Unlock the perfect pairing: discover how to match 10 popular wine varieties with your favorite dishes, from bold Cabernet Sauvignon to crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
10 Types of Wine and What to Pair Them With
If you’ve ever stood in front of a wine shelf overwhelmed by options, you’re not alone. Understanding the types of wine can make picking the right bottle feel less like a guessing game and more like an informed choice.
Popular Red Wines
Wine offers a spectrum of styles suited for any palate or occasion. Here are 10 popular types of wine every wine lover should know.
Wine is a complex beverage with numerous types, each with its unique characteristics.
The main categories are red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines.
Red wines are made from red or black grapes, aged in oak barrels to develop their flavor.
Popular varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
White wines are made from green or yellow grapes, often aged in stainless steel tanks for a crisp taste.
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are well-known white wine options.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A classic, full-bodied red wine known for its deep flavors of red and black fruits, baking spices, and oak barrels aging. It’s a staple of the Bordeaux region and pairs well with flavorful dishes like grilled steak or aged cheeses.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine known for its dark color and robust flavor.
Native to Bordeaux, France, it is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes.
This varietal thrives in warm climates with well-drained soils, producing wines with flavors of blackcurrant, spice, and subtle oak notes.
With over 340,000 acres planted worldwide, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely cultivated grape varieties.
Its popularity stems from its aging potential, complexity, and versatility when paired with a range of cuisines.
Pinot Noir
This medium-bodied red wine is prized for its delicate balance of earthy notes, red fruits, and bright acidity. It pairs well with roasted poultry or creamy pasta dishes, making it a go-to for foodies.
Pinot Noir is a red wine grape variety originating from France.
It is known for its light-bodied and delicate flavor profile, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones.
Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape, making it prone to disease and requiring careful cultivation.
The grape thrives in cooler climates, particularly in regions like Burgundy and Oregon.
Red Wine (General)
Covering everything from Cabernet Franc to full-bodied wines, red wine is made from red grapes and involves red grape skins in the winemaking process. Perfect for pairing with meats, cheeses, and smoky notes.
Popular White Wines
From light-bodied wines to full, oaky Chardonnays, white wines are made from white grapes or yellow grapes. They’re ideal for pairing with fish, chicken, and dishes with vibrant acidity.
Sauvignon Blanc
A light-bodied white wine with crisp acidity and notes of green apple, tropical fruits, and passion fruit. It’s fantastic with goat cheese, seafood, and light salads — arguably one of the most refreshing white wines around.
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
Made from grapes with pinkish-gray skins (a mutation of Pinot Noir), Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) is a versatile white wine with bright acidity. Great with light dishes and casual sipping, it’s a hit among wine lovers.
Rosé Wines and Fortified Wines
Rosé wines are made from red grape skins with limited skin contact, bringing a refreshing, pink-hued beverage. They can be dry or lusciously sweet and pair well with anything from fried appetizers to soft cheeses.
Sparkling Wine
Including Champagne and Prosecco, sparkling wine is defined by its effervescence. The bubbles come from a secondary fermentation and are perfect with goat cheese, fruit tarts, or as a celebratory sip on its own. Sweeter sparkling styles can complement fruit tarts.
Sweet Wines
Whether red or white, sweet wines are made with higher residual sugar. They’re often dessert wines too, and shine with lush notes of tropical fruits and sweet baking spices in their profiles.
Fortified Wines
These are wine styles with added spirits like brandy (think Port and Sherry). Fortified wines are often sipped as dessert wines and pair beautifully with aged cheeses or rich desserts like chocolate or caramel-based pastries.
- howstuffworks.com | 10 Types of Wine and What to Pair Them With
