Choosing the proper wine for food has been the subject of innumerable books, articles and debates among wine lovers. The short – but probably unsatisfying answer – is experiment. You’ll discover wines you enjoy with certain foods.
As a general guide, here are wines that should complement the food, without allowing either to dominate.
| Spicy Food |
Gewurztraminer
Riesling
Pinot Noir Chilled sparkling wines |
|
| Beef | Pinot Noir Melot Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Zinfandel |
|
| Desserts | Riesling White Zinfandel Chilled sparkling wines |
|
| Lamb | Pinot Noir Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Zinfandel |
|
| Pasta with Red Sauce | Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir Syrah Zinfandel |
|
| Pasta with White Sauce | Chardonnay Pinot Grigio Sauvignon Blanc |
|
| Pork | Riesling Merlot Pinot Noir Gewurztraminer |
|
| Poultry | Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio Pinot Noir White Zinfandel |
|
| Seafood | Pinot Grigio Sauvignon Blanc White Zinfandel Chardonnay Pinot Noir |
|
| Vegetarian |
Chardonnay |
|