Carrabba’s Italian Grill is a popular chain of restaurants known for its delicious Italian-American cuisine and extensive wine list. With over 250 locations across the United States, Carrabba’s has become a favorite among wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. But have you ever wondered what kind of wine Carrabba’s uses in their cooking and serves to their customers? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Carrabba’s wine selection and explore the types of wine they use in their recipes.
A Brief History of Carrabba’s
Before we dive into the world of wine, let’s take a brief look at the history of Carrabba’s. The first Carrabba’s restaurant was opened in 1986 by Johnny Carrabba and his uncle, Damian Mandola, in Houston, Texas. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its wood-fired grilled dishes and extensive wine list. Today, Carrabba’s is owned by Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., a company that also owns other popular restaurant chains like Outback Steakhouse and Bonefish Grill.
Carrabba’s Wine Selection
Carrabba’s takes pride in its wine selection, offering over 30 wines by the glass and over 100 wines by the bottle. Their wine list features a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines from around the world, including Italy, California, and Australia. Some of the most popular wines on the Carrabba’s menu include:
Red Wines
- Carrabba’s House Red: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, this wine is a classic choice for pairing with Carrabba’s grilled meats and pasta dishes.
- Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red wine with flavors of cherry and raspberry, perfect for pairing with Carrabba’s seafood and vegetarian dishes.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry and spice, ideal for pairing with Carrabba’s grilled steaks and chops.
White Wines
- Carrabba’s House White: A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio, this wine is a crisp and refreshing choice for pairing with Carrabba’s seafood and salads.
- Pinot Grigio: A light-bodied white wine with flavors of citrus and green apple, perfect for pairing with Carrabba’s vegetarian and seafood dishes.
- Chardonnay: A full-bodied white wine with flavors of butter and vanilla, ideal for pairing with Carrabba’s rich and creamy pasta dishes.
Carrabba’s Wine-Based Sauces and Marinades
Carrabba’s is known for its wine-based sauces and marinades, which are used to add flavor to many of their dishes. Some of the most popular wine-based sauces and marinades include:
Wine-Based Sauces
- Carrabba’s House Red Wine Sauce: A rich and tangy sauce made with Carrabba’s House Red wine, perfect for pairing with grilled meats and pasta dishes.
- White Wine and Garlic Sauce: A light and creamy sauce made with white wine and garlic, ideal for pairing with seafood and vegetarian dishes.
- Marsala Wine Sauce: A sweet and savory sauce made with Marsala wine, perfect for pairing with Carrabba’s grilled chicken and pork dishes.
Wine-Based Marinades
- Red Wine and Herb Marinade: A flavorful marinade made with red wine, herbs, and spices, perfect for marinating grilled meats and vegetables.
- White Wine and Lemon Marinade: A bright and citrusy marinade made with white wine and lemon, ideal for marinating seafood and chicken.
Carrabba’s Wine Pairing Tips
Pairing wine with food can be intimidating, but Carrabba’s has some tips to help you make the perfect pairing:
Red Wine Pairing Tips
- Pair red wine with grilled meats and rich pasta dishes.
- Choose a full-bodied red wine for bold flavors and a light-bodied red wine for delicate flavors.
- Consider the type of sauce or marinade used in the dish when pairing with red wine.
White Wine Pairing Tips
- Pair white wine with seafood, salads, and vegetarian dishes.
- Choose a crisp and refreshing white wine for light flavors and a rich and creamy white wine for bold flavors.
- Consider the type of sauce or marinade used in the dish when pairing with white wine.
Conclusion
Carrabba’s wine selection is a key part of their Italian-American cuisine, with a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a wine to pair with your meal or a wine-based sauce or marinade to add flavor to your dish, Carrabba’s has something for everyone. By following their wine pairing tips and exploring their wine list, you can enhance your dining experience and discover new favorite wines.
| Wine | Description | Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Carrabba’s House Red | A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah | Grilled meats, pasta dishes |
| Pinot Noir | A light-bodied red wine with flavors of cherry and raspberry | Seafood, vegetarian dishes |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | A full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry and spice | Grilled steaks, chops |
| Carrabba’s House White | A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio | Seafood, salads |
| Pinot Grigio | A light-bodied white wine with flavors of citrus and green apple | Vegetarian dishes, seafood |
| Chardonnay | A full-bodied white wine with flavors of butter and vanilla | Rich and creamy pasta dishes |
By exploring Carrabba’s wine selection and following their wine pairing tips, you can enhance your dining experience and discover new favorite wines. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a great meal, Carrabba’s has something for everyone.
