Pairing wine with holiday foods

If you can't tell your Cabernet from your Sauvignon and you're faced with the daunting task of bringing wine to a dinner party this holiday season, don't fret, pairing wine with food is actually pretty simple stuff (no matter what the wine snobs will have you believe!). And if you don't grasp it right away, keep on drinking, you'll pick it up sooner or later.

The only rule
If you like it, it's good. Wine is subjective and taste buds are unique so forget about what other people say, if you like it, that's all that matters.

Wine pairing basics
The key to choosing a great food wine is to select a bottle that compliments what's served -- you don't want either one outdoing the other. Big bold flavours like those from beef or game meats need an equally bold wine, while delicate flavours from leafy salads or lightly seasoned fish require something more tame.

The old rule of serving red wine with red meat and white wine with white meat is a good place to start but it has its limits. What if you want a glass of red with your roast turkey? Or white with veal Marsala? Follow the tips below and you'll be able to choose the perfect wine every time.

Top 8
While this list of grape varietals is in no way exhaustive, it's a great place to start and offers plenty of options for choosing a superb bottle of wine.

REDS

Grape: Pinot Noir

The dirt: It's the lightest of the reds, and has an easy-to-drink reputation. Berries, plums, minerals and light spice round out the flavours while fresh acidity and delicate tannins (the things that shock the side of your jaw) give Pinot a light mouth-feel.

Enjoy with: Everything from roasted turkey and broiled salmon to mushroom soup.

Grape: Merlot

The dirt: This popular, easy-to-drink red has the flavour of ripe, full fruit that feels juicy and slightly sweet on the palate.

Enjoy with: Veal, blackened chicken, fish or rich pasta dishes, such as lasagna.

Grape: Shiraz/Syrah

The dirt: Pepper, spice and bold hits of raspberry, currants and plums define Shiraz. While they're from the same grape, Syrah tends to be a tad lighter than Shiraz (due to the wine-making process).

Enjoy with: Roasted lamb, stews or spicy sausage.

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon

The dirt: It's the boldest red, boasting a rich inky colour and deep, tannic flavour full of black currant, cherry, wood and leather. Loads of acidity and high tannins mellow over the years if cellared.

Enjoy with: Pepper steak, brisket or wild meats, such as venison.