Keep this cheat sheet from Matt Lilien, founder of Wine Wala advising company, in your purse.
Chardonnay
Tastes Like: Tropical fruits, with a buttery finish
Pair It With: Pork, chicken, seafood, strong cheeses
Pinot Grigio (Gris)
Tastes Like: Lemons, green apples, pears
Pair It With: Salads, light fish, light cheeses, white pizza
Sauvignon Blanc
Tastes Like: Citrus, tropical fruits, herbs, gooseberries
Pair It With: Salads, vegetables, fish
Riesling
Tastes Like: Apples, pears, flowers, minerals
Pair It With: Fish, cheeses, chicken, light appetizers, desserts (for sweet Riesling)
Gewürztraminer
Tastes Like: Lychees, spices, flowers
Pair It With: Asian foods, spicy foods, strong cheeses
Cabernet Sauvignon
Tastes Like: Cassis, black currants, herbs, cedar
Pair It With: Beef, lamb, stews
Merlot
Tastes Like: Black cherries, plums, spices
Pair It With: Lamb shank, duck, sausage
Pinot Noir
Tastes Like: Cherries, strawberries, spices, flowers
Pair It With: Salmon, tuna, pork
Syrah/Shiraz
Tastes Like: Blackberries, black pepper, spices
Pair It With: Chicken, BBQ, curries, stews
Need French recipes to go with your French wines? Go to Country Living's French Food Recipes page.
