Wine and Food Pairing Guide for Beginners

A Quick Reference for Pairings

Next in this series of how to pair wine and food let’s look at each wine and what it typically pairs with. We will look at the wines body, ABV, nose, pairings and a fact about each one. You can use this as a quick guide and the foundations to build your wine knowledge on. The list is long so you can just use the search on page feature if you are looking for a specific wine quickly. This post is part of my series on how to pair wine and food. Check out the basics of wine and food pairings here.

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White Wines

Chardonnay

Body: Medium to full.
ABV Range: 13–15%.
Nose: Apple, pear, vanilla, butter, and oak.
Pairings: Roast chicken, lobster, creamy pasta, or brie cheese.
Top Tip: Offer unoaked Chardonnay for lighter dishes and oaked Chardonnay for richer, creamier foods.

Sauvignon Blanc

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–14%.
Nose: Citrus, green apple, green grass, and tropical fruits.
Pairings: Goat cheese, seafood, salads, or herb-driven dishes like pesto pasta.
Top Tip: Highlight its versatility with spicy cuisines like Thai or Vietnamese.

Riesling

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 9–12% (off-dry), 12–13% (dry).
Nose: Gasoline or petroleum, peach, apricot, honey, and floral notes.
Pairings: Spicy dishes (e.g., curry), pork, or apple-based desserts.
Top Tip: Use off-dry Riesling to balance heat in spicy foods.

Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–13.5%
Nose: Lemon, green apple, pear, and floral hints.
Pairings: Light seafood, grilled vegetables, or antipasto platters.
Top Tip: Pinot Gris (French) is richer, while Pinot Grigio (Italian) is lighter—adjust pairings accordingly.

Gewürztraminer

Body: Medium to full.
ABV Range: 12–14%.
Nose: Lychee, rose, spice, and tropical fruits.
Pairings: Spicy Asian dishes, smoked meats, or strong cheeses like Munster.
Top Tip: Its bold flavours make it a great conversation starter with guests.

Moscato

Body: Light.
ABV Range: 5–7%.
Nose: Peach, orange blossom, honey, and floral notes.
Pairings: Fruit salads, light desserts, or spicy appetizers.
Top Tip: Perfect for guests who prefer sweeter or off dry wines.

Chenin Blanc

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–14%.
Nose: Apple, pear, honey, and floral hints.
Pairings: Roasted pork, Thai cuisine, or goat cheese.
Top Tip: Highlight its value as an affordable yet high-quality option.

Viognier

Body: Medium to full.
ABV Range: 13–15%.
Nose: Peach, tangerine, honeysuckle, and floral notes.
Pairings: Lobster, crab, or dishes with creamy sauces.
Top Tip: Its richness makes it a great alternative to Chardonnay.

Albariño

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 11.5–13%.
Nose: Citrus, peach, saline, and floral hints.
Pairings: Shellfish, ceviche, or light tapas.
Top Tip: Emphasize its coastal origins for a storytelling angle.

Grüner Veltliner

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–13.5%.
Nose: Green apple, lime, white pepper, and herbal notes.
Pairings: Asparagus, sushi, or grilled chicken.
Top Tip: A hidden gem for pairing with difficult-to-match vegetables.

Sémillon

Body: Medium to full.
ABV Range: 12–14%.
Nose: Lemon, honey, lanolin, and floral hints.
Pairings: Roasted vegetables, creamy sauces, or seafood.
Top Tip: Often blended with Sauvignon Blanc—suggest trying both.

Verdicchio

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–13.5%.
Nose: Citrus, almond, herbs, and floral notes.
Pairings: Seafood, light pasta, or risotto.
Top Tip: A lesser-known Italian wine that can impress adventurous guests.

Torrontés

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–14%.
Nose: Peach, citrus, jasmine, and floral notes.
Pairings: Spicy dishes, ceviche, or empanadas.
Top Tip: Argentina’s signature white wine—great for themed menus.

Assyrtiko

Body: Medium.
ABV Range: 12–14%.
Nose: Lemon, sea salt, mineral, and citrus.
Pairings: Grilled fish, octopus, or Greek salads.
Top Tip: Highlight its volcanic origins for a unique selling point.

Soave

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 11.5–13%.
Nose: Almond, citrus, and floral hints.
Pairings: Light pasta, seafood, or vegetarian dishes.
Top Tip: A budget-friendly alternative to Pinot Grigio.

Petit Manseng

Body: Full.
ABV Range: 13–15%.
Nose: Apricot, honey, spice, and tropical fruits.
Pairings: Foie gras, blue cheese, or fruit-based desserts.
Top Tip: A rare find that can elevate dessert pairings.

Vermentino

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–13.5%.
Nose: Lime, green apple, herbs, and floral hints.
Pairings: Seafood, salads, or light pasta.
Top Tip: A versatile white that pairs well with Mediterranean cuisine.

Red Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon

Body: Full.
ABV Range: 13.5–15%.
Nose: Blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and dark fruits.
Pairings: Steak, lamb, or aged cheeses.
Top Tip: A classic choice for upselling premium bottles.

