
Your Global Wine Companion
Authentic Culinary Moments & Wine Discoveries for Travelers
Welcome to the Sommelier Compass – your essential companion on every culinary journey! This section is designed for travelers who don't just eat, but want to truly taste the terroir of a country. Each dish is a piece of history, a local soul waiting to be discovered.
The white truffle from Alba is one of the most expensive and coveted ingredients in the world. Its intense, earthy aroma with nutty and garlicky notes makes every dish an exceptional experience.
Barolo oder Barbaresco
Kräftige Rotweine
The two great Nebbiolo wines of Piedmont. Powerful, tannic and long-lived with aromas of roses, tar and red fruits.
A T-bone steak at least 3cm thick from Chianina beef, grilled over charcoal. Crispy outside, juicy and pink inside – a classic of Tuscan cuisine.
Chianti Classico
Sangiovese-Rotwein
Sangiovese red wine from Tuscany with cherry aromas, vibrant acidity and elegant tannins.
The Neapolitan pizza with its airy, slightly charred edge and simple topping of tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fiano di Avellino
Trockener Weißwein
Mineral white wine from Campania with notes of hazelnut and honey.
Crispy, fried pastry rolls filled with sweet ricotta cream, often refined with pistachios or candied fruits – a Sicilian dessert classic.
Marsala Dolce
Süßer Likörwein
Sweet fortified wine from Sicily, perfect with desserts.
Creamy cornmeal served as a side dish to braised dishes or as a standalone dish. An institution in Veneto.
Prosecco (zu einfacher Polenta) oder Amarone (zu Schmorgerichten)
Je nach Zubereitung: Schaumwein oder kraftvoller Rotwein
Wine choice depends on preparation: Fresh Prosecco Superiore pairs with simple, creamy polenta. When polenta is served with hearty braised dishes (e.g. ossobuco), Amarone della Valpolicella is ideal – its fruit and structure harmonize with the intense flavors.
Pasta with a sauce made from egg, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (pork jowl) and black pepper – Roman simplicity at its finest.
Frascati
Trockener Weißwein
Fresh, uncomplicated white wine from Lazio.
The 'King of Cheeses' ages for at least 12 months and develops crystalline structures and complex nutty flavors.
Lambrusco
Schäumender Rotwein
Lightly sparkling, semi-dry red wine from Emilia-Romagna.
Basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano and olive oil – the green soul of Liguria.
Pigato
Aromatischer Weißwein
Aromatic Ligurian white wine with salty sea notes.
Beef braised in Burgundy red wine with onions, carrots, bacon and mushrooms. A dish that captures the soul of Burgundy.
Pinot Noir aus Burgund
Rotwein
Elegant, complex red wine with aromas of red berries, earth and spices. Burgundy Pinot Noirs are among the finest and most elegant red wines in the world.
The famous Provençal fish soup with saffron, fennel and various Mediterranean fish. Served with rouille and baguette.
Bandol Rosé
Trockener Rosé
Powerful Provençal rosé with structure and depth.
Alsatian sauerkraut with various meats and sausages – a hearty winter dish.
Riesling
Trockener Weißwein
Dry Alsatian Riesling with precise acidity and mineral notes. Alsace produces powerful, aromatic Rieslings with elegance.
Duck leg slowly cooked in its own fat – tender, juicy and full of flavor.
Saint-Émilion
Rotwein
Bordeaux red wine from the right bank, Merlot-dominated, velvety and fruit-forward.
Caramelized upside-down apple tart, served warm – a sweet temptation from the Loire.
Vouvray Moelleux
Süßwein
Sweet Chenin Blanc from the Loire with honey and apricot aromas.
Cold Andalusian vegetable soup made from tomatoes, peppers, cucumber and garlic – refreshing on hot summer days.
Fino Sherry
Trocken
Dry, oxidative white wine from Jerez with almond and yeast notes.
Basque cod in a velvety pepper sauce – a masterpiece of seafood cuisine.
Txakoli
Sprudelnder Weißwein
Light, slightly sparkling Basque white wine with fresh acidity.
Galician octopus on potatoes with paprika and olive oil – simple and brilliant.
Albariño
Frischer Weißwein
Aromatic Galician white wine with peach and citrus notes.
Catalan fish stew with potatoes, tomatoes and saffron.
Cava
Schaumwein
Spanish sparkling wine made using the traditional method.
Rioja potato stew with chorizo and paprika.
Rioja Crianza
Tempranillo
Tempranillo red wine with oak barrel aging, balanced and accessible.
Paper-thin veal in golden-brown breading – crispy, tender and a Viennese institution.
Grüner Veltliner
Weißwein
Austria's classic – fresh, peppery, with good acidity.
