Jeffery - Infographic Mini Project

1 Cabernet Sauvignon

The most planted grape in the world is cabernet sauvignon, and it's a safe (yet sophisticated!) bet to order at just about any meal to please the whole group. While California Cabs can be a bit fruitier, and French Cabs a bit more herbal, a glass is always interesting to drink as you look for notes of cherries and currants, as well as spices.

Drink with: just about any meat, especially if it's fatty. A Cabernet Sauvignon would be delicious with a burger, short rib, or lamb.

2 Merlot

Merlot is the second-most planted grape, and it's a great entry point for someone trying to get into red wine. The wine is really "easy" to drink, meaning it's fruity and yummy and won't make your mouth pucker up with tannins.

Drink with: poultry, like duck or chicken.

3 Pinot Noir

Red wine pouring from a decanter to a wine glass

Among the lightest and most delicate wines with this hue, Pinot Noir won't punch you in the face like some reds can; it has a "light body" in the lingo and feels silky to the tongue. You might taste bright berries like raspberry or cranberry.

Drink with: sushi or salmon. Yes, you can drink red wine with fish!

4 Syrah / Shiraz

Spanish food: Manchego cheese, spanish chorizo and red wine on rustic wooden table

Called Syrah in France and other European countries, and Shiraz in Australia, South America, and elsewhere, this wine is just plain fun to sip on—it can be peppery, spicy, and bold, with the flavor of rich fruits like blackberry. Break this one out after a long day when you want to sit with a book and a glass of wine and really taste something.

Drink with: a charcuterie plate, because it'll play off all the salt and spice and subtle flavors in the cheese and meats.