Sardines

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 Cured Sardines · Fresh Sardines · Canned Sardines +5 more Cured Sardines · Fresh Sardines · Canned Sardines · Pickled Sardines · Harrissa Sardines · Barbequed Sardines · Sardines In Mustard · Sardines In Tomato Sauce

Sparkling · Light · Dry

Méthode champenoise from the most chalk-rich corner of France — fine bubbles, brioche, lemon zest, and a finish that goes on for half a minute. The wine for anything fried, salty, or special.

Works with Sardines · Cured Sardines · Fresh Sardines +4 more Sardines · Cured Sardines · Fresh Sardines · Grilled Sardines · Pickled Sardines · Harrissa Sardines · Sardines In Tomato Sauce

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.

Works with Cured Sardines · Fresh Sardines · Pickled Sardines +4 more Cured Sardines · Fresh Sardines · Pickled Sardines · Harrissa Sardines · Sardines In Tomato Sauce · Pasta With Olive Oil, Mushrooms And Sardines · Pan Fried Sardines With Tomato And Olive Salad

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 Cured Sardines · Fresh Sardines · Pickled Sardines +3 more Cured Sardines · Fresh Sardines · Pickled Sardines · Harrissa Sardines · Sardines In Tomato Sauce · Sardines, White Gazpacho, Frozen Fennel

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 Canned Sardines · Barbequed Sardines · Sardines In Mustard +2 more Canned Sardines · Barbequed Sardines · Sardines In Mustard · Fig Prosciutto And Ricotta Sardines · Pasta With Olive Oil, Mushrooms And Sardines

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 Canned Sardines · Barbequed Sardines · Sardines In Mustard +1 more Canned Sardines · Barbequed Sardines · Sardines In Mustard · Sardines, White Gazpacho, Frozen Fennel

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 Canned Sardines · Barbequed Sardines · Sardines In Mustard +1 more Canned Sardines · Barbequed Sardines · Sardines In Mustard · Sardines In Tomato Sauce

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.

Works with Sardines · Sardines, White Gazpacho, Frozen Fennel

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 Sardines · Pasta With Olive Oil, Mushrooms And Sardines

White · Light · Dry

Veneto's everyday white — Garganega grape, light, almondy, citrus-finished. The good single-vineyard bottles drink like little Chablis.

Works with Sardines · Sicilian-style Pasta With Sardines

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.

Bordeaux's affordable shadow just to the east — same grape blends, simpler structure, much lower prices. The everyday red of southwest France.