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In the world of wine, there’s something truly magical about finding that perfect pairing — whether it’s a tried-and-true classic or a bold, unexpected match. The wines on this list offer the best of both worlds and are delicious in each scenario. You can embrace tradition with sommelier-approved pairings rooted in regional heritage, or take a more adventurous path, exploring unique combinations from across the globe that surprise and delight.
1. Carlo Pellegrino Marsala Superiore
This marsala is made using traditional winemaking methods and aged for at least two years in oak barrels. It has a gorgeous amber hue with an aroma that hits you with dried figs and plum, while the palate rounds out with sweet, honeyed notes.
Pairings
Classic Pairing
Zabaglione
This is marsala's time-honoured match. The wine's sweetness enhances the creamy texture of zabaglione, elevating this dessert to another level.
Nuanced Pairing
Harissa Pumpkin Stew
Here’s where things get interesting. The sweetness and honeyed character of the marsala complement the warmth of the harissa, while the wine’s roundness tames the heat, making this a comforting and unexpected pairing.
2. Cono Sur Sparkling Rosé
From Chile’s southern Bío-Bío Valley, this sparkling rosé is all elegance. With a soft salmon hue, it brings aromas of pink grapefruit, watermelon and a hint of smoke. On the palate, it's dry with a fresh, clean finish.
Pairings
Classic Pairing
Chilean Empanadas
This is a no-brainer. The crispness of the rosé cuts through the pastry, while the wine’s berry notes bring out the flavours of the filling.
Nuanced Pairing
Bunny Chow
Bunny Chow is a South African dish that can be a bit of a wildcard, but the sparkling nature of the wine refreshes your palate after every bite, readying you for the next spoonful of this hearty, spicy stew.
3. STEL + MAR Cabernet Sauvignon
This bottle screams California cool with its deep, rich burgundy colour. Ripe plums, cocoa and a smooth vanilla finish make this wine easygoing, yet bold.
Pairings
Classic Pairing
The Standard Burger
Juicy burgers and Cali cabs? Yes, please. The wine’s tannins meet the meat head-on, while the fruit and cocoa notes lift the dish’s richness.
Nuanced Pairing
Pork Vindaloo
Here’s where we push the boundaries. The wine’s fruit-forward profile and smooth tannins make it a surprisingly good match for this spiced-up Indian dish, balancing heat with flavour.
4. Viña Santa Carolina Reserva Chardonnay
This Chilean Chardonnay is a study in balance. Toasted almonds, citrus, pear and mango fill the glass, while the creamy texture and bright acidity offer a fresh, lifted body.
Pairings
Classic Pairing
Roast Chicken with Herbs
You can’t go wrong with this classic. The herb-crusted chicken brings out the nutty, citrusy elements of the wine, creating a harmony that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Nuanced Pairing
Lemon Tart
Yes, a dessert pairing. The wine’s citrusy, creamy notes mirror the tart’s filling, and the acidity in the wine makes for a beautiful balance against the sweet richness.
5. 13th Street Winery Gamay 2022
This Ontario Gamay is as gulp-able as it gets. Red raspberry, plum, black pepper and stony minerality create complexity on the nose, while the palate is fresh and vibrant, filled with sour cherry, cranberry and thyme.
Pairings
Classic Pairing
Pan-Fried Foie Gras
Foie gras meets its match with gamay’s bright acidity, cutting through the richness while allowing the fruit flavours to dance alongside the dish.
Nuanced Pairing
Pasta Alla Norma
Gamay’s versatility really shines with this Sicilian favourite. Its bright fruit and earthy notes play off the rich tomato sauce and fried eggplant, making for a delightful pairing.
6. Cono Sur Green Society Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Especial
This deep, lively cab from Chile offers rich notes of red fruits, cassis and plum, with well-incorporated oak and ash elements. It’s bold and full-bodied with mature tannins and persistence.
Pairings
Classic Pairing
Steak Frites
This is the ultimate steak wine, full stop. The tannins balance the meat’s richness, while the red fruit and oak notes bring out the char on the steak.
Nuanced Pairing
Mandu Dumplings
Take the meat-loving nature of this cab and bring it to the world of Korean food. The plum and spice notes in the wine complement the filling in the dumplings, while the wine’s finish leaves you ready for another bite.
7. Masi Modello Prosecco DOC Brut
From Veneto, this prosecco is elegant and harmonious. With aromas of white flowers and peach, and light notes of apple and pear, it finishes crisp and fresh with zesty citrus.
Pairings
Classic Pairing
Antipasto di Mare
Prosecco and seafood are always a win. The bubbles and freshness in the wine cleanse your palate between bites, letting each flavour in the dish shine.
Nuanced Pairing
Liangban Tofu
Pairing prosecco with cold tofu might sound odd, but the texture and delicate flavours of the dish allow the prosecco’s freshness to really pop, turning this simple dish into something far more refined.
8. Lola Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon
Pelee Island’s sun-drenched vineyards give us this vibrant blend of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Expect dark berries, cedar and herbal notes with a dry finish.
Pairings
Classic Pairing
Lamb Lollipops
The fruity, herbal notes in the wine match beautifully with the grilled lamb’s char and the richness of the meat.
Nuanced Pairing
Enmolada
A Mexican classic made with mole sauce, this dish pairing works because the wine’s fruitiness complements the depth of the mole, while its herbal edge plays well with the spices.
9. Masi Campofiorin IGT
A blend of corvina, rondinella and molinara, this Italian red brings flavours of dried figs, cherries and spices. Its medium tannins and balanced palate make it a versatile food wine.
Pairings
Classic Pairing
Tortellini di Valeggio al Tartufo
This stuffed pasta, served with white truffles, pairs beautifully with Campofiorin’s structured body and earthy tones, creating an elegant experience.
Nuanced Pairing
Fried Smelts with Lemon
This one is a little unconventional, but the wine’s bright acidity and spice backbone make it a fun pairing with crispy, fried smelts, adding layers of flavour and texture.
With these pairings, you can go classic or step out of the box. Either way, these wines have the range to take you wherever your palate wants to go.