Airy sweet dish made from egg whites, reminiscent of Salzburg's mountains – a sweet cloud.
Muskateller
Aromatischer Weißwein
Aromatic white wine with rose fragrance.
Crispy fried chicken, Styrian style.
Sauvignon Blanc
Weißwein
Styrian Sauvignon with gooseberry and grass aromas.
Festive roast goose, traditionally served at Martinmas.
Blaufränkisch
Kräftiger Rotwein
Powerful Austrian red wine with cherry and spice notes.
Melted cheese over boiled potatoes – pure alpine pleasure.
Fendant oder Petite Arvine
Weißwein
Valais Chasselas or rare alpine white wine rarity.
Hearty soup with barley and vegetables from Graubünden.
Pinot Noir
Rotwein
Swiss Pinot Noir from Graubünden Herrschaft – elegant with fine fruit aromas and alpine freshness.
Tender veal in creamy cream sauce with mushrooms.
Chardonnay
Weißwein
Elegant Swiss Chardonnay.
Ticino polenta, often served with braised meat.
Merlot del Ticino
Rotwein
Ticino Merlot with southern fruit.
Palatinate specialty of pork stomach filled with potatoes and meat.
Riesling Pfalz (trocken, z.B. von Reichsrat von Buhl)
Kräftiger, trockener Weißwein
German Riesling with stone fruit, citrus and pronounced acidity. Riesling is Germany's great grape variety with unmistakable minerality.
Coarse-grained sausage from Franconia, often grilled over beech wood.
Silvaner
Trocken, erdig
Earthy, restrained Franconian white wine.
Crispy Bavarian pork knuckle with crispy crust.
Spätburgunder
Pinot Noir
German Pinot Noir with elegance and finesse.
Rhenish specialty of mashed potatoes, applesauce and blood sausage.
Riesling
Feinherb
German Riesling with stone fruit, citrus and pronounced acidity. Riesling is Germany's great grape variety with unmistakable minerality.
Crispy fritters made from sun-dried tomatoes, mint and herbs – a Cycladic specialty capturing the intense sweetness of Santorini's volcanic tomatoes.
Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre oder Marlborough)
Frischer Weißwein
The classic safe choice: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc with citrus and herbal notes pairs perfectly with Mediterranean flavors. The acidity cuts through the frying.
Assyrtiko (Santorini PDO)
Vulkanischer Weißwein
🌋 The discovery: Assyrtiko from Santorini's volcanic soils – mineral, saline, with citrus and a hint of smoke. The authentic companion that brings the island into your glass. Try Gaia, Sigalas or Argyros.
Barley rusk soaked with fresh tomatoes, topped with Mizithra cheese, olives and oregano – the essence of the Cretan diet.
Grüner Veltliner oder Vermentino
Frischer, würziger Weißwein
Well-known Mediterranean whites with similar character: spicy, fresh, with good acidity. A familiar choice for this Mediterranean salad.
Vidiano (Kreta)
Kretischer Weißwein
🏺 The discovery: Vidiano – Crete's rediscovered treasure. Aromatic with tropical fruits, flowers and a silky texture. Nearly extinct, now a star of the Greek renaissance.
The national dish: Layers of eggplant, minced meat and béchamel – hearty, spicy and warming.
Côtes du Rhône Rouge oder Chianti Classico
Mittelschwerer Rotwein
Classic Mediterranean reds with spice and medium body. The familiarity of a good Rhône or Chianti harmonizes wonderfully with this rich casserole.
Xinomavro (Naoussa PDO)
Griechischer Nebbiolo
🍇 The discovery: Xinomavro – 'sour black' – Greece's noblest red. Often compared to Barolo: tannic, complex, with aromas of tomatoes, olives and dried flowers. A wine for explorers!
Grilled meat skewers or iconic gyros – marinated with oregano, lemon and olive oil. The ultimate street food.
Rosé aus der Provence oder Tempranillo Rosado
Trockener Rosé
A fresh rosé is the universal answer to grilled meat with Mediterranean herbs. Served cool, a summer classic.
Agiorgitiko (Nemea PDO)
Samtiger Rotwein
🍷 The discovery: Agiorgitiko – 'St. George' – Greece's most popular red. Velvety, fruity, with aromas of cherries and plums. Less tannic than Xinomavro, perfect for street food!
The art of sushi: Freshest fish on perfectly tempered rice, seasoned with wasabi and a hint of soy sauce. Perfection in simplicity.
Champagner (Brut) oder Chablis
Eleganter Schaumwein/Weißwein
The classic luxury pairing: Champagne with its fine bubbles and minerality or a steel-fermented Chablis. Both respect the delicacy of the fish.
