Plantain

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.

Works with Boiled Plantaines · Plantains Empanadas · Spicy Shrimp In Plantains

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 Boiled Plantaines · Plantains Empanadas · Spicy Shrimp In Plantains

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 Boiled Plantaines · Plantains Empanadas · Chicken Cuban Stew W Smoked Paprika And Plantains

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 Boiled Plantaines · Plantains Empanadas · Spicy Shrimp In Plantains

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

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

Mendoza Malbec country — plummy, full-bodied reds with cocoa, violet, and supple tannins. Reliably excellent at most price points.

A wine outside our reference catalogue — likely a single-producer or single-vineyard bottling. Open with a small pour to assess body and sweetness, then pair to match its weight.

A wine outside our reference catalogue — likely a single-producer or single-vineyard bottling. Open with a small pour to assess body and sweetness, then pair to match its weight.

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 · 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.

White · Medium · Dry

Off-dry to sweet Riesling — usually German Spätlese or Auslese, with peach, honey, and slate-driven acid. The single best wine for spicy food.