Star Anise

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 Star Anise Pork · Pork,orange And Star Anise · Duck Consomme With Star Anise +2 more Star Anise Pork · Pork,orange And Star Anise · Duck Consomme With Star Anise · Butternut Squash Soup With Star Anise · Duck With Blueberry Sauce (incl Star Anise)

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 Star Anise Pork · Beef Star-anise · Pork,orange And Star Anise +1 more Star Anise Pork · Beef Star-anise · Pork,orange And Star Anise · Braised Beef Cooked In Wine, Soy, Star Anise Served With Parsnip Puree

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 Star-anise · Pork,orange And Star Anise · Braised Beef Cooked In Wine, Soy, Star Anise Served With Parsnip Puree

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 Duck Consomme With Star Anise · Butternut Squash Soup With Star Anise · Beef Chargrilled O'connor Sirloin With Confit Carrot,potato Roast,star Anise And Onion Sprouts

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 Star-anise · Pork,orange And Star Anise · Braised Beef Cooked In Wine, Soy, Star Anise Served With Parsnip Puree

Red · Medium · Dry

Pinot Noir (red) or Chardonnay (white) from the world's most expensive dirt. Translucent, perfumed, ethereal at the top of the hierarchy; honest and pleasant lower down. Drink slowly, with reverence.

Works with Duck Consomme With Star Anise · Beef Chargrilled O'connor Sirloin With Confit Carrot,potato Roast,star Anise And Onion Sprouts

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 Duck Consomme With Star Anise · Butternut Squash Soup With Star Anise

Red · Medium · Dry

The blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that fills every wine list in France for a reason — friendly, peppery, slightly rustic, made to wash down anything from grilled vegetables to lamb stew.

Works with Duck Consomme With Star Anise · Beef Chargrilled O'connor Sirloin With Confit Carrot,potato Roast,star Anise And Onion Sprouts

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 Star Anise Pork · Pork,orange And Star Anise

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 Star Anise Pork · Butternut Squash Soup With Star Anise

Red · Full · Dry

The classical red blend — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and friends — from southwest France. Black currant, cedar, tobacco; serious structure; rewards patience and decanting.

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.