What Wine to Pair with Your Favorite Food

Wine is one of the most beloved drinks in the world—but it’s much more than just a beverage. History, culture, agriculture, geology, gastronomy, and even genetics all come together in the universe of wine. Oenology, the science of winemaking, is a field many study for years to master—especially those seeking to become sommeliers.

With the help of a wine expert, we’ve compiled a list of popular wines and their ideal food pairings. From sarmale to pizza or even spicy Indian food, discover which wine to enjoy with each dish.

Red Wine Pairings

Merlot

A fruity, easy-to-drink wine with lower tannins.

Pairs with: Chicken, duck, turkey, and cheese.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The most widely planted variety in the world, known for notes of cherry, dried fruits, and spices.

Pairs with: All types of meat, especially fatty ones like pork and lamb.

Pinot Noir

Delicate and light, with raspberry and cranberry notes.

Pairs with: Sushi or salmon (a rare red wine pairing with fish).

Shiraz (Syrah)

Spicy, blackberry-flavored, with higher alcohol content.

Pairs with: Fine cheeses, cured meats, beef, and lamb.

Malbec

Ruby-red French wine with fruity cherry and plum aromas and a smoky touch.

Pairs with: Red meat or spicy dishes like Indian or Mexican food.

Zinfandel

Higher in alcohol, with sweet strawberry notes.

Pairs with: Pork ribs, pizza, or pasta.

Fetească Neagră

A premium Romanian variety with dark ruby tones and berry aromas.

Pairs with: Red meat, cheese, saucy dishes, sarmale.

Negru de Drăgășani

A noble Romanian grape with notes of black cherries, sour cherries, blackberries, and spice.

Pairs with: Fresh cheeses, red meat, pasta, or risotto.

White Wine Pairings

Chardonnay

Velvety with citrus notes; sometimes hints of vanilla depending on the barrel.

Pairs with: Fish, white meat, dishes with white sauce.

Sauvignon Blanc

Fresh and fruity—apple, pear, mango. Very versatile.

Pairs with: Goat cheese, seafood, salads, white meat.

Pinot Gris / Grigio

Perfumed, dry, acidic. Different from Pinot Noir.

Pairs with: Strongly flavored dishes, like Thai food.

Riesling

Fruity and slightly spicy—great with smoked or spicy food.

Pairs with: Fish (especially tuna), pork, Asian food, desserts.

Muscat (Muscat Otonel)

Fruity, low acidity—ideal for spritzers too.

Pairs with: Light desserts, cheese and fruit platters.

Fetească Albă

A delicate Romanian white wine with tropical fruit notes.

Pairs with: Risotto, seafood.

Grasă de Cotnari

From Moldova, with notes of apple, apricot, peach in the dry version, and honey, almonds, raisins in the sweet version.

Pairs with: Salads, fish, poultry.

Rosé Wine Pairings

Rosé is made from red grapes, like red wine, but skins are removed after just a few hours. The result is a fruity, floral wine perfect for summer.

Notes may include strawberries, watermelon, rose, or rhubarb. Rosé pairs well with a wide range of foods and is a great choice when unsure what to serve.

How Much Sugar is in Wine?

• Dry wines: Up to 4g of sugar per liter.
• Semi-dry: 4–12g sugar per liter.
• Semi-sweet: 12–50g sugar per liter.
• Sweet: Over 50g sugar per liter.

Wine Pairing Tips

1. High-acidity wines pair well with fatty or sweet dishes.
2. Fatty dishes need high-acidity or high-alcohol wines.
3. Bitterness in wine balances well with salty foods.
4. Regional pairings work well—Italian wine with pasta, French wine with beef stew, Spanish wine with cured meats.
5. When serving sweet food with sweet wine, ensure the wine is sweeter to avoid a bitter aftertaste.

In conclusion, these are just suggestions—not strict rules. Follow your taste, try new combinations, and find what truly delights your senses.