Merlot
- Body
- Medium
- Taste
- Soft, smooth, plum, cherry, chocolate
- Pairs with
- Roast chicken, burgers, pork, mushroom dishes
A friendly red for people who want something smooth.
Beginner FriendlyFood Friendly
Wine Guide
Wine Guide
A simple guide to the most common red and white wines.
Common Red Wines
Red
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Body
- Full
- Taste
- Bold, dark fruit, blackcurrant, cedar, tannic
- Pairs with
- Steak, lamb, barbecue, aged cheddar
Best with rich foods because of its structure.
Food Friendly
Pinot Noir
- Body
- Light to Medium
- Taste
- Red cherry, raspberry, earthy, silky
- Pairs with
- Salmon, roast chicken, duck, mushrooms
A versatile red that works with lighter meals.
Beginner FriendlyFood Friendly
Malbec
- Body
- Medium to Full
- Taste
- Blackberry, plum, cocoa, smoky
- Pairs with
- Grilled meats, burgers, steak, spicy sausage
Great value and very food-friendly.
Beginner FriendlyFood Friendly
Syrah / Shiraz
- Body
- Full
- Taste
- Blackberry, pepper, smoke, spice
- Pairs with
- Barbecue, lamb, grilled vegetables, peppery dishes
Shiraz is often richer and fruitier; Syrah can be more savory and peppery.
Food Friendly
Zinfandel
- Body
- Medium to Full
- Taste
- Jammy fruit, spice, black pepper
- Pairs with
- Ribs, pizza, barbecue chicken, spicy food
A bold, fruit-forward red for casual meals.
Beginner FriendlyFood Friendly
Sangiovese
- Body
- Medium
- Taste
- Red cherry, tomato leaf, herbs, bright acidity
- Pairs with
- Pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, roasted vegetables
The classic grape behind many Italian reds.
Food Friendly
Tempranillo
- Body
- Medium to Full
- Taste
- Cherry, leather, tobacco, vanilla
- Pairs with
- Tapas, grilled pork, roasted lamb, manchego cheese
A classic Spanish red with savory depth.
Food Friendly
Common White Wines
Chardonnay
- Body
- Medium to Full
- Taste
- Apple, pear, butter, vanilla, citrus
- Pairs with
- Roast chicken, creamy pasta, lobster, salmon
Oaked Chardonnay is richer; unoaked Chardonnay is fresher.
Beginner FriendlyFood Friendly
Sauvignon Blanc
- Body
- Light to Medium
- Taste
- Citrus, green apple, grass, passionfruit
- Pairs with
- Goat cheese, salads, seafood, asparagus
Crisp and refreshing, especially good with fresh foods.
Beginner FriendlyFood Friendly
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
- Body
- Light
- Taste
- Lemon, pear, green apple, mineral
- Pairs with
- Seafood, salads, light pasta, appetizers
Easy-drinking and very approachable.
Beginner FriendlyFood Friendly
Riesling
- Body
- Light to Medium
- Taste
- Lime, peach, apricot, floral, honey
- Pairs with
- Spicy food, sushi, pork, Thai food
Can be dry or sweet; great with spice.
Beginner FriendlyFood Friendly
Moscato
- Body
- Light
- Taste
- Peach, orange blossom, tropical fruit, sweet
- Pairs with
- Spicy food, fruit desserts, brunch dishes
Light, sweet, and low in alcohol.
Beginner Friendly
Gewürztraminer
- Body
- Medium
- Taste
- Lychee, rose, ginger, spice
- Pairs with
- Spicy Asian food, curry, strong cheese
Aromatic and bold, often slightly sweet.
Food Friendly
Chenin Blanc
- Body
- Light to Medium
- Taste
- Apple, honey, pear, citrus
- Pairs with
- Chicken, pork, seafood, creamy dishes
Very versatile and can range from dry to sweet.
Beginner FriendlyFood Friendly
Viognier
- Body
- Medium to Full
- Taste
- Peach, apricot, honeysuckle, floral
- Pairs with
- Roasted chicken, creamy dishes, mildly spicy food
Richer and more aromatic than many white wines.
Food Friendly
Vintage Guide
Vintage Guide
Learn why some years produce exceptional wines and how vintages can help you choose better bottles.
What is a vintage?
A vintage refers to the year the grapes were harvested. Weather conditions during the growing season can have a significant impact on wine quality. Some years produce exceptional wines, while others may be more challenging.
Vintage ratings are most useful for
- • Age-worthy wines
- • Premium wines
- • Collectible wines
- • Wines from regions with variable weather
For everyday wines, vintage is often less important than producer and grape variety.
Featured Vintages to Know
Tap a region to expand and learn more.
Vintage Quality Scale
Exceptional
Outstanding vintage with broad acclaim.
Very Good
High-quality vintage with few weaknesses.
Good
Solid vintage with above-average quality.
Variable
Mixed reviews; quality varies by producer.
Challenging
Difficult growing season requiring careful producer selection.
What Makes a Great Vintage?
Weather Balance
Optimal sunshine, warmth, and rainfall.
Healthy Fruit
Balanced grapes with good ripeness.
Harvest Decisions
Picking grapes at the ideal moment.
Terroir & Site
Great vineyards often outperform difficult years.
Winemaking Choices
Producer decisions still matter greatly.
Vintage is a guide, not a guarantee.
Producer quality, vineyard site, grape variety, and winemaking decisions all influence the final wine. Use vintages as one tool among many when selecting wine.