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Food & Wine Pairing

You can pair a wine from a particular country or region with a dish from that country or region, such as Italian wine with pasta, for example. The formula “white with fish” and “red with meat,” is not carved in stone, just make sure that the wine does not overpower the dish.

To chill or not to chill?

Champagne should be 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which is slightly colder than the refrigerator. Chill in an ice bucket for approximately 20 minutes before serving. White, Rosé, and Blush wines should be served at 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just slightly warmer than your refrigerator. If you chill them excessively you risk losing the wine’s natural bouquet. Red is best at 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is cooler than room temperature. (If you cool 12 minutes in the refrigerator before serving, that will be about right.)

Chart your course

The following chart provides guidelines, but ultimately, the best wine is the one you like best. (For personal assistance, check with your local retailers who are always happy to share their knowledge. Click on “Retail Partners” on our home page to find the one nearest you.)

Type of Food

Wines That Match

Taste Profile

Hors d’oeuvres

Champagne, Chardonnay,
Sparkling Wine

Dry, Crisp, Medium to Full-Bodied

Cold Cuts, Poultry

White Zinfandel, Riesling, Rosé,
Gewürztraminer

Dry, Crisp, Medium to Full-Bodied

BBQ - Meat & Poultry

Zinfandel, Shiraz, Cotes-Du-Rhone,
Syrah

Dry, Spicy, Peppery, Medium-Bodied

Pasta

Valpolicella, Chianti, Sangiovese,
Montepulciano

Dry, Soft, Medium-Bodied

Seafood

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc,
Pinot Grigio, Pouilly Fuisse

Dry, Crisp, Medium to Full-Bodied

Chicken & Turkey

Chardonnay, Beaujolais, Shiraz,
Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese

Dry, Medium to Full-Bodied

Steak & Lamb

Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel,
Syrah, Merlot

Dry, Medium to Full-Bodied

Roast Beef & Veal

Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Shiraz,
Rioja, Cotes-Du-Rhone

Dry, Tangy, Light to Medium-Bodied

Pork & Ham

Chenin Blanc, Shiraz,
Pinot Noir, White Zinfandel

Semi-Dry, Light to Medium-Bodied

Game

Barolo, Petite Syrah, Hermitage,
Chateneuf-Du-Pape

Dry, Full-Bodied

Indian Food

Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Riesling,
Sauvignon Blanc

Dry, Soft, Light ot Medium-Bodied

Asian Food

Riesling, Gewürztraminer,
Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Beaujolais

Dry, Crisp, Medium to Full-Bodied

Dessert

Moscato, Late Harvest, Vouvray,
Spumante

Semi-Sweet, Medium Bodied