Foods to pair with Zinfandel include sausage, beef, lamb, pork and venison, either braised, grilled or roasted. The lower tannin in this wine can accommodate some heat from chiles, so ribs with a spicy barbecue sauce are considered almost a classic match.

Meat Pairings: Barbecue pork ribs, leg of lamb or a big, beef stew, chili, Italian sausage, brisket, and venison.

Poultry Pairings: A lighter Zinfandel is a delicious wine food pairing choice for poultry and game fowl, especially when served with a heavier sauce.

Pasta Pairings: A bigger Zinfandel wine pairs best with tomato-based dishes while lighter Zinfandels make an excellent wine pairing for creamy pastas.

Seafood Pairings: Pair Zinfandel with seafood stews and soups, as well as seared or grilled fish. Drink with tuna, cioppino and bouillabaise

Pairings with Herbs: Black Pepper, Basil, Thyme, Italian Parsley, Bay Leaf, Fennel

Cheeses to pair with Zinfandel: Parmesan, aged cheddar, aged gouda, asiago and jack cheeses.

Enjoy lighter Zins with milder cheeses: Mozzarella, brie, gouda, and swiss

A big Zin is best with a robust, flavorful cheese: Gruyere, Ronal, Ossau Irate, Le Moulis, and Garrotxa

Try spicy Zins with cheses with smoky or sharp flavors: Smoked gouda, gorgonzola, halvarti, gruyere, smoked swiss and smoked cheddar.