Be body-conscious Delicately flavored food goes best with a light and delicate wine; heavy, full-flavored dishes call for heftier wines.
Balance extreme If a dish is rich and creamy, you need a tart, high-acid wine to cut through the fat and to cleanse your plate. A bit of sweetness in wine balances salty or spicy foods.
Pair likes Peppery meat dishes work well with spicy red wines. Play fruit sauces off rich and fruity wines. Vegetal, herbal whites tend to go beautifully with green vegetables.
Look to the locals Wines from a particular region often match well with foods the same place.