Mandarin

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 Mandarin · Mandarin Duck · Orange Mandarin Chicken +3 more Mandarin · Mandarin Duck · Orange Mandarin Chicken · Mandarin Orange Chicken · Mandarin Chicken Pasta Salad · Quail With Chorizo And Mandarins Orange Sauce

Rosé · Light · Dry

Provence's gift to summer — dry, pale, faintly strawberry-and-citrus, with low alcohol and crisp acid. Made to drink cold, with food, in the shade.

Works with Mandarin · Mandarin Duck · Mandarin Orange Salad +2 more Mandarin · Mandarin Duck · Mandarin Orange Salad · Orange Mandarin Chicken · Mandarin Orange Chicken

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 Mandarin · Mandarin Duck · Orange Mandarin Chicken +1 more Mandarin · Mandarin Duck · Orange Mandarin Chicken · Mandarin Orange Chicken

Sparkling · Light · Sweet

Asti's more refined sibling — gently frizzante, only 5-6% alcohol, all peach and orange blossom. The perfect summer dessert wine.

Works with Mandarin Oranges · Mandarin Orange Salad · Orange Mandarin Chicken +1 more Mandarin Oranges · Mandarin Orange Salad · Orange Mandarin Chicken · Mandarin Orange Chicken

White · Light · Dry

Citrus, cut grass, and a wire of acid. Marlborough makes it loudest; Sancerre makes it most refined. Either way, it cuts cleanly through goat cheese, herbs, and anything with shellfish.

Works with Mandarin Duck · Mandarin Orange Salad · Orange Mandarin Chicken +1 more Mandarin Duck · Mandarin Orange Salad · Orange Mandarin Chicken · Mandarin Orange Chicken

White · Light · Dry

Italy's everyday white — light, lemony, neutral by design. Pleasant with anything; profound with very little. The best Friuli bottles are quietly excellent.

Works with Mandarin Orange Salad · Mandarin Chicken Pasta Salad

Dessert · Full · Sweet

Bordeaux's legendary sweet white — Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc hit by noble rot, then patiently fermented. Honey, apricot, candied citrus, and a finish that lasts a small eternity. Pair with foie gras, blue cheese, or a fruit tart.

Works with Mandarin Oranges · Mandarin Orange Salad

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.

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.

Sparkling · Light · Dry

Spain's traditional-method sparkling, made in Catalunya. Crisper and chalkier than Prosecco; remarkable value next to Champagne. Pair with jamón, tortilla, and grilled vegetables.

Red · Medium · Dry

Tuscany's everyday red, made from Sangiovese — cherry, leather, and a brisk acidity that makes tomato-based dishes sing. The Classico designation marks the historic heartland and a step up in quality.

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.