Having a fully stocked wine collection is different for everyone. Just like a capsule wardrobe, you want to create a wine collection that suits your lifestyle and not the Instagram influencers you follow, although they have a good place to start from and make it your own.
A good wine to pair with dinner is important, like having the perfect pair of shoes to complete your outfit. So look at your dinners. What are your go-tos? What do you make every week? Are they light and vegetable driven? Are they rich and creamy? Does red meat take a front seat? Here are some wine collections based on select menus:
Red Meat Central - smooth and powerful reds
Monday: Spaghetti and Meatballs - Barbera, Merlot, Primitivo
Tuesday: Burritos - Malbec, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Primitivo
Wednesday: Red Wine Braised Short Ribs - Merlot, Cab (warm climate), Primitivo
Thursday: Pulled Brisket Sandwiches - Grenache, Malbec, Petit Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
Friday: Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes - Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel
Saturday: Peppered Steak and Asparagus - Californian Cabs, Malbec, Syrah
Sunday: Stroganoff and Egg Noodles - Cab (cool climate), Grenache
Rich and Creamy Dinners - crisp and rich whites or fruity and smooth reds with good acidity
Monday: Fried Chicken - Cab Franc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese
Tuesday: Chicken in Cream Sauce - Unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauv Blanc, Pinot Noir
Wednesday: Baked Salmon - Grenache Blanc, Cabernet Franc
Thursday: Sashimi - Muscadet, Sauvignon Blanc
Friday: Caesar Salad - Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera
Saturday: Swordfish - Sauvignon Blanc
Sunday: Alfredo Pasta - Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Pinot Noir
Vegetarian - crisp whites and fruity or smooth reds
Baked Eggplant - Petit Verdot
Bean Stew - Chardonnay
Stuffed Mushrooms - Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot
Stuffed Peppers - Cabernet Franc, Carmenere,
Quiche - Gewurztraminer, Lambrusco, Pinot Noir
Ratatouille - Tempranillo, Syrah
Vegetarian Pizza - Grenache
Spicy - aromatic and crisp whites or fruity and smooth reds
Laska - Sauvignon Blanc
Spicy Chicken - Gamay
Enchiladas - Malbec or Tempranillo
Spicy Chicken - Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, Tempranillo, Syrah, Zinfadel
Spicy Sausage - Cab (warm climate), Primitivo, Syrah
Curry - Chenin Blanc (or an ice cold beer tbh)
Spicy Pork - Verdejo
As you can see, the wines repeat themselves a lot, just like a capsule wardrobe. If you see what you cook a lot, then stock up on the wines that go best with them, you’ll always have the perfect wine to go with your meals! I hope this list helps you to shop easier for those wines to have on-hand. Remember that wine is personal and you should never buy something you don’t like just because someone else says it’s the best or it’s on trend. Buy what you like!
Happy Sipping!
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