When it comes to wine there is a lot to know. It can be an intimidating field but every guy should have a general knowledge of wine and what to drink with what food.
Here’s the 411 on picking the right wine for your next dinner party.
RED WINES:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is arguably the most common, and one of the best red wines.
Taste: Full-bodied wine with a toasty cedar taste
Food Pairing: Best with red meat
Merlot
If you are new to the world of red wine a merlot is a good wine to start with. It is an easy to drink wine that allows you to experience the joys of red wine, without being over powered with complexity.
Taste: Smooth wine with the flavor of blackberries, plums, and herbal flavours.
Food Pairing: Anything will do.
Malbec
Malbec is the perfect everyday red, and a good choice for company. It is a general crowd pleaser amongst newbies and connoisseurs alike.
Taste: The taste can depend on the region the grape comes from. Malbec comes from France, the South American nations of Chile and Argentina, but can also be found in Australia and California. Typical flavours in a Malbec are berries, plums, and spice.
Food Pairing: Meat, and not just red meat. Also works well with a spicier dish (but not limited to them).
Carmenère
Carmenère originated in France, and was at risk of disappearing with dwindling numbers of the grapes remaining. Fortunately for people everywhere, the Carmenère grape was found in Chile and this delicious red is no longer in any danger of disappearing.
Taste: Tastes ranges from cherry or berry flavoured, with a smokey taste, but can also have hints of dark chocolate.
Food Pairing: Lamb, bacon, seafood, dark greens
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a smooth red that is easy to drink.
Taste: Earthy-tasting wine that evokes the flavour of cherries
Food Pairing: Pinot Noir is the perfect choice for chicken, grilled salmon, and lamb.
Syrah or Shiraz
Syrah and Shiraz is the same wine with two different names (Syrah used by European vintners). The Shiraz is a hearty, sometimes spicy red, and one of the boldest and most flavourful of wines.
Taste: Intense mix of dark fruit (i.e. black currents), a meaty flavoured wine with a taste of black pepper.
Food Pairing: Meat in general
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a versatile grape that can be used to make everything from a blush wine to a deep red.
Taste: Fruity, zesty, berry-flavoured wine
Food Pairing: Tomato-sauce pasta, pizza, and barbequed meats
WHITE WINES:
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most popular white wine, and as you can probably guess by the name, comes from France.
Taste: A dry white wine with an aroma and taste of tropical (citrus) fruit
Food Pairing: Great choice for fish or chicken
Pinot Grigio
Taste: Crisp, refreshing, dry wine with a bit of bite.
Food Pairing: Versatile (pretty much anything)
Riesling
Canada’s Niagara Wine Region produces some of the world’s best Rieslings.
Taste: A much lighter and sweeter wine. People often taste apples and other tree fruits.
Food Pairing: Fish, chicken, and pork
Sauvignon Blanc
Taste: Sauvignon Blanc can be citrusy and acid wine with a grassy flavour, to the taste of sour fruits (green apples, pears, gooseberries).
Food Pairing: Chicken, seafood, and salad
Gewürztraminer
Probably the most fun name for a wine, the Gewürztraminer is best known as a German wine but can also be found throughout the U.S.
Taste: Fruity and more sweet than a lot of whites. Peaches, and lychees are often tasted.
Food Pairing: Asian cuisine or pork, but is also a great wine to sip at without food.
