Oaked Chardonnay

Chardonnay is usually a dry, medium to full bodied wine with a large range of flavors. When aged with oak, it shows notes of vanilla and is known for its buttery creaminess. 

Pair it with: creamy dishes, seafood, and foods that have toasty flavors from grilling or smoking.

 

Merlot

Red fruits, easy tannins, and a soft finish. You’ll mostly taste notes of ripe blue, black, and red fruits with undertones of cocoa, vanilla, and other earthy notes. 

Pair it with: Merlot goes with a lot of foods, but tends to go best with lighter meats like pork or chicken. Also pairs well with pasta (especially with red sauces). 

Pinot Noir

A heavily perfumed wine with notes of earth, spice, cherries, and herbs. It’s basically fall in a glass. 

Pair it with: duck, venison, or other gamey meats, fatty fish like salmon, or pasta dishes. 

 

Cabernet Franc

Stawberries and plums are among the dominant flavors, but you’ll also find chili and bell pepper notes, as well as peppercorns, making this wine savory and perfect for fall weather. 

Pair it with: Grilled steaks and chops, herb-rich dishes (especially pepper, rosemary, and mint), and white fish.

 

Zinfandel

Notorious for it’s high ABV content, zinfandel is a rich wine with notes of cinnamon, raisin, chocolate, and tobacco. Pair it with an oversized sweater, fuzzy socks, and a good Netflix movie. 

Pair it with: anything from the meat aisle! That includes burgers, chili, ribs, and meals you wouldn’t normally think to pair with wine.