By Occasion

Shellfish/light seafood- Chardonnay (Chablis/white Burgundy/Pouilly-Fuissé)

interesting alternative-Vouvray (Chenin Blanc-Loire Valley, france), Muscadet (Melon-Loire Valley, France), Albariño (spain).

Salad - Sauvignon Blanc (white Bordeaux/Pouilly-Fumé/Sancerre)

interesting alternative-Condrieu (Viognier), Rousanne

Picnic- Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc (white Bordeaux/Pouilly-Fumé/Sancerre)

interesting alternative- Torrontes (Argentina), Soave (Italy)

Steak dinner- Cabernet Sauvignon/left bank red Bordeaux

interesting alternative- Chianti Classico Riserva/Aglianico

Sunday brunch- french Champagne/ sparkling wine

interesting alternative- Sekt/Cava/sparkling Riesling, Pinot Blanc (alsace)

Spaghetti (red sauce/gravy)- Chianti

interesting alternative- Gattinara, Teroldego

Burgers on the grill- Merlot, Argentinian Malbec

interesting alternative- Côtes du Rhône (france), Tempranillo (Jumilla, Jecla)

Impress your wine friend-cult California Cabernet, red Bordeaux

interesting alternative- Côte Rôtie or Cornas (Syrah-Cotes du Rhone, France), Rioja Alta (Spain)

Easy end of day white- Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio

interesting alternative- Riesling, Grüner Veltliner

Easy end of day red- Merlot, Pinot noir

interesting alternative- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Rosso Conero (both Montepulciano)

BBQ (tomatoe based)- red Zinfandel, Syrah/Shiraz

interesting alternative- Barbera, Morellino di Scansano

Asian- Asian beer, Sake, Riesling

interesting alternative- Gewürztraminer, Vouvray (semi-sweet or sweet)

Thanksgiving- Pinot Noir, Beaujolias (Gamay)

Dessert- Champagne, dessert wine

interesting alternative-Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise (Rhone, France)