Intro to wine

I am a Francophile

I love all things French, especially the wines.

Therefore, I am biased when discussing wines and for many reasons.

What IS important on this page, is that you learn some basic food and wine pairings.

Never ever buy a wine based on its score or points. 

You are pairing the FLAVOR of the WINE with dinner, or lunch or brunch. Maybe a Champagne breakfast.

Rules of thumb: 

WINE

Light-bodied WINES 

pair with light  appetizers – generic Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlots, Pinot Noir.

FOOD

Crudités & Hummus, Salads , Mild Cheeses, Nuts, Popcorn. 

Medium-bodied WINES

Same varietals as light-bodied wines, but different regions of the world:

Italian and French Merlot and Pinot Noir, Italy - Sicily, Veneto are two areas with medium bodied wines.

France – Vins des Pays D’Oc. Literally country wines. Lots of California wines fall under this heading. **See link to sustainable California wineries.

FOOD

Roasted Chicken with fine herbs, Grilled Vegetables, Grilled Swordfish, Shrimp,

Trout with white wine or a Pinot Noir.

Cheese – Brie with Sauvignon Blanc is a classic.

FULL-bodied  WINES

All red Burgundies ( well almost), Rhône, Languedoc, Tuscany, Piedmont, lots and lots of California Cabs. **See link to sustainable California wineries.

FOOD

ANYTHING Grilled. Well almost. Boulibasse, Paella, Chicken Marsala, Eggplant, Parmigiana, Gnocchis, Alfredo.

 ** Click Here for Link to sustainable California wineries