10-Wine Sommelier Cheat Sheet

Instructions

1. 1

   Chardonnay (classic, oaked)

2. 2

   Appearance: Pale gold to deep straw.

3. 3

   Aroma: Butter, vanilla, toasted oak, baked apple, citrus.

4. 4

   Taste: Creamy texture, ripe apple/pear, vanilla, light spice; medium to full body.

5. 5

   Pairs with: Roast chicken, rich seafood (lobster/creamy sauce), triple-cream cheeses.

6. 6

   Sauvignon Blanc

7. 7

   Appearance: Pale straw, sometimes green-tinged.

8. 8

   Aroma: Cut grass, gooseberry, lime, green bell pepper, flinty/mineral.

9. 9

   Taste: High acidity, zesty citrus, herbal, bright and dry.

10. 10

    Pairs with: Goat cheese, oysters, green salads, sushi, herb-driven dishes.

11. 11

    Riesling (dry to sweet)

12. 12

    Appearance: Very pale to light gold.

13. 13

    Aroma: White flowers, green apple, petrol (aged), stone fruit, honey (if sweet).

14. 14

    Taste: Crisp acidity, floral and stone-fruit notes; range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet.

15. 15

    Pairs with: Spicy Asian food, pork, duck, blue cheese (sweeter styles).

16. 16

    Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris

17. 17

    Appearance: Pale straw to light gold.

18. 18

    Aroma: Pear, lemon, almond, honeysuckle.

19. 19

    Taste: Light to medium body, lean acidity, citrus and orchard fruit; more neutral than aromatic whites.

20. 20

    Pairs with: Light seafood, salads, mild cheeses, antipasti.

21. 21

    Champagne / Sparkling (Brut)

22. 22

    Appearance: Pale gold, persistent fine bubbles.

23. 23

    Aroma: Toasted brioche, lemon peel, green apple, chalk.

24. 24

    Taste: Crisp acidity, toasty-yeast character, green apple, citrus; bone-dry to slightly off-dry.

25. 25

    Pairs with: Fried foods (tempura), oysters, creamy cheeses, celebratory everything.

26. 26

    Pinot Noir

27. 27

    Appearance: Light ruby to medium ruby.

28. 28

    Aroma: Red cherry, raspberry, earth, mushroom, spice.

29. 29

    Taste: Silky, light-to-medium body, bright red fruit, subtle tannins, earthy complexity.

30. 30

    Pairs with: Roasted poultry, duck, earthy mushrooms, soft cheeses (brie).

31. 31

    Merlot

32. 32

    Appearance: Medium ruby to deep ruby.

33. 33

    Aroma: Plum, black cherry, chocolate, bay leaf.

34. 34

    Taste: Plush, round, medium body, soft tannins, ripe dark fruit and sometimes mocha.

35. 35

    Pairs with: Grilled meats, tomato-based pasta, roasted vegetables, medium cheeses.

36. 36

    Cabernet Sauvignon

37. 37

    Appearance: Deep ruby to garnet.

38. 38

    Aroma: Blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, green bell pepper (if underripe).

39. 39

    Taste: Full-bodied, high tannin, dark fruit, firm structure, oak spice when aged.

40. 40

    Pairs with: Red meats (steak, lamb), aged cheddar, hearty stews.

41. 41

    Syrah / Shiraz

42. 42

    Appearance: Deep purple to opaque ruby.

43. 43

    Aroma: Blackberry, black pepper, smoked meat, leather.

44. 44

    Taste: Full-bodied, rich dark fruits, peppery spice, savory/umami notes; tannic and bold.

45. 45

    Pairs with: BBQ, smoked meats, spicy stews, strong cheeses.

46. 46

    Malbec

47. 47

    Appearance: Deep purple, inky.

48. 48

    Aroma: Plum, blackberry, cocoa, violet.

49. 49

    Taste: Full-bodied, ripe dark fruit, medium to high tannins, chocolatey finish.

50. 50

    Pairs with: Grilled beef, empanadas, blue cheese, bold flavors.