Barley Soup

White · Medium · Dry

The most-planted white grape and the most chameleon-like. Crisp and steely from Chablis; rich, oaky, and tropical from California. Read the label, then match the style to the dish.

Works with Barley Soup · Beef Barley Soup · Turkey Barley Soup +5 more Barley Soup · Beef Barley Soup · Turkey Barley Soup · Chicken Barley Soup · Barley Mushroom Soup · Barley & Mushroom Soup · Barley And Split Pea Soup · Beef Barley With Vegetable Soup

Red · Light · Dry

Burgundy's most temperamental grape, but the rewards are real — translucent ruby with a perfumed lift of red cherry, forest floor, and clove. Silken tannins and bright acid make it the most versatile red on the table; serve cool, around 58°F.

Works with Barley Soup · Turkey Barley Soup · Chicken Barley Soup +5 more Barley Soup · Turkey Barley Soup · Chicken Barley Soup · Mushroom Barley Soup · Barley Mushroom Soup · Barley & Mushroom Soup · Barley And Split Pea Soup · Beef/meat Stock-based Soup (like Beef Barley; Vegetable With Meat)

Fortified · Medium · Dry

Andalusia's fortified white — runs from bone-dry Fino through nutty Amontillado to syrupy PX. The dry styles pair brilliantly with tapas; the sweet ones replace dessert entirely.

Works with Barley Soup · Turkey Barley Soup · Chicken Barley Soup +3 more Barley Soup · Turkey Barley Soup · Chicken Barley Soup · Barley Mushroom Soup · Barley & Mushroom Soup · Barley And Split Pea Soup

Red · Full · Dry

Argentina's signature grape: deep purple, plummy, and remarkably smooth for its weight. Soft tannins and a touch of cocoa make it the dinner-party Cabernet alternative — and far easier on the wallet.

Works with Beef Barley Soup · Beef Barley With Vegetable Soup · Beef/meat Stock-based Soup (like Beef Barley; Vegetable With Meat)

Red · Full · Dry

Shiraz's more reserved European cousin — Northern Rhône style, all violets, black olive, and white pepper. Less brawn, more poise; pairs as well with lamb as with peppered duck breast.

Works with Beef Barley Soup · Beef Barley With Vegetable Soup · Beef/meat Stock-based Soup (like Beef Barley; Vegetable With Meat)

Red · Full · Dry

California's brawler — jammy blackberry, brambly spice, and 15% alcohol that hides behind the fruit. Built for ribs, brisket, and anything that came off a grill.

Works with Beef Barley Soup · Beef Barley With Vegetable Soup · Beef/meat Stock-based Soup (like Beef Barley; Vegetable With Meat)

Red · Medium · Dry

California Merlot, when made well — plummy, supple, with a touch of cocoa and earlier drinkability than its Bordeaux cousins. The unfairly maligned dinner-party red.

Works with Mushroom Barley Soup · Mushroom-barley Soup

Red · Light · Dry

Gamay-based reds from southern Burgundy — light, fruity, food-friendly. The serious Cru bottlings (Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent) drink like Pinot Noir at half the price.

Works with Mushroom Barley Soup · Zingerman's Ann Arbor Mushroom And Barley Soup

Red · Medium · Dry

Pinot Noir (red) or Chardonnay (white) from the world's most expensive dirt. Translucent, perfumed, ethereal at the top of the hierarchy; honest and pleasant lower down. Drink slowly, with reverence.

Works with Barley Mushroom Soup · Barley & Mushroom Soup

Red · Full · Dry

The benchmark for full-bodied red — structured, age-worthy, unapologetic. Black currant, graphite, and tobacco lead into firm tannins that demand protein on the plate. Decant young bottles; cellar the serious ones.

Works with Beef Barley Soup · Beef Barley With Vegetable Soup

Red · Medium · Dry

Sangiovese from Tuscany's historic heartland — denser fruit, longer finish, and a structure that rewards aging. The pizza wine, elevated.

Works with Mushroom-barley Soup · Beef, Barley, And Vegetable Soup

Red · Medium · Dry

Tempranillo-based blend from northern Spain, traditionally oak-aged into something quietly profound. Cherry, dill, vanilla, leather; great with lamb, paella, and aged Manchego.

Works with Mushroom Barley Soup · Mushroom-barley Soup