Dining with Wine

Know the characteristics of the wine you are selecting with your food


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Types of Wine and their Characteristics:

White Wines Chardonnay
[shar-dun-NAY]
Medium-bodied, rich white wine.
Marked by smoky, vanilla, oak aromas
as well as rich and intense fruit
flavors of apple, fig, melon and lemon
along with spice and hazelnut flavors
Sauvignon Blanc
[SO-vin-yon BLAHNK]
Light-bodied, dry white wine.
Marked by grassy citrus notes, a touch of
herbal and a slight oak character
Riesling
[REES-ling]
Light-bodied, slightly sweet
with fruit accents and balanced fruit acids.
An aperitif, first course, or summer BBQ wine.
Complements lighter-styled foods.
Should be served well chilled
Pinot Grigio
[PEE-no GREE-zho]
Light-bodied, gently aromatic
with palate cleansing fruit acid
A good aperitif or first course wine
Gewurztraminer
[geh-VERTS-trah-mee-ner]
Made in a variety of styles
from dry to off-dry to sweet.
It is a floral and refreshing wine
with crisp acidity that pairs well
with spicy dishes.
Red Wines Pinot Noir
[PEE-no NWA]
Medium-bodied
with berry fruitiness and earthiness
complements medium to full-bodied foods
and moderately robust flavors.
Merlot
[mur-LO]
Medium-bodied,
deep red wine with luscious, full flavor.
Complements foods that are rich and
hearty with a natural softness or sweetness
Cabernet Sauvignon
[cab-er-NAY SO-vin-yon]
Full-bodied. Marked by plum, currant
and black cherry flavors,
and firm acid-tannin balance.
Complements richer, heavier foods
where the wine doesn't overpower the flavor.
Zinfandel
[ZIHN-fan-dell]
Full-bodied, zesty, dark red wine
with pepper and wild berry flavors.
---expressive fruit character.
Made in many different styles, from a sweet,
fruity blush wine to a tannin-laden port.
Complements hearty, spicy foods.
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