| Classification |
Example |
Characteristics |
Serve with |
Appetizer Wines
Serve before a meal or as a cocktail. |
Dry Sherry, Vermouth and flavored wines. |
Appetizer Wines range from dry to sweet. |
Appetizer foods, canapés, hors d'oeuvres, dips, raw vegetables and antipasto. |
Dinner - Reds
Dinner Wines are usually served with the main course. |
Burgundy, Claret, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Gamay, Chianti, Petite Sirah and Barbera. |
Red Wines are generally dry and rich. |
Hearty foods, beef, pork, duck goose, cheese and pasta dishes, highly seasoned meats and casseroles. |
| Dinner - Whites |
Chablis, Chardonnay, White Riesling, White Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. |
White Wines are generally lighter in flavor and can be dry or sweet. |
Light foods, chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish, ham, pasta, pizza and veal. |
| Dinner - Rosé and Blush |
Grenache Rosé, Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel Rosé. |
Rosé and Blush Wines are pale red wines that may be dry or sweet. |
Ham, fried chicken, shellfish, cold beef and picnic foods. |
Dessert Wines
Usually served as a dessert or a dessert accompaniment. |
Port, Sweet Sauterne, Muscat, Catawba and Cream Sherry. |
Dessert Wines are heavier in body and sweeter than dinner wines. |
Desserts, fruits, nuts, dessert cheeses, cakes, pies and tarts. |
Sparkling Wines
Can be served alone or with food. |
Champagne, Cold Duck and Sparkling Burgundy. |
Sparkling Wines or effervescent wines can be dry or sweet. |
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