with savory notes from black pepper to bell pepper. Medium in acidity and tannin, Cabernet Sauvignon wines age very well, often adding vanilla notes to its repertoire. It’s complexity, and high tannin structure make it a great accompaniment for foods high in fat and rich in flavor such as steak, braised short ribs, or a decadent cheese burger.

Warm region CS from Napa Valley, Coonawarra Australia, and Maipo Valley Chile, can develop intense flavors of dark roasted coffee such as espresso beans, dark chocolate and roasted nuts. Like Syrah, CS can also develop bitter cocoa and dark chocolate flavors - especially those from Bordeaux, specifically Pauillac and Margaux, and Coonawarra. This mirrors the complexity in flavor of really good espresso. Like a robust and well-brewed espresso, CS’s firm tannins, concentrated dark fruit and rich mouthfeel add a layer of richness to the beverage.

Zinfandel

Another bold red, Zinfandel is fruit-forward and well-known for it’s jammy fruit and smoky, exotic spice notes. It’s primary flavors include blackberry, strawberry, peach jam, cinnamon, and sweet tobacco. It is higher in alcohol content and medium to full bodied and has medium to high tannins, though low in acidity. Because of it’s spice notes, the wine pairs well with BBQ, grilled meats and vegetables, and anything smoked and/or charred.

Zinfandel from Sonoma County and Paso Robles showcase ripe, dark fruit flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and plum which can be accompanied by spicy notes of black pepper, cinnamon and clove - not dissimilar to the spiciness found in espresso blends. Well-aged Zinfandels (that have been aged in oak for an extended amount of time) have notes of dark chocolate and coffee bean, adding to the wine’s complexity and richness. Similar to Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, the full-bodied texture and concentrated fruit flavors of Zinfandel, specifically from old vines, can sometimes have a bit of sweetness that can also be found in the full-bodied nature of espresso. While Zinfandel doesn’t perfectly mirror the tasting notes of espresso like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah do, it’s rich dark fruit, prominent spice and earthy undertones may be appealing to those who find comfort in the complexity and intensity of espresso.