Big and Bold

• Big, full-bodied red wine pairs well with heavy, rustic dishes. They can stand up to bold flavors without being overpowered. Cabernet Sauvignon is a very complex, dry wine that is heavy with tannins. It has an oak taste to it with notes of black pepper. These can be quite tart and gripping when young and then mellow as they age. Pair cabernet wine with red meat. Shiraz or syrah is a heavy wine with notes of black currant and spicy black pepper. It is tannic and can be super deep red in color with a heavy body and mouth feel. It pairs well with hearty meats like wild game and beef.

Soft and Sultry

• Pinot noir is probably the most versatile red wine as far as pairing with food. It is a light-bodied wine with notes of cherry and red berries. It is also a great wine for beginners because it is not tannic or overly dry. Merlot is another incredibly versatile wine that has a lighter body, notes of chocolate and pairs well with pizza, chicken and even hamburgers. Chianti, another lighter wine with notes of berry, works well with a lot of dishes and is easy to drink. Malbec is a medium-bodied wine abundantly produced in Argentina and Chile that pairs well with grilled meats and spicy foods, including Indian and Mexican cuisine.

Slightly Sweet

• Beaujolais nouveau is a light, somewhat sweet wine that is easy to drink. This is a great red wine for novices or for those who normally do not like red wine. It is a good choice with lighter meals like pasta primavera, pasta with shrimp or a goat cheese and beet salad. Its fragrant nose and fruity notes blend well with vegetables and mild cheeses. It should be served slightly chilled for the tastiest results.

A Bit of Sparkle

• Lambrusco is an Italian wine that is made from a grape of the same name and is best served chilled. It is a bit sweet, quite fruity and has a fizzy base that makes it a great red wine to drink in hot weather. It pairs well with cold cuts called salumi in Italy, pasta dishes, flavorful salads and with grilled meats such as chicken and pork. It also pairs well with light seafood dishes.

Luscious Blends

• Grape varieties are often mixed to create delicious blends. Cabernet-merlot is a softer, easily palatable wine that takes the big taste of Cabernet Sauvignon and softens it with merlot grapes. This is a good choice for meat dishes like hearty stews, steaks off the grill and classic spaghetti and meatballs. Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with Cabernet Franc to create a sultry, smooth red wine called red Bordeaux that is a rich garnet color and has woody notes with a berry aroma.