Merlot

Body: Medium to full.
ABV Range: 13–14.5%.
Nose: Plum, cherry, chocolate, and herbal notes.
Pairings: Roast chicken, pork, or mushroom dishes.
Top Tip: A crowd-pleaser for guests new to red wine.

Pinot Noir

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–14%.
Nose: Cherry, raspberry, earth, and floral hints.
Pairings: Duck, salmon, or truffle dishes.
Top Tip: Its versatility makes it a safe recommendation.

Shiraz or Syrah

Body: Full.
ABV Range: 13.5–15%.
Nose: Blackberry, pepper, smoke, and dark fruits.
Pairings: BBQ ribs, grilled meats, or spicy stews.
Top Tip: Highlight its boldness for adventurous guests.

Zinfandel

Body: Medium to full.
ABV Range: 14–16%.
Nose: Blackberry, cinnamon, pepper, and jammy fruits.
Pairings: Spicy chili, pizza, or smoked meats.
Top Tip: A fun, approachable wine for casual dining.

Malbec

Body: Full.
ABV Range: 13.5–15%.
Nose: Black cherry, plum, cocoa, and violet.
Pairings: Steak, empanadas, or dark chocolate.
Top Tip: This is Argentina’s flagship wine.

Sangiovese

Body: Medium.
ABV Range: 12.5–14%.
Nose: Cherry, herbs, earth, and floral hints.
Pairings: Tomato-based pasta, pizza, or roasted meats.
Top Tip: The backbone of Chianti—perfect for Italian cuisine.

Grenache

Body: Medium to full.
ABV Range: 13.5–15%.
Nose: Raspberry, strawberry, spice, and herbal notes.
Pairings: Grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or paella.
Top Tip: Often blended—suggest trying it solo for a new experience.

Tempranillo

Body: Medium to full.
ABV Range: 13–14.5%.
Nose: Cherry, leather, tobacco, and earthy notes.
Pairings: Tapas, chorizo, or roasted lamb.
Top Tip: Spain’s signature red—ideal for tapas nights.

Nebbiolo

Body: Full.
ABV Range: 13.5–15%.
Nose: Rose, tar, red fruit, and earthy notes.
Pairings: Braised meats, truffle dishes, or aged cheeses.
Top Tip: A sophisticated choice for fine dining.

Barbera

Body: Medium.
ABV Range: 12.5–14%.
Nose: Cherry, plum, spice, and herbal hints.
Pairings: Pasta, pizza, or charcuterie boards.
Top Tip: A high-acid wine that pairs well with tomato-based dishes.

Carménère

Body: Medium to full.
ABV Range: 13–14.5%.
Nose: Blackberry, green pepper, spice, and herbal notes.
Pairings: Grilled meats, empanadas, or spicy dishes.
Top Tip: Chile’s signature red—great for storytelling.

Cabernet Franc

Body: Medium.
ABV Range: 12.5–14%.
Nose: Raspberry, bell pepper, graphite, and herbal hints.
Pairings: Roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or herb-driven dishes.
Top Tip: A lighter alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Petite Sirah

Body: Full.
ABV Range: 13.5–15%.
Nose: Blueberry, black pepper, chocolate, and dark fruits.
Pairings: BBQ, smoked meats, or dark chocolate desserts.
Top Tip: A powerhouse wine for bold flavours.

Gamay

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–13.5%.
Nose: Cherry, raspberry, violet, and floral hints.
Pairings: Charcuterie, roasted chicken, or mushroom dishes.
Top Tip: The grape of Beaujolais—perfect for casual dining.

Mourvèdre

Body: Medium to full.
ABV Range: 13.5–15%.
Nose: Blackberry, plum, herbs, and earthy notes.
Pairings: Grilled meats, stews, or spicy dishes.
Top Tip: A wine that comes often blended, suggest trying it solo for a unique experience.

Sparkling Wines

Champagne

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–12.5%.
Nose: Green apple, brioche, citrus, and yeast.
Pairings: Oysters, fried foods, or salty snacks.
Top Tip: The ultimate celebratory wine—great for upselling.

Prosecco

Body: Light.
ABV Range: 11–12%.
Nose: Pear, apple, honey, and floral notes.
Pairings: Light appetizers, fruit desserts, or brunch dishes.
Top Tip: A budget-friendly sparkling option.

Cava

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 11.5–12.5%.
Nose: Citrus, almond, toast, and floral hints.
Pairings: Tapas, seafood, or fried foods.
Top Tip: Spain’s answer to Champagne—great for themed menus.

Sparkling Rosé

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–12.5%.
Nose: Strawberry, raspberry, citrus, and floral notes.
Pairings: Charcuterie, salads, or light desserts.
Top Tip: A versatile option for brunch or casual dining.

Crémant

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 12–12.5%.
Nose: Apple, pear, brioche, and citrus.
Pairings: Seafood, creamy pasta, or light appetizers.
Top Tip: A French sparkling wine that’s often more affordable than Champagne.

Sekt

Body: Light to medium.
ABV Range: 11.5–12.5%.
Nose: Green apple, citrus, yeast, and floral hints.
Pairings: Light appetizers, seafood, or fruit desserts.
Top Tip: Germany’s sparkling wine—great for introducing guests to new options.

Moscato d’Asti