What kind of wine does Carrabba’s use in their cooking?
Carrabba’s uses a variety of wines in their cooking, but the specific type of wine used can vary depending on the dish. However, according to their website, they use a proprietary blend of Italian wines, including Chianti, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, in many of their sauces and braising liquids. This blend is designed to add depth and richness to their dishes without overpowering the other flavors.
It’s worth noting that Carrabba’s also offers a selection of wines by the glass and bottle in their restaurants, featuring a range of Italian and domestic varietals. While these wines are not necessarily the same as those used in their cooking, they are carefully chosen to complement the flavors of their dishes and enhance the overall dining experience.
Is the wine used in Carrabba’s cooking available for purchase?
Unfortunately, the proprietary wine blend used in Carrabba’s cooking is not available for purchase in stores or online. This blend is specifically designed for use in their restaurants and is not intended for retail sale. However, Carrabba’s does offer a range of wines by the bottle in their restaurants, which can be purchased to take home.
If you’re looking to recreate Carrabba’s dishes at home, you may be able to find similar wines at your local wine shop or online. Look for Italian red blends or varietals like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon, which can add a similar depth and richness to your sauces and braising liquids.
Can I use a different type of wine in Carrabba’s recipes?
While Carrabba’s recipes are designed to use their proprietary wine blend, you can experiment with different types of wine to find a substitute that works for you. However, keep in mind that using a different wine may alter the flavor and character of the dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, try using a similar Italian red blend or varietal, such as Chianti or Merlot.
It’s also worth noting that the type of wine used can affect the cooking time and method. For example, a full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon may require a longer cooking time to reduce and intensify the flavors, while a lighter-bodied wine like Pinot Grigio may cook more quickly. Be sure to adjust the cooking time and method accordingly to achieve the best results.
How does Carrabba’s use wine in their cooking?
Carrabba’s uses wine in a variety of ways in their cooking, including as a braising liquid, a sauce ingredient, and a marinade. In many of their dishes, wine is used to add depth and richness to the flavors, as well as to help tenderize the ingredients. For example, their famous Chicken Bryan dish features a sauce made with white wine, garlic, and herbs, which is simmered to reduce and intensify the flavors.
In addition to using wine as an ingredient, Carrabba’s also uses it as a cooking liquid to braise meats and vegetables. This technique helps to tenderize the ingredients and add flavor to the dish. For example, their Braised Beef Braciole features beef short ribs that are slow-cooked in a rich wine sauce until tender and falling off the bone.
Can I make Carrabba’s recipes without wine?
While wine is a key ingredient in many Carrabba’s recipes, it is possible to make them without wine. However, keep in mind that the flavor and character of the dish may be affected. If you’re looking to substitute wine with a non-alcoholic ingredient, you can try using a combination of broth and acidity, such as lemon juice or vinegar.
It’s also worth noting that some Carrabba’s recipes may not require wine at all. For example, their Grilled Chicken and Vegetables dish features a sauce made with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, which is free from wine. Be sure to check the ingredients and instructions carefully to determine if wine is required or if a substitute can be used.
Is the wine used in Carrabba’s cooking suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
The wine used in Carrabba’s cooking is typically made from grapes and is suitable for vegetarians. However, some wines may use animal products in the fining process, such as gelatin or egg whites. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, be sure to check with your server or the restaurant’s website to determine if the wine used in their cooking is suitable for your dietary needs.
It’s also worth noting that Carrabba’s offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options on their menu, which do not include wine or animal products. Be sure to check with your server for recommendations and to ask about any ingredients or cooking methods that may be used.
Can I get a wine pairing recommendation for my Carrabba’s meal?
Absolutely! Carrabba’s offers a range of wine pairing recommendations on their website and in their restaurants. Their servers are also happy to provide recommendations based on your meal choices and personal preferences. Simply ask your server for a wine pairing suggestion, and they will be happy to help you choose a wine that complements your meal.
In addition to wine pairing recommendations, Carrabba’s also offers a range of wine flights and tastings in their restaurants. These flights feature a selection of wines paired with small plates and are a great way to experience a range of wines and flavors. Be sure to check with your server for more information and to make a reservation.