10 Types of Wine and What to Pair Them With

Here's a classic, full-bodied red wine known for its deep flavors of red and black fruits, baking spices and oak barrels aging. It's a staple of the Bordeaux region and a favorite for pairing with flavorful dishes like grilled steak or aged cheeses.

This medium-bodied red wine is prized for its delicate balance of earthy notes, red fruits and bright acidity. It pairs well with roasted poultry or creamy pasta dishes, making it a go-to for foodies.

Made from red grape skins with limited skin contact, rosé wine production brings a refreshing, pink-hued beverage. Rosé wines can be dry or lusciously sweet, and they're versatile enough to pair with anything from fried appetizers to soft cheeses.

Including Champagne and Prosecco, sparkling wine is defined by its effervescence. The bubbles come from a secondary fermentation and it's perfect with goat cheese, fruit tarts or as a celebratory sip on its own. Sweeter sparkling styles (e.g., Moscato d’Asti) can complement fruit tarts.

A light-bodied white wine with crisp acidity and notes of green apple, tropical fruits and passion fruit, this concoction is fantastic with goat cheese, seafood and light salads — arguably one of the most refreshing white wines around.

Made from grapes with pinkish-gray skins (a mutation of Pinot Noir), Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) is a versatile white wine with bright acidity. Great with light dishes and casual sipping, it's a hit among wine lovers.

These are wine styles with added spirits like brandy (think Port and Sherry). Fortified wines are often sipped as dessert wines and pair beautifully with aged cheeses or rich desserts like chocolate or caramel-based pastries.

Whether red or white, sweet wines are made with higher residual sugar. They're often dessert wines too, and shine with lush notes of tropical fruits and sweet baking spices in their profiles.

Covering everything from Cabernet Franc to full bodied wines, red wine is made from red grapes and involves red grape skins in the winemaking process. Perfect for pairing with meats, cheeses and smoky notes.

From light-bodied wines to full, oaky Chardonnays, white wines are made from white grapes or yellow grapes. They’re ideal for pairing with fish, chicken and dishes with vibrant acidity.

Whether you're into wine pairings, exploring different grape varieties or just enjoying a sip from a well-shaped wine glass, knowing these types will elevate your appreciation. So raise a glass to learning more — cheers!

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.