It can be confusing to select the perfect wine to compliment your meal. You need to be aware of the different types of wines and how each one enhances the flavor of food as the right pairing can vastly improve a meal.
The traditional rule was red wine with red meat, white wine with white meat and to start the meal with a light wine and finish with a red. But the types of wine as well as the variety of cuisines available nowadays makes the pairing a little more complicated.
A white sparkling wine or champagne can be served as an aperitif while a chardonnay will compliment an appetizer of bruschetta.
A main meal of roast chicken should be served with a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or a Chenin Blanc while a Zinfandel or dry Rose would go well with BBQ chicken.
A Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot will pair perfectly with roast beef as would a Zinfandel.
Fish is traditionally served with a white wine such as Chardonnay or a Riesling whereas fatty fish like salmon will be perfect served with a Pinot Noir. Serve prawn and lobster with a Chenin Blanc or a Sauvignon Blanc.
A Port or sherry can be served for dessert.