Bold fruity red

Ripe, generous, warm-climate reds with dark fruit and rounded tannin.

• Grilled steak

  Classic

  Char and ripe dark fruit reinforce each other; warmth in the wine matches heat off the grill.

• Lamb

  Classic

  Herb-crusted or grilled lamb meets ripe fruit and Mediterranean warmth on equal terms.

• Burgers

  Classic

  Ripe, generous fruit and rounded tannin match char, fat, and sweet condiments.

• Barbecue and smoked meats

  Classic

  Sweet, smoky sauces need ripe fruit to meet them; a lean, austere red tastes sour against barbecue.

• Sausages and grilled meats

  Solid

  Char and smoke are matched by ripe fruit and warmth.

• Mexican and Latin American

  Solid

  For grilled and smoky dishes, ripe fruit matches char and mole's depth.

Pairing suggestions are editorial, drawn from established convention rather than measurement.