Wine Guide

Wine Guide

A simple guide to the most common red and white wines.

Common Red Wines

Merlot

Red
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

Cabernet Sauvignon

Red
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

Red
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

Red
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

Red
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

Red
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

Red
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

Red
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

White
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

White
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

White
Body
Light
Taste
Lemon, pear, green apple, mineral
Pairs with
Seafood, salads, light pasta, appetizers

Easy-drinking and very approachable.

Beginner FriendlyFood Friendly

Riesling

White
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

White
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

White
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

White
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

White
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

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