If the thought of pairing food with red wine makes you nervous, you've come to the right place. The process doesn't have to be complicated, but with so many options, it can be confusing. Keeping to a few simple rules will help you get the most from both your wine and what you serve with it.
Merlot
One of the most popular grape varieties, Merlot pairs very well with most food. Fruity and easy to drink, it is perfect alongside cheese, Charcuterie, veal, and pork. Good with roasted chicken or turkey, too.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Full-bodied and packed with tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold wine that complements intense flavors. Serve it with steak and meaty fish such as tuna and swordfish. A good Cab also highlights eggplant and mushroom dishes quite nicely.
Pinot Noir
Berry flavored and earthy, Pinot Noir is one of those wines that is best when paired with food. A delicious pinot noir highlights seafood, salads, and vegetarian dishes.
Malbec
One of Argentina's most important grape varieties, Malbec has notes of pepper. Keeping this in mind, you should serve it with hearty foods such as hamburgers, grilled meat, and strong cheese. Malbec is great with spicy stews.
Chianti
A staple in Italian dining establishments, Chianti is a robust wine that goes well with hearty, bold flavored foods. Nothing is more romantic than a meal of pasta served with a bottle of Chianti. Try it! It also very nicely compliments roast lamb.
Zinfandel
The red zinfandel grape can produce wine that is light and juicy or strong and rich. Regardless, it pairs well with everything from barbecue to pizzas to meaty pasta sauces. Try it with smoky or blue cheese, or black bean-based Latin dishes.
No matter what type of red wine you have to drink, there is food that pairs well with it. As a rule of thumb, match earthy wines with earthy foods, bold or bitter wines with hearty flavors, and sweet wines with desserts.
Cheers!