Koshu (Yamanashi)
Japanischer Weißwein
🗻 The discovery: Koshu – Japan's only Vinifera grape with 1000 years of history. Subtle, elegant, with notes of white peach and a hint of umami. Perfect harmony with sushi! Try Grace Winery or Château Mercian.
The 'cook-it-as-you-like' pancake from Osaka: Cabbage, meat or seafood, topped with sweet sauce, mayo and bonito flakes.
Crémant d'Alsace oder Prosecco
Frischer Schaumwein
A fruity, not too dry sparkling wine balances the sweet-salty sauce perfectly. The bubbles refresh between rich bites.
Junmai Sake (z.B. Hakkaisan oder Dassai)
Premium-Reiswein
🍶 The discovery: Sake isn't wine, but the authentic companion! Junmai (pure rice) without added brewing alcohol. Served slightly chilled, with umami and a velvety texture – the local connoisseur's choice.
Hokkaido's signature: Rich miso broth with noodles, pork, corn and butter. Warming, umami-rich and satisfying.
Gewürztraminer (Elsass) oder Riesling Spätlese
Aromatischer Weißwein
The aromatic intensity of Gewürztraminer or the slight sweetness of Spätlese harmonizes surprisingly well with the umami bomb miso.
Kerner (Hokkaido) oder Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Japanischer Weißwein / Premium-Sake
🏔️ The discovery: Hokkaido produces German grape varieties like Kerner and Müller-Thurgau in its cool climate. Alternatively: A Junmai Daiginjo – the 'Grand Cru' of sake – with floral notes and crystalline purity.
The masterpiece from Bursa: Tender döner meat on flatbread, drenched in tomato-butter sauce and served with yogurt. Rich and unforgettable.
Côtes du Rhône Rouge oder Primitivo
Würziger Rotwein
A fruit-forward, spicy red with soft tannins. The familiarity of a good Rhône or Primitivo stands up well to the rich meat.
Öküzgözü (Elazığ)
Anatolischer Rotwein
🌙 The discovery: Öküzgözü – 'Ox Eye' – Eastern Anatolia's star. Velvety, fruity, with aromas of sour cherries and spices. Often compared to Syrah, but uniquely Turkish. Try Kavaklidere or Doluca!
Aegean elegance: Artichokes braised in finest olive oil with dill, lemon and potatoes. A classic of Turkish vegetable cuisine.
Vermentino (Sardinien) oder Albariño
Mediterraner Weißwein
Well-known Mediterranean whites with herbal notes and fresh acidity. They complement the artichokes without dominating.
Emir (Kappadokien) oder Narince
Anatolischer Weißwein
🏺 The discovery: Emir from Cappadocia's high-altitude vineyards – crisp, mineral, with green apple and citrus. Or Narince – more aromatic, with flowers and stone fruit. Authentically Anatolian!
The fiery classic: Spicy minced meat grilled on skewers over charcoal. Spicier and more intense than Urfa Kebap – not for the faint-hearted!
Malbec (Argentinien) oder Shiraz (Australien)
Kräftiger Rotwein
A powerful, fruit-forward red with smoke and spice notes. The international choice for spicy grilled meat.
Boğazkere (Diyarbakır)
Tanninreicher Rotwein
🔥 The discovery: Boğazkere – 'throat gripper' – Turkey's most powerful red. Tannic, dark, with blackberries and spices. Needs air or decanting, then rewards with depth and complexity!
Tiny dumplings filled with spiced minced meat, served with yogurt-garlic sauce and paprika butter. Turkish soul food par excellence.
Spätburgunder (Baden) oder Pinot Noir (Burgund)
Eleganter Rotwein
An elegant, not too heavy red with good acidity. The finesse of a Pinot Noir harmonizes wonderfully with the creamy yogurt sauce.
Kalecik Karası (Ankara)
Leichter Rotwein
🏰 The discovery: Kalecik Karası – Ankara's own grape, nearly extinct and revived. Light, fruity, with aromas of strawberries and violets. The 'Turkish Pinot Noir' – perfect with yogurt dishes!
The imperial dish: Crispy lacquered duck skin with tender meat, served with pancakes, spring onions and hoisin sauce.
Pinot Noir (Burgund oder Oregon)
Eleganter Rotwein
The classic choice: An elegant Pinot Noir with its acidity and red fruit complements the fatty duck meat perfectly without overwhelming the sweet sauce.
Cabernet Sauvignon (Ningxia)
Chinesischer Rotwein
🐉 The discovery: Ningxia – China's 'Napa Valley' at the foot of the Helan Mountains. The best Chinese Cabernets come from here: powerful, with ripe fruits and spicy notes