Sausage Stew

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 Creamy Sausage Stew · Seafood Sausage Stew · Italian Sausage Stew +1 more Creamy Sausage Stew · Seafood Sausage Stew · Italian Sausage Stew · Spicy Sausage And Escarole Stew

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 Creamy Sausage Stew · Seafood Sausage Stew · Spicy Sausage And Escarole Stew

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 Creamy Sausage Stew · Seafood Sausage Stew · Spicy Sausage And Escarole Stew

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 Creamy Sausage Stew · Seafood Sausage Stew · Spicy Sausage And Escarole Stew

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 Creamy Sausage Stew · Spicy Sausage And Escarole Stew

White · Light · Off-dry

Washington and Finger Lakes Rieslings split the difference between Mosel delicacy and Alsatian heft — bright stone fruit, modest sweetness, lively acid. A natural with Thai, Indian, and anything off the spice rack.

Red · Medium · Dry

California's signature red — jammy, brambly, often 15% alcohol, with notes of blackberry, black pepper, and dried herb. Built for ribs and brisket.

Red · Medium · Dry

Australia's signature red — dense, spice-driven, peppery, often pushing 15% alcohol. Barossa makes it brawniest; McLaren Vale, smokier; Hunter, leaner. Built for the grill.

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.

American Bordeaux-style blend — must use the traditional Bordeaux grape varieties. The flag for serious New World red blending; varies wildly in style.

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.

White · Medium · Dry

Burgundy's southernmost serious Chardonnay — sun-soaked, peachy, accessible. The thinking person's value white from the Mâconnais.