Understanding the types of red wine varietals is a step toward understanding the wine culture as a whole, as well as the foods with which the wines can be paired. Here is a list of red wine varietals that you should know before a tasting:
Cabernet Sauvignon: Although cabernet sauvignon grapes were thought to be ancient, the cabernet sauvignon grape has actually been found to be a hybrid of the sauvignon blanc and cabernet franc grapes. Cabernet sauvignon wines are probably the most popular red wines produced in California and consumed in the United States, and they typically age well.
Grape Flavors: Black cherry, bell pepper, ginger or green peppercorn
Nuances After Processing: Vanilla, coconut, toast or leather
Best Paired With: Hearty dishes, like filet mignon
Pinot Noir: The pinot noir grape has an ancient history and may have been among the first grapes that were deliberately grown to produce wine. Even though this varietal is difficult to cultivate, the results can captivate.
Grape Flavors: Raspberry, violet, rosemary and green tea
Nuances After Processing: Mushroom, smoke, cedar or vanilla
Best Paired With: Mushroom, salmon, duck, pork and lamb dishes
Syrah: The syrah, or shiraz, grape originated in France. While syrah grapes weren't planted in California until 1971, syrahs have become increasingly popular in California over the years. Today, syrah grapes are more likely to be grown in Paso Robles and the Sierra Foothills than any other part of California.
Grape Flavors: Grass, blackberry, black pepper or cedar
Nuances After Processing: Musk, coconut, smoke, earth or leather
Best Paired With: Heavy, barbequed meat dishes
 | Understanding taste is important with wine and food pairings, because you may want to complement or contrast the taste of the wine with the taste of the food in your pairings. |
 | Understanding the types of white wines varietals is a step toward understanding the wine culture as a whole, as well as the foods with which the wines can be paired. Here is a list of white wine varietals that you should know before a tasting. |
Wine and cheese pairing guidelines are just that: guidelines. Stick to classic combinations when you don't want to take chances with your guests' palates and save pairing experiments for your own enjoyment. |
Red wine goes with meat, and white wine goes with chicken or fish - or so the saying goes. But what about everything in between: spicy foods, sweet flavors, creamy cheeses, etc.? In actuality, many wines complement a range of dishes, and knowing what to drink with what food does not require the services of a personal sommelier. |
Forget everything you think you know about pairing food and wine. As a trained industry insider I can share that scientists have determined that our palates are affected very specifically by certain flavor combinations. |
