Veal Sweetbreads

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 Veal Sweetbreads · Pan Fried Veal Sweetbreads (french Ris De Veau) With Wild Mushrooms

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 Veal Sweetbreads · Veal Sweetbreads With Hazelnuts

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 Veal Sweetbreads · Pan Fried Veal Sweetbreads (french Ris De Veau) With Wild Mushrooms

Loire wines from around the city of Angers — Chenin Blanc whites (dry to sweet) and Cabernet Franc rosés. The whites are tremendous values.

Jura's signature wine region — both reds (Trousseau, Poulsard) and whites (Savagnin, Chardonnay), often with the oxidative character that defines the Jura. Singular and adventurous.

Sauternes's quieter neighbor — slightly leaner, more delicate noble-rot sweet whites at often half the price. Same Semillon-Sauvignon blend, more restraint.

Red · Medium · Dry

The cooler-climate sibling of Cabernet Sauvignon — leaner, more aromatic, with notes of bell pepper, raspberry, and graphite. The Loire's Chinon and Bourgueil do it best.

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.

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.

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.

Loire Cabernet Franc at its most refined — pencil-shavings, raspberry, and a flint-stone finish. The bistro red of choice; equally good chilled in summer.

White · Medium · Dry

A medium-bodied white. Crisp citrus, soft orchard fruit, and a clean mineral finish.