Wine and food are like a tale as old as time. Since the beginning we have used wine and food as a way of showing off some class and elegance. We can thank the Romans who liked to show off their wealth with fancy drinks and feasts.

These days we use wine in a lot of different ways and a lot of us are not too familiar with the best pairings to make. This is why today we’ve got a handy guide to show you which wine pairs with foods so that you can impress at your next dinner party.

Whether you want to learn about the difference between a Zinfandel and Shiraz or you are looking at how to store wine for the best flavour, we have the first steps to becoming a wine connoisseur right here!

SAUVIGNON BLANC

This is a white wine and is a crisp and often dry flavor. This wine has a high level of acidity and in addition it also often has a lot of citrus notes to the flavor. When finding a way to pair this wine with food it can be great to think of full bodied dishes with lots of herbs and earthiness. The best foods for this wine are:

• Cheeses and nuts: pine nuts, feta, goats cheese
• Meat/poultry: chicken, pork
• Seafood: fatty white fish, oysters, lobster
• Fruits and vegetables: citrus,apple, asparagus
• Herbs and Spices: chives, tarragon, coriander, mint
• Sauces: cream sauces

CHARDONNAY

The next wine we are looking at is a slightly sweeter and lighter bodied white wine than sauvignon blanc, which is Chardonnay. This wine is one which is more earthy in its flavors with notes of oak and butter inside. It is less acidic and therefore less dry so it a good pair against some of the dishes where other white wines might fail:

• Cheeses and nuts: mozzarella, ricotta, Stilton, almonds
• Meat/poultry: veal, chicken, pork
• Seafood: halibut, crab, shrimp
• Fruits and vegetables: potato, apple, squash
• Herbs and Spices: tarragon, sesame, basil
• Sauces: pesto

PINOT NOIR

With a red hue and a hearty flavor, Pinot Noir is an ideal wine for those who love to try a red but may not want the same full bodied effect as a Barolo. This wine is very much cherry in taste and it has a wonderful flavor which is ideal for anyone who likes a fruity and sharp wine. It is great for meat dishes to cut through the fat and it can also be a great pairing with fatty fish.

• Cheeses and nuts: goat cheese, brie, walnuts
• Meat/poultry: lamb, sausage, chicken
• Seafood: ahi tuna, salmon
• Fruits and Veggies: dried fruits, figs, strawberries
• Herbs and Spices: truffle, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove
• Sauces: mushroom sauces

SYRAH

Another red wine with a bang, this flavoring is one which is great with a whole range of dishes and it has a full bodied and deep taste to it. With notes of deep fruits and wood; it is a great addition to many different dishes and even has a little kick of pepper at the end of it.

• Cheeses and nuts: sharp cheddar, blue cheese, hazelnuts, walnuts
• Meat/poultry: pepperoni, spicy sausage, pork shoulder
• Seafood: tuna, salmon
• Fruits and Veggies: currants, tomatoes, beets
• Herbs and Spices: oregano, sage, rosemary
• Sauces: BBQ

MERLOT

Merlot is a deep and sensual flavoured wine and is one which is an absolute classic for many different dishes at the table. It has a full bodied and slightly acidic burn which is ideal for cutting through thick sauces and meats and will compliment red meat amazingly. It is a popular choice for the Christmas table and is a wonderful option on a winter’s night.

• Cheeses and nuts: Parmesan, chestnuts, walnuts
• Meat/poultry: grilled meats, steak, roast meat
• Seafood: grilled meatier fish, tuna steaks
• Fruits and Veggies: caramelized onions, tomatoes, plums
• Herbs and Spices: mint, rosemary, thyme
• Sauces: bolognese, gravy

If you are looking for the ideal wine for you, there are tons of wonderful options out there. Whether you want to enjoy a crisp Pinot Grigio, a fruit and fresh Zinfandel or a deep merlot. You’ll be able to use your knowledge from today to impress all of your friends and family the next time you host an amazing dinner party or get together with the people you life. So crack open a bottle and enjoy your weekend, And don’t forget the dessert wine at the end!