What red wine for braises

[jmax]

Is there an all purpose red wine that I can use for all of my braises - lamb shanks, short ribs, pot roast, etc... I usually have merlot in the house - is that OK?

[Lenox637]

I would recommend a zinfandel, deep fruit flavors that go very well with all braises.

[Val]

Merlot should work fine...any sturdy red is good for braising such as burgundy or zinfandel, also.

[hotoynoodle]

if it's good enough to drink (but nothing too precious) it's fine to use for cooking. the purpose of wine in a braise is to add flavor and for the acids to help break down the meat.

don't cook with junk, but don't overthink it.