Wine
Albarino
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cab is king, and for good reason! This grape produces big, full bodied red wines that are a go to for many people. You can find good examples at many price points from $10 to $1,000!
Top Regions:
- Bordeaux, France
- Napa, California
- Chile
Pairs great with:
- Cabernet Sauvignon is fabulous with a pan seared steak or a roasted prime rib
Other Great Styles
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cava
Champagne
The sparkling wine that all other sparkling wines desire to be, Champagne is made only in France from Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. The end result is a sparkling wine of unparalled complexity and richness.
Top Regions:
- Champagne, France
Pairs great with:
- Champagne will pair with anything, but I particularly like it with buttered foods
Other Great Styles
Champagne
Chardonnay
Gamay
One of the lightest red grapes, Gamay is the grape that makes Beaujolais. While Beaujolais Noveau is well known for being alcoholic grape juice, there are many great Beaujolais wines that are delicious bistro style wines at very affordable prices.
Top Regions:
- Beaujolais, France
Pairs great with:
- Pair a wine made with Gamay with simple stews and roasted meats
Other Great Styles
Gamay
Grenache
Grenache (or Garnacha) is grown around the Mediterranean and makes light bodied red wines that have plenty of red fruit along with spice notes. These are easy drinking, affordable wines.
Top Regions:
- Spain
- Rhone, France
Pairs great with:
- Great with roasted chicken and rich fish dishes
Other Great Styles
Grenache
Malbec
Malbec originated in France but is now best known as Argentina's signature grape. It produces wines that are velvety smooth with rich fruit flavors.
Top Regions:
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Cahors, France
Pairs great with:
- Malbec loves steak and steak loves Malbec. Bonus points if you serve with chimichurri!
Other Great Styles
Malbec
Merlot
While it's not quite en vogue, Merlot produces phenomonal red wines that have ripe red fruit flavors plus tannin and structure. Plus, they're usually more affordable than similar quality Cabernet!
Top Regions:
- Bordeaux, France
- Napa, California
- Columbia Valley, Washington
Pairs great with:
- Merlot is a versatile partner for pork, beef or lamb, especially when it's grilled
Other Great Styles
Merlot
Moscato
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape that produces light red wines. The best Pinot Noirs are fruity, earthy and spicy and very easy to drink!
Top Regions:
- Burgundy, France
- Sonoma, California
- Oregon
Pairs great with:
- Pinot Noir can work with a variety of foods from salmon to pork to mushrooms
Other Great Styles
Pinot Noir
Port
Prosecco
Riesling
Riesling is an amazing grape that can make delicious sweet wines and delicious dry wines! Dry rieslings are particularly food friendly.
Top Regions:
- Mosel, Germany
- Alsace, France
- Columbia Valley, Washington
Pairs great with:
- Dry riesling pairs with almost anything, sweet riesling pairs great with spicy food
Other Great Styles
Riesling
Rosé
True rosé wines are dry, crisp and delicious. They combine the crisp, refreshing characteristics of a white wine with hints of red wine flavor. Don't be scared to drink pink!
Top Regions:
- France
- Spain
- California
Pairs great with:
- Rosé is delicious with summer salads or on its own
Other Great Styles
Rosé
Sangiovese
Sangiovese (and all the other names the Italians call it by) is the grape that makes Chianti. It produces wines that have lots of acidity, plenty of earthiness and red fruit flavors.
Top Regions:
- Chianti, Italy
Pairs great with:
- Sangiovese is a great pairing for high acid foods like dishes that have tomato sauce!
Other Great Styles
Sangiovese
Sauvignon Blanc
Syrah
Syrah (or Shiraz) can be full of ripe red fruits when made in warm climates like Australia, or packed with dark fruit and leather notes when produced in cooler climates. Both styles are delicious and great with food!
Top Regions:
- Rhone, France
- South Australia
- Columbia Valley, Washington
Pairs great with:
- Syrah is the perfect pairing for stews, lamb, and smoked meats
Other Great Styles
Syrah
Tempranillo
You'll usually see Tempranillo labeled as "Rioja", because that's the best region for growing this grape. It produces wines with dark fruit and earthy flavors at great values.
Top Regions:
- Rioja, Spain
- Duero, Spain
Pairs great with:
- Try this Spanish wine with roasted pork and BBQ
Other Great Styles
Tempranillo
Zinfandel
Originally from Croatia, Zinfandel is now best known as a California grape. It's full bodied, high alcohol and packed with big fruit flavors.
Top Regions:
- California
- Southern Italy
Pairs great with:
- The big flavors of Zinfandel are awesome with smoked ribs slathered in BBQ sauce!
Other Great Styles
