Borscht

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 Borscht Stew · Doukhobor Borscht · Borscht With Apples And Horseradish

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 Borscht · Borscht Soup · Cabbage Beef Borscht

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 Borscht Stew · Doukhobor Borscht · Borscht With Apples And Horseradish

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 Borscht · Cabbage Beef Borscht

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.

Works with Borscht · Borscht Soup

Puglia's quiet red appellation — Negroamaro-based blends, soft and food-friendly. The Italian everyday red at honest pricing.

Works with Borscht · Borscht Soup

Hungary's name for Blaufränkisch — peppery, dark-fruited, structured red. The most serious red of the Pannonian basin.

Works with Borscht · Borscht 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 Borscht · Cabbage Beef Borscht

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 Doukhobor Borscht · Borscht With Apples And Horseradish

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 Borscht · Cabbage Beef Borscht

Rosé · Light · Off-dry

California's introduction to wine for an entire generation — slightly sweet, lightly fruity, easy to like. Pair with brunch, spice, or nothing at all.

Works with Borscht · Borscht Soup

White · Medium · 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.