It is helpful, however, to serve wine that has the same characteristics as the meal. If the food is spicy, choose a spicy wine. If it is robust, select a robust wine such as Red Zinfandel. The wine and the food will help to enhance the flavor of the other.
If you plan to serve or order a meal sans meat, again, choose whatever wine you enjoy. However, in regard to the standard rule, substitute "white meat" for "green vegetables" and substitute "red meat" for "brown vegetables." Brown vegetables are beans, potatoes, carrots and onions. Reds go well with meatless lasagne, macaroni and cheese and other cheese dishes.
Here is a list of some wine types with descriptions of their flavor and what one should serve with the selection.
Chardonnay
This wine has an apple, coconut, nutty and buttery flavor. A very versatile wine, Chardonnay can accompany many types of food. Fish and shellfish in butter, chicken and veal in cream sauces, Thai, pork and grilled beef are just a few that can be eaten with this wine.
Gewürztraminer
This selection is floral and spicy. Drink this wine with rich appetizers and spicy food such as curry.
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
This rich wine has a cedar flavor. Merlot has a lighter flavor than Cabernet Sauvignon. Beef dishes such as stroganoff, lamb and steak with bordelaise are a good match. Grilled salmon, duck and pheasant also are a delight.
Pinot Noir
This soft wine has a slight cherry and spice flavor. Grilled beef tenderloin and prime rib go great with this wine. Poached fish in Pinot Noir is delicious!
Riesling
A light, sweet white wine. This selection goes well with fish or pork.
Sauvignon Blanc (also known as Fumé Blanc) or White Meritage
This wine has a melon, grassy and lemon flavor. It goes well with food flavored with lemon such as fish and chicken. Stir-fry dishes with beef and vegetables also can be paired with this selection.
Sparkling (Champagne)
Sparkling wine is tart and crisp. It goes well with spicy and salty foods. This wine is what people think of as "Champagne." It really is not Champagne unless it comes from Champagne, France.
Zinfandel, red
Red Zinfandel has a robust raspberry flavor. This wine goes well with spicy meat dishes, curry, turkey, pot roast, stew and rabbit.
Zinfandel, white
White Zinfandel has a sweet, tropical fruit flavor. Grilled foods -- hamburgers and salmon, etc. -- with ketchup or tomato sauces go great with this wine.
