Popular Varietals and Food Pairings

Wine Terminology

Cabernet Sauvignon
Blackberry, Chocolate, Full-bodied
Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Bordeaux, France and can produce some of the world's most age able wines.
Grape Character: Blackberry, black currant (cassis), black cherry, mint, tobacco
Oak Character: Chocolate, cedar, coffee
Body: Medium to full bodied with firm tannins
Food Pairing: Pairs well with heavier cuisine - grilled red meats, stews, sausages, venison, tuna, swordfish, bean dishes, mushrooms and strong cheese.

Chardonnay
Tropical, Tasty, Rich
The Chardonnay grape comes from Burgundy, France. It is vivified in many styles from crisp and fruity to rich and toasty.
Grape Character: Apple, pear, mango, pineapple, lemon, peach
Oak Character: Vanilla, toast, hazelnut
Body: Medium-bodied with a rich, slightly buttery character
Food Pairing: Delicious with a wide range of cuisine - Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, crab, lobster, light pasta, tropical salads, lightly spiced food.

Merlot
Black Cherry, Vanilla, Full bodied
Merlot is from Bordeaux, France. While frequently blended with Cabernet, Merlot on its own is a delicious approachable wine.
Grape Character: Black and red cherry, plum, red currant, boysenberry, tobacco
Oak Character: Vanilla, smoke, cedar
Body: Medium to heavy bodied with softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon
Food Pairing: Merlot is delicious with medium to heavier cuisine - grilled red meats, hamburgers, tuna and swordfish, pizza stews.

Pinot Gris / Grigio
Very Light, Bright, Citrus
Grown throughout Europe and the west coast of the US. Its style can range from light and neutral to ripe and full.
Grape Character: Soft, gently perfumed, lemon, lime, green apple, mineral
Oak Character: Little to no oak
Body: Very Light
Food Pairing: As a cocktail wine or light cuisine, but its acidity will pair well with cream sauces.

Pinot Noir
Red Cherry, Smoky, Silky
With origins in Burgundy, France the delicate Pinot Noir grape inspires some of the world's most collectible wines.
Grape character: Red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, leaves, violets, earth, smoke
Oak Character: Smoked toast, spice, vanilla
Body: Medium bodied with a silky texture
Food Pairing: Pinot Noir complements medium weight cuisine - salmon, roast chicken, duck, pork, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms.

Riesling
Crisp, Floral, Refreshing
Riesling, the classic grape of Germany is usually consumed young but has potential to age when affected by "botrytis", the noble rot.
Grape Character: Floral, aromas of honeysuckle, nectarine, peach and tangerine Aging: Stainless steel aging to retain delicate floral aromas
Body: Light to medium bodied
Food Pairing: Riesling complements a wide range of cuisine - shellfish, Thai cuisine, curries, chicken, veal, pork, summer salads.

Sauvignon Blanc
Citrus, Pear, Crisp
Sauvignon Blanc is originally from Bordeaux, France. Fume Blanc denotes an oaky style of Sauvignon Blanc.
Grape Character: Lemon, pear, melon, green apple, fig, grapefruit, hay or grass, flint
Oak Character: Smoked toast, vanilla, spice
Body: Light to medium bodied with a crisp texture
Food Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc complements lighter cruising - shellfish, sole, halibut, chicken, salads, vegetable, citrus sauces.

Syrah / Shiraz
Wild Berry, Spice, Lush
Syrah, originally from the Rhone area of France is also known as Shiraz, which succeeds admirably in Australia.
Grape Character: Blackberry, cherry, sage, truffle, leather
Oak Character: Vanilla, smoke, cedar
Body: Medium to heavy bodied, rich medium tannins
Food Pairing: Syrah complements a wide range of cuisine - grilled red meats, wild game, stews.

Zinfandel
Raspberry, Spicy, Zesty
Zinfandel has been cultivated more in California than anywhere else, making it America's signature wine grape.
Grape Character: Raspberry, red cherry, cranberry, boysenberry, black pepper
Oak Character: Vanilla, smoked toast, spice
Body: Medium to heavy bodied Zinfandel is made in a wide range of styles.
Food Pairing: Zinfandel complements a wide range of cuisine - grilled sausages, ribs, beef, tomato sauces, pizza, Cajun dishes, grilled vegetables.