Many customers enjoy a glass of wine or two with their meal, but not all of them are confident in ordering a wine that will perfectly accompany the dish they’ve ordered. That’s why it can be a good idea to train and encourage your staff to make informed suggestions while they’re at the table taking orders. Suggesting a wine that will pair perfectly with the dish being ordered could be the difference between selling a bottle of high value, high margin wine and simply delivering a glass of tap water to the table. Advising on appropriate wine accompaniments can also help enhance the whole experience for the customer, particularly with strong or spicy dishes which can overpower lighter wines or, at the other extreme, delicate dishes like seafood which can be drowned out by heavy, rich wines. Another idea is to feature specific wines on your physical menu alongside the foods they accompany best. It’s a small, simple tweak that could pay dividends instantly. So to help you and your team make some great suggestions, we have compiled a list of wines available from Booker which are perfect with specific foods. Many of these wines are new to Booker and can play a key role in helping you set your wine list apart from your competitors.

LAMB. Pair Marcel Hubert Rosé. A delicate rosé combining lively summer berry aromas and a sweet tangy flavour of raspberry and strawberry fruits. M144262 6x75cl. Alternatively Camden Park Shiraz. A well rounded and full bodied, with an earthy backbone. A rich nose of oak with a hint of cedar, along with spicy pepper notes and ripe fruit aromas, including dark berries and plums. M291808 6x75cl. Or a NEW wine, Sant’Orsola Chianti. A ruby red tending towards garnet with ageing. Dry with fruity notes, intense perfume with almond scents. M180922 6x75cl.

SALMON. Pair the NEW Undivided Chardonnay. Clear, light gold with a slight hint of green. Full of expression with creamy notes, acacia flower, pineapple and tropical fruit. Well-rounded, smooth, well-balanced with lemony notes. M301203 6x75cl. Another pairing is Wakefield Riesling, an elegant characters of fresh lime, lemon and subtle tropical fruit. A crisp and refreshing palate that finishes with lively balanced acidity. M292719 6x75cl. Or the NEW J.L. Quinson Chablis. A lovely, lemon white colour. The very expressive nose has a fruity dominance. This Premier Cru is powerfully aromatic on the palate and has a lengthy persistence. M301356 6x75cl.

BEEF. Pair the NEW Flagstone Poetry Merlot with beef, a mixture of dark, red fruit and mint with sweet, spicy undertones. A well-balanced wood structure complements the palate. M301316 6x75cl. Or the NEW Sant’Orsola Chianti. A ruby red tending towards garnet with ageing. Dry with fruity notes, intense perfume with almond scents. M180922 6x75cl. Alternatively pair La Baume Saint Paul Cabernet Sauvignon a NEW Well-structured and balanced wine, with flavours of dark fruits, chocolate, and a touch of oak, complemented by smooth tannins and a long, elegant finish. M301367 6x75cl.

TURKEY. Pair the NEW The Pick Chardonnay. This full-bodied Chardonnay is pale straw in colour. With flavours of peach, tropical melon, vanilla and a hint of grapefruit, balanced by a smooth creamy finish. M250294 6x75cl. Another NEW wine is La Toledana Gavi. A Bright straw yellow colour with greenish reflections, a tasteful and delicate scent with hints of fresh fruit and white flowers, as well as citrus and bitter almond notes. M301353 6x75cl.

GAMMON. La Baume Saint Paul Viognier - NEW. The palate is smooth and well-balanced, with flavours of stone fruits, honey, and a touch of spice. With aromas of apricot, peach, and a hint of floral notes. M292736 6x75cl. Or choose the NEW Flagstone Chenin Blanc, a very aromatic bouquet of ripe melon and dried peach. This wine has a refreshing green apple acidity, combined with a touch of viscosity and an explosion of pineapples. M299514 6x75cl.

PORK. Finca De Finca La Anita Chardonnay - NEW. Pale straw in colour with rich citrus and slight apricot aromas and hint of vanilla. Soft palate with lingering aftertaste. M291802 6x75cl. One Formation Shiraz, Grenache, Viognier is another great option. This wood-matured and elegant red wine has a rounded, smooth mouthfeel. The richly complex savoury notes and white pepper spice of the Shiraz complement the luscious black cherry flavours of Grenache, while the Viognier adds a gentle lift of floral scents. M301289 6x75cl.

DUCK. Pair Undivided Pinot Noir, an outstanding wine that reveals a very intense ruby red colour. It presents pleasant aromas of small red fruits, spices and vanilla. Serve it lightly chilled. M224057 6x75cl. Another pairing is Casa Sant’Orsola Barolo. A garnet red in colour with orange nuances. The perfume is typical, ethereal, pleasant and intense with notes of violet and rose. Suitable for roast meats, game and meat dishes. M239858 6x75cl.

VEGAN. Beringer Chardonnay is NEW. This Chardonnay is an enticing blend of ripe stone fruit and vivid citrus flavours, culminating in a smooth, delicious wine with a lasting finish. M151017 6x75cl. Another option is Previata Pinot Grigio. Crisp and fruity with crunchy fruit, citrusy acidity and a long, refreshing finish. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. M294618 6x75cl. Or San Andres Merlot, an elegant, well-structured Merlot with aromas of chocolate, cherry and mocha. Soft, generous fruit flavours of ripe cherry & plum with a delicate hint of spice. M295326 6x75cl.