It’s not brain surgery, but guidelines are always helpful. Follow WineFlirt’s few words of advice to keep you pairing like a pro. Never again will you stare perpelexedly at a wine list, wondering which of the many options would suit your supper.

Pair tannic with protein
These pucker wines taste softer when served with protein-rich, fatty foods like steak and cheese. It’s just like that harsh French teacher you had, who never smiled, but had that delightful Rubenesque wife.

Tangy dishes suit tangy wines
Don’t pair the sensitive wallflower with the class cynic; a delectable soft wine won’t shine up against all that acid. A dry Australian Riesling can dance with lime-dressed soba noodles because its crisp and vivid flavor can withstand the challenge.

Strong wines like strong food
A nice fragrant (read: stinky) cheese will run circles ’round a simple Merlot. (Isn’t there a kids’ book about this?) A rich Bordeaux, on the other hand, will likely have what it takes to be the hero.

…but don’t upstage the star
The night you rock your most impressive necklace you leave the jazzy earrings in the drawer, right? The two together would be too much to take in, darling. A simple dish allows a complex wine to take center stage.

What grows together often goes together
Chalk it up to centuries of culinary and viticultural co-evolution. Mother Nature is one powerful lady, and she’s planted things just so. Racking your brain for a wine to accompany your Greek salad? Try a dry white Santorini.

Red hot foods are better off with pink
Sipped with spicy dishes, many wines exaggerate their heat. Spice is the ideal time to order up that Rose you secretly adore, its light flavors and suggestion of sweetness a soothing balm for the fiery feast.

White with fish and red with meat?
A rule, but not one to live by. Try wines you like with food you like and you’ll likely be close to golden. If something’s off have the food first, the wine later, or vice-versa. It’s win-win (or win-wine?). Whatever it is, don’t take it too seriously – it’s only wine after all!