When a wine is described as "food friendly," it means that the wine has characteristics that make it well-suited to be enjoyed with a wide variety of foods.

Food friendly wines have flavor profiles that are harmonious with the food and aren’t too intense in any one aspect (e.g., acidity, tannin, residual sugar or alcohol level). So, you might say that a food friendly wine enhances the dining experience by adding to the enjoyment of the food without overpowering the foods being consumed.

One key factor for a wine to be considered “food friendly” is the level of the wine’s tannin. Wines with both big, bold tannin and wines with soft silky tannin can each be considered “food friendly.” In the case of a wine with big and bold tannin, it can work very well with rich and fatty foods such as a Ribeye steak, a hearty stew or a bold French cheese. Wines with soft tannin work well with a broad range of foods.

Here are some examples of “Food Friendly” red wines with big tannin that work with rich and fatty foods:

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Bordeaux Blends (i.e., Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Verdot)

• Syrah/Siraz

• Tannat

• Touriga Nacional

• Malbec

• Nebbiolo

And, here are some examples of “Food Friendly” red wines with soft tannin that pair well with a variety of dishes without overwhelming their flavors:

• Pinot Noir

• Gamay/Beaujolais

• Grenache/Syrah/Mouvèdre (GSM) Blends

• Merlot

• Barbera

So, that’s a quick overview of “Food Friendly” wine choices that can be enjoyed with many different meals and occasions. Cheers!