Q. How do you know which wines to recommend for dinner?
A: I usually start by finding out what’s on the menu. This will let me know which direction to focus on.
Most often a salad is the first course. A Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc would be a good choice, since a Chardonnay usually pairs well with most salad dressings.
However, I like a 100-percent stainless-fermented Chardonnay best, as there are no oak or creamy nuances to cover the flavors of the salad. With an Italian-style dressing I like a clean and crisp Sauvignon Blanc that is not too dry.
Next I would find out the main course: steaks, chicken, pork, fish or pasta.
With red meat I always recommend a full-bodied Cabernet or Zinfandel.
Although chicken and pork are the types of foods that allow you to drink almost any wine you’re in the mood for, I like to pair them with a softer wine, like a Merlot or a smooth Cabernet
You don’t want the wine to overpower the food, which is why I often recommend a soft, mellow wine for fish and pasta. For example, a creamy, buttery Chardonnay typically works well with fish.
Pasta, with its vast amount of different sauces, offers a load of wine choices. While a cream-based pasta pairs well with a Chardonnay, a soft Merlot or a wine blend works well, too.
A marinara sauce pairs great with a softer-style Cabernet, Zinfandel or a Syrah. Pasta dishes vary greatly, so finding the the right wine that you like the best is a rewarding experience.
With all this said, what it comes down to is finding the wine and style you like best with your chosen meal.
Here’s a little hint: Ask yourself, “What would taste great with this wine?”
By the way, all the types of wine I mentioned are available in our restaurant. I’m always here to answer your questions.
‘Til next time, Chris Corbett.
Chris Corbett owns Corbett’s Restaurant and Shasta Wine Merchants in downtown Redding. He and his wife, Mel Corbett, have owned Corbett’s Restaurant since 1983. The Corbetts’ fine wine shop and restaurant are open daily from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. where the Corbetts serve breakfast and lunch, and sell wine from their newly remodeled wine room. Chris and Mel Corbett also offer evening, invitation-only wine tastings and wine sales throughout the year. Corbett’s wine selections are typically those exclusive to restaurants, but are sold to the public at Corbett’s at minimal markups, i.e. wine steward prices. Chris Corbett can be reached at corbettsrestaurant@sbcglobal.net
