EN 
DE 
FR 
IT Paprika, Braised Meat and the Right Wine
From Saftgulasch to Gulyás – the perfect wine for every variation
Whether classic beef goulash with silky-spiced sauce, Hungarian Gulyás as a fiery soup or Viennese Saftgulasch with bread dumplings – paprika and slowly braised meat demand wines with depth and character.
Goulash is not goulash – and the right wine makes the difference. The slow braising time makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender, whilst the flavours of paprika, onions and spices combine into a complex sauce. Key to choosing wine: How intense is the paprika spice? How rich is the sauce?
Each region has its own interpretation: Hungarian Gulyás is a soup, Viennese Saftgulasch is a ragout with silky sauce. The East German goulash soup – a GDR canteen classic – was often thinner, with more paprika and tomato paste. Whilst robust Rhône wines perfectly accompany the classic version, the fiery original needs spicy reds with character of their own.
Classic Beef Goulash – Robust Rhône Wines
The classic German beef goulash with its silky, paprika-spiced sauce is a soul warmer. Beef braised for hours that melts on your tongue – here you need wines with body, ripe tannins and dark fruit.
Grenache-dominated wines from the southern Rhône are made for this: The lush fruit harmonises with the paprika, the spice notes from the Garrigue character complement the flavours of the braised meat. From the uncomplicated Côtes du Rhône to the majestic Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Côtes Du Rhône „No Wine’s Land“ 2020
Grenache and Syrah from Du Coulet. Dark berries, Garrigue, silky mouthfeel – an introduction to the Rhône with character. The spicy fruit harmonises perfectly with the paprika sauce.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge 2019
Biodynamic Châteauneuf from Domaine de Marcoux. Cherry, lavender, herbs – elegant and complex. The silky tannins complement butter-tender braised meat beautifully.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2021
Legendary estate, iconic wine. 14 grape varieties, all 13 permitted vineyard sites – pure complexity. Blackberry, tobacco, leather. Perfect for festive goulash or special occasions.
Hungarian Gulyás – Spicy Reds
True Hungarian gulyás is not a thick sauce, but a spicy soup – with beef, potatoes, csipetke (egg noodle flakes) and generous amounts of noble sweet paprika. The spice is more intense, the heat more pronounced than its German counterpart.
This calls for wines that can hold their own: spicy reds with character of their own. A matured Garnacha from the Priorat region, a Sicilian Nero d’Avola – or for an entry point, an uncomplicated Austrian cuvée.
Gluegglich Rot
Uncomplicated red from Loimer. Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent – fruity, juicy, inviting to drink. The lively character refreshes between the spicy spoonfuls.
Tros Negre „Notaria“ 2016
Aged Garnacha from Alfredo Arribas. Eight years of maturation bring complexity: cherry, leather, tobacco, Mediterranean herbs. The spicy depth is every bit a match for gulyás.
„FL“ Fossa di Lupo 2022
Nero d’Avola from Arianna Occhipinti. Dark, spicy, with notes of plum, black pepper and volcanic earth. Perfect for the fiery heat of the Hungarian original.
Wiener Saftgulasch – Elegant Companions
The Wiener Saftgulasch is more refined than its cousins: plenty of onions (at least the same quantity as meat!), noble sweet paprika, a touch of vinegar for freshness – and a silky, velvety sauce. Traditionally served with bread dumplings or nockerl.
Here the wines can be more elegant: A Burgundy Pinot Noir with its finesse, an Austrian Pinot from Loimer – or the surprise: a mature Riesling from Rheinhessen, whose acidity cuts through the opulence.
Steiner Riesling 17-22
Solera Riesling from Schätzel – a blend of several vintages. Ripe fruit, creamy texture, vibrant acidity. The unconventional choice that surprises and delivers.
Bourgogne Rouge „La Taupe“ 2021
Red Burgundy from Chavy-Chouet. Cherry, strawberry, fine spice – classic Pinot with elegance. The delicate structure flatters the Viennese original.
Anning Pinot Noir 2019
Biodynamic Pinot from Fred Loimer. Sour cherry, herbs, fine earth – elegant with depth. The Austrian Pinot for the Austrian classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wine pairs best with goulash?
Full-bodied, fruit-forward red wines are the first choice: Grenache-based wines from the Rhône, mature Garnacha from Spain or Nero d’Avola from Sicily. The lush fruit harmonises with the paprika spice, whilst soft tannins complement the tender braised meat.
Does white wine pair with goulash?
Surprisingly yes – at least with refined Viennese juice goulash! A mature Riesling with creamy texture or a robust Pinot Gris can work. The acidity refreshes between the rich bites. Not recommended with spicy Gulyás.
What is the difference between goulash, Gulyás and goulash soup?
Hungarian Gulyás is the original: a spicy soup with beef, potatoes and noble sweet paprika. West German goulash became a thicker ragout. Viennese juice goulash is something in between with silky sauce. East German goulash soup was its own interpretation: thinner, often with tomato paste, paprika and sometimes noodles – the canteen classic par excellence.
Can you drink beer with goulash?
Quite common in Vienna – a Märzen or dark lager works well. But a good wine elevates the dish to another level: the complexity of wine complements the flavours better, the tannins structure the rich sauce.
Which wine pairs with Szegediner goulash?
With Szegediner goulash with sauerkraut, you need wines with good acidity that pick up on the sauerkraut: an Austrian Zweigelt, a light Blaufränkisch or – boldly – a dry Riesling. The acidity connects the sauerkraut and wine.
Which wine with goulash soup?
With thinner goulash soup – whether East German-style or classically Hungarian – lighter, fruity red wines are ideal: an uncomplicated Zweigelt or Blaufränkisch, a fresh Gamay or our Gluegglich Red. The spice of the soup doesn’t need heavy wines, but rather freshness and drinkability.
Discover all wines to pair with goulash
This selection shows only a portion of our recommendations. In our shop you’ll find further full-bodied red wines and surprises that pair with various goulash varieties.
To the shop