Spicy Beef Chili

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 Spicy Beef Chili · Spicy Beef And Black Bean Chili

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 Spicy Beef Chili · Spicy Beef And Black Bean Chili

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 Spicy Beef Chili · Spicy Beef And Black Bean Chili

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 Spicy Beef Chili · Spicy Beef And Black Bean Chili

Red · Medium · Dry

American wines made in the Italian idiom — Sangiovese, Barbera, or Super-Tuscan-style blends from California or Washington. Cherry-driven, food-friendly, often a great value.

Red · Medium · Dry

Mendoza Malbec, the global benchmark — high-altitude vineyards giving deep purple wines with plum, violet, cocoa, and soft tannins. Reliably excellent at most price points.

Red · Medium · Dry

The blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that fills every wine list in France for a reason — friendly, peppery, slightly rustic, made to wash down anything from grilled vegetables to lamb stew.

White · Light · Off-dry

Aromatic, racy, and shapeshifting — bone-dry in Alsace, off-dry on the Mosel, syrupy and ageless when late-harvested. The single most versatile wine for spicy food on earth.

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.