WINE GUIDE
Wine Guide
Wine decisions, made easier.
Straight answers about what to buy, what it tastes like, what to pair with dinner and how to enjoy it — without the wine homework.
POPULAR QUESTIONS
Start here.
What Wine Goes With Steak?
For most steaks, pick a bold red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah or a Bordeaux-style blend. Richer, fattier cuts like ribeye can handle the boldest reds. Leaner, tender cuts like filet do better with something softer, such as Merlot or Pinot Noir.
Is Pinot Noir Sweet?
No — nearly all Pinot Noir is dry, meaning it has little or no sugar left in it. It can taste fruity, with cherry and raspberry flavors, and that fruitiness is often mistaken for sweetness. If you want a red that's light, smooth and not heavy, Pinot Noir is a great choice.
How Do I Choose a Good Wine Under $20?
Under $20, skip the famous names and buy from regions known for value. Argentine Malbec, Côtes du Rhône, Spanish Garnacha, Portuguese reds, Chilean Cabernet and New Zealand or Chilean Sauvignon Blanc consistently over-deliver. Match the style to your meal and taste first; price comes second.
How Long Does Wine Last After Opening?
Once opened and recorked in the fridge: sparkling wine lasts 1–3 days, white and rosé 3–5 days, most reds 3–5 days, and fortified wines like Port for several weeks. Air is what spoils wine, so recork it quickly and keep it cold — even reds.
What Wine Goes With Salmon?
Salmon is one of the few fish that pairs well with red wine: Pinot Noir is the classic choice. If it's in a butter or cream sauce, pick Chardonnay. With lemon, dill or herbs, pick Sauvignon Blanc. A dry rosé works with almost any salmon dish.
What Does Dry Wine Mean?
'Dry' simply means not sweet. During winemaking, yeast turns the grape sugar into alcohol; when nearly all of it is gone, the wine is dry. Most reds and most whites are dry. A wine can taste fruity and still be dry.
What Should I Buy?
Choose a bottle without guessing.
How Do I Choose a Good Wine Under $20?
Under $20, skip the famous names and buy from regions known for value. Argentine Malbec, Côtes du Rhône, Spanish Garnacha, Portuguese reds, Chilean Cabernet and New Zealand or Chilean Sauvignon Blanc consistently over-deliver. Match the style to your meal and taste first; price comes second.
What Wine Should I Bring as a Gift?
If you don't know the host's taste, bring a crowd-pleaser: a good Pinot Noir, a Bordeaux-style red, or a quality sparkling wine. Spend a bit more than your everyday bottle — around $20–$40 is a comfortable range for most dinner invitations. Don't expect it to be opened that night.
What Does It Taste Like?
Know if you'll like it before you buy it.
Is Pinot Noir Sweet?
No — nearly all Pinot Noir is dry, meaning it has little or no sugar left in it. It can taste fruity, with cherry and raspberry flavors, and that fruitiness is often mistaken for sweetness. If you want a red that's light, smooth and not heavy, Pinot Noir is a great choice.
What Does Malbec Taste Like?
Malbec is a full-flavored red that tastes like ripe blackberry, plum and dark cherry, often with a touch of cocoa, vanilla or spice. It feels smooth and plush rather than harsh. Think of it as bold but friendlier than Cabernet Sauvignon.
Is Sauvignon Blanc Dry?
Yes — Sauvignon Blanc is almost always a dry white wine. It tastes crisp and refreshing, with flavors like lime, grapefruit, green apple and fresh herbs. If you want a white that's zippy rather than buttery, it's a great pick.
What Is a Smooth Red Wine?
A 'smooth' red has soft tannin — the drying, grippy feeling — and plenty of ripe fruit, so it goes down easy. Merlot, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Grenache and Zinfandel are reliable smooth reds. If a red has ever felt harsh or bitter to you, start with one of these.
What Goes With Dinner?
Match the wine to tonight's meal.
What Wine Goes With Steak?
For most steaks, pick a bold red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah or a Bordeaux-style blend. Richer, fattier cuts like ribeye can handle the boldest reds. Leaner, tender cuts like filet do better with something softer, such as Merlot or Pinot Noir.
What Wine Goes With Tacos?
Tacos want fresh, fruity wines, not heavy ones. Go red with Malbec or Zinfandel for beef, rosé or a light red for chicken and pork, and crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño for fish. If they're spicy, an off-dry Riesling cools the heat.
What Wine Goes With Salmon?
Salmon is one of the few fish that pairs well with red wine: Pinot Noir is the classic choice. If it's in a butter or cream sauce, pick Chardonnay. With lemon, dill or herbs, pick Sauvignon Blanc. A dry rosé works with almost any salmon dish.
What Wine Goes With Pizza?
Tomato sauce is acidic, so pick a red with matching freshness: Chianti or another Sangiovese is the classic choice. For pepperoni and sausage, a fruity Zinfandel or Barbera works great. For white or veggie pizzas, go with Pinot Grigio or a dry rosé.
What Wine Goes With Spicy Food?
With spicy food, choose a wine that's lower in alcohol and a little sweet or very fruity. Off-dry Riesling is the safest pick, and Gewürztraminer and dry rosé also work well. Avoid big, high-alcohol reds — they make the heat feel hotter.
Serving & Storage
Serve it right and don't waste the bottle.
How Long Does Wine Last After Opening?
Once opened and recorked in the fridge: sparkling wine lasts 1–3 days, white and rosé 3–5 days, most reds 3–5 days, and fortified wines like Port for several weeks. Air is what spoils wine, so recork it quickly and keep it cold — even reds.
Should Red Wine Be Chilled?
Yes, slightly. Most reds taste best a bit cooler than room temperature, around 60–65°F. If a red feels warm, put it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before serving. Light reds like Pinot Noir, Beaujolais and Grenache can go a little colder.
Wine Without the Jargon
Confusing wine words in plain English.
What Does Dry Wine Mean?
'Dry' simply means not sweet. During winemaking, yeast turns the grape sugar into alcohol; when nearly all of it is gone, the wine is dry. Most reds and most whites are dry. A wine can taste fruity and still be dry.
How to Read a Wine Label Without Knowing Wine
Look for four things: the grape (like Malbec) or the region (like Bordeaux), the vintage year, the alcohol percentage, and any style words. Wines from the US, Australia and South America usually name the grape; European wines usually name the place. Alcohol is a quick clue to how rich it will taste.
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