Food and Flavors

Red Wines

White Wines

Beef, beef dishes, burgers,  beef stews, grilled steaks, filet mignon

Burgundy
Beaujolais
Bordeaux
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Zinfandel
Shiraz

Veal

Merlot
Pinot Noir
Zinfandel

Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc

Lamb chops, leg of lamb; Duck

Beaujolais
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bordeaux
Merlot
Zinfandel

Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc

Chicken, chicken dishes, stews, (hot or cold) spicy entrees.  Red wines good with dark meat; mustard, clove, ginger, cumin

Beaujolais
Pinot Noir (Roasted,  hearty dishes)
Merlot (Stews, BBQ)
Zinfandel

Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Gewurztraminer
(Spicy or ethnic foods)
Pinot Gris
Chardonnay

Pork, pork dishes, sausages, pizza,  BBQ, bacon, onion, hot pepper, chili pepper, highly seasoned food

Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Shiraz
Zinfandel

Riesling

Pinot Gris

Gewurztraminer

Fume Blanc

Fish, fish dishes.  Shellfish and dishes containing shellfish.  Seafood sauces or pasta, Mornay sauce, Alfredo; garlic, oregano, tarragon

Pinot Noir
(Salmon, tuna)
Shiraz
(Salmon, tuna)

Chardonnay

Riesling

Chablis

Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Grigio

Game, venison, rabbit, braised or stewed

Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Zinfandel
Shiraz

Turkey.  Other fowl, quail, squab, capons, Cornish Hens

Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir

Chardonnay

Vegetables, basic vegetable dishes, vegetarian meals, salads
Choose lighter varieties to match the sweetness, acidity or flavoring components

Cabernet Sauvignon
(Grilled Vegetables, tomatoes, eggplant)

Shiraz

Gewurztraminer
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Grigio
Riesling

Tomato Sauces. Pasta, lasagna,  pizza, caccittatori

Chianti
Cabernet Sauvignon
Zinfandel
Pinot Noir

Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay

Pasta and Soups
Choose wine based on main ingredient i.e., chicken, beef, tomato, etc 

Zinfandel

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Appetizers, Aperitif

Sherry
Shiraz
Brandy

Chenin Blanc
Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Pinot Grigio
Sauterne

Fruits

Port

Chenin Blanc
Pinot Blanc

Cheeses.  Cheese course eaten alone or with fruit. 
Dishes predominately composed of cheese, choose white wine

Beaujolais
Port
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Zinfandel
(Sharp, hearty cheeses)
Madeira, Sherry

Chardonnay

Gewurztraminer

Dessert

Shiraz (chocolates)

Sauterne
Champagne

After Dinner 

Brandy
Cognac
Port
Madeira, Sherry 
(Dry, serve chilled)
Liqueurs

Sauterne
Champagne