Quince

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 Quince · Quince Jelly · Poached Quince +2 more Quince · Quince Jelly · Poached Quince · Quince Pasta Manchego · Goat Rack With Quince Glaze

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 Quince · Quince Jelly · Poached Quince +2 more Quince · Quince Jelly · Poached Quince · Goat Rack With Quince Glaze · Humbolt Fog Cheese With Quince

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 Quince · Quince Jelly · Poached Quince +2 more Quince · Quince Jelly · Poached Quince · Goat Rack With Quince Glaze · Humbolt Fog Cheese With Quince

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 Quince · Quince Jelly · Poached Quince +2 more Quince · Quince Jelly · Poached Quince · Beef Tagine With Quince · Goat Rack With Quince Glaze

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 Venison Quince · Lamb And Quince Paste · Beef Tagine With Quince +1 more Venison Quince · Lamb And Quince Paste · Beef Tagine With Quince · Humbolt Fog Cheese With Quince

California or Pacific Northwest late-harvest white — usually Riesling or Gewürztraminer, picked overripe for concentrated sweetness. Honey, peach, ginger.

Works with Quince Apple Strudels With Quince Syrup · Poached Pears With Quince Pasta In Parmesan Cloaks

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 Venison Quince · Lamb And Quince Paste

Red · Medium · Dry

Tempranillo-based blend from northern Spain, traditionally oak-aged into something quietly profound. Cherry, dill, vanilla, leather; great with lamb, paella, and aged Manchego.

Works with Quince Pasta Manchego · Lamb And Quince Paste

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 Venison Quince · Lamb And Quince Paste

White · Light · Dry

Galicia's gift to summer — citrus, peach, salt air, and acid like a knife. Made for shellfish, paella, and any dish that involves the sea.

Fortified · Full · Sweet

California fortified wines — port-style and sherry-style bottlings (legally called something else now), often outstanding values from old-vine producers.

Austria's late-harvested whites — Riesling or Grüner Veltliner, often with the laser acid that defines the country. Sweet, but never cloying.