Tongue

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 Tongue · Beef Tongue · Grilled Veal Tongue

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 Beef Tongue · Grilled Veal Tongue

Burgundy's most elegant red village — Pinot Noir of crystalline finesse and floral aromatics. Often called the most feminine wine in the Côte de Nuits.

Works with Veal Tongue · Veal Tongue With Spring Vegetables

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 Tongue · Brined Ox Tongue

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 Tongue · Grilled Veal Tongue

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 Brined Ox Tongue · Lengua (beef Tongue)

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 Beef Tongue · Grilled Veal Tongue

Provence's most serious red — Mourvèdre-dominated, structured, savory, with notes of black olive, leather, and Mediterranean herb. The age-worthy alternative to a southern Rhône.

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

Red · Medium · Dry

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

Red · Medium · Dry

Bordeaux's everyday-quality tier — Merlot-led blends with a touch more aging than basic Bordeaux. Reliable food-friendly claret at honest prices.

Loire Cabernet Franc — bigger and more structured than neighboring Chinon, with darker fruit and earthier character. The Cabernet Franc to age.