The Common Connoisseur | Wine Styles

WINE STYLES

Few things go better with food than wine, so when out to dinner and selecting a
bottle, fear not the waiter presenting a label and small pour for your review,
eyeing you expectantly as you fumble with your glass, twirling first clockwise
then counterclockwise. Fear not the anxious tablemates waiting for that first
swallow as you awkwardly breathe in the liquid before sipping it ever so
delicately. Don’t fake the self-assured nod to the waiter, assuring him that this
is, in fact, the wine you requested and not some sneaky imposter hiding behind
an identical label.

Selecting wine shouldn’t be an intimidating process. The Common
Connoisseur provides the curious drinker with the necessary information to
choose the wine best suited for you.

© 2009 The Common Connoisseur | All Rights Reserved.

Red Wines

Description

Eat This With That

Full-bodied wine from Bordeaux region of France

Lamb, grilled veal

C abernet Sauvignon

Deep red wine; hints of black currant and berry

Red meat, chocolate

Tuscan wine made with Sangiovese grapes

Red meat, lamb, pork

M albec

Medium to full-bodied with an inky, dark color

Mexican, Indian food

M erlot

Velvety wine with flavor and aroma of fruit

Chicken, pork, pasta

Light to medium body with berry flavors

Grilled meat, game

Port

Strong red wine, fortified with Brandy

Stilton blue cheese

Spanish wine fortified with Brandy

Cheese, olives, nuts

Syrah

Full-bodied and spicy with deep purple color

Red meat, BBQ

Tempranillo

Spanish blend of Grenache, Cabernet & Carignan

Tapas, spicy dishes

Dark wine with flavors of raspberry and blackberry

Steak, Cajun dishes

White Wines

Description

Eat This With That

A specific Chardonnay from Burgundy, France

Curry, grilled fish

Sparkling wine from Champagne, France

Cheese, fruit

Sweet, flavorful; most common wine in America

Poultry, shellfish

Chenin Blanc

Flavors include pear, apple, peaches and melon

Pork, salads

Pinot Grigio

Light & crisp, tastes of pear, melon or citrus

Grilled fish, pasta

Acidic German wine, tastes of pears and apples

Grilled sausage, pork

Sauvignon Blanc

Fresh & crisp, easily recognized by tartness

Garlic based dishes