(Stock Photo) Finding a bottle of wine to complement your dinner can be difficult if you’re not a wine enthusiast, but with a few basic guidelines, you can be shopping for a merlot like a pro in no time.
Matching food and wine
Delicious Reddit

JANUARY 19, 2006
By Jennifer Teske, HappyNews Citizen Journalist

As an aspiring wine connoisseur and avid wine lover, I am often asked, "Does it really matter what wine I drink with my food?"
My answer?
Always and unequivocally "Yes, it absolutely matters."
The wine industry is as competitive now as it has ever been. As part of this competition, many in the wine industry are marketing the concept of "Drink what you like, don't worry about what wine goes with what food." Given the price tag on a bottle of wine, I find this to be a huge disservice to the wine consumer. Picking the wrong wine with a meal is like putting salt on applesauce, wearing polka-dots with plaid or wearing gloves on your feet. We would never do such a thing—it just doesn't make sense.
By matching your food with your wine, you get the best bang for your buck. Paring food and wine does not have to be complicated. Following a few simple rules will allow even the most novice wine-drinker to get more out of a dinner and bottle of wine. It will also lend room for exploring wines that one would otherwise be less likely to try.
When asked what wine goes with what food, I like to offer several basic food and wine pairing tips:
  • White wines complement light-colored sauces, fish and poultry.
  • Red wines match with dark-colored sauces, beef and game.
  • White wines fit citrus desserts while red wines fit chocolate desserts. Spicy dishes always pair nicely with a sweet wine.
    • So how does this translate to a wine selection at a restaurant or the local wine shop? If you are new to wine, making a selection can be overwhelming and confusing. How do you decide between the wines?
    Narrow down what you will be eating, and then ask for a recommendation. A good restaurant and wine shop will always be able to offer several recommendations. Do not be embarrassed to ask—as a person that loves wine, I love the opportunity to help someone select the right wine.
    Wine does not have to be an inexpensive purchase; a buyer's remorse over a $20 bottle of wine is never a good thing. When you drink that sweet German Riesling with Kung Pao Chicken or a French Syrah with a dark chocolate cake, you will discover what is so great about matching food and wine. Experiment with different combinations, but know your basics so your money is well spent.