Spicy Cheese

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 Spicy Cheese · Spicy Cheese Dip · Cream Cheese Spicy Dip +3 more Spicy Cheese · Spicy Cheese Dip · Cream Cheese Spicy Dip · Crostini With Spicy Beef, And Blue Cheese · Cheese Tortellini With Spicy Sausage · Spicy Vegetables And Cheese, Cajun Topping

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 Cheese · Spicy Cheese Dip · Cream Cheese Spicy Dip +2 more Spicy Cheese · Spicy Cheese Dip · Cream Cheese Spicy Dip · Crostini With Spicy Beef, And Blue Cheese · Cheese Tortellini With Spicy Sausage

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 Spicy Cheese · Spicy Cheese Dip · Cream Cheese Spicy Dip +2 more Spicy Cheese · Spicy Cheese Dip · Cream Cheese Spicy Dip · Spicy Shrimp With Gouda Cheese Grits · Cheese Tortellini With Spicy Sausage

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.

Works with Spicy Cheese · Spicy Cheese Dip · Cream Cheese Spicy Dip +1 more Spicy Cheese · Spicy Cheese Dip · Cream Cheese Spicy Dip · Spicy Vegetables And Cheese, Cajun Topping

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 Crostini With Spicy Beef, And Blue Cheese · Cheese Tortellini With Spicy Sausage · Spicy Steak Salad With Blue Cheese Dressing

Fortified · Full · Sweet

Fortified red from Portugal's Douro Valley — sweet, warming, and surprisingly versatile. Ruby and LBV are for everyday; Vintage and Tawny are for serious occasions. Pair with blue cheese, walnuts, or just a fire.

Works with Spicy Cheese · Spicy Cheese Dip · Cream Cheese Spicy Dip

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 Spicy Shrimp With Gouda Cheese Grits · Spicy Vegetables And Cheese, Cajun Topping

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 Spicy Shrimp With Gouda Cheese Grits · Spicy Vegetables And Cheese, Cajun Topping

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 Crostini With Spicy Beef, And Blue Cheese · Cheese Tortellini With Spicy Sausage

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 Crostini With Spicy Beef, And Blue Cheese · Spicy Vegetables And Cheese, Cajun Topping

White · Medium · Dry

The Loire's most versatile grape — bone-dry and steely from Savennières, honeyed and ageless from Vouvray. Naturally high acid keeps every style food-friendly.

White · Medium · Dry

California and Pacific Northwest Gewürztraminer — lychee, rose petal, ginger, made riper and fuller than Alsace. The American spicy-food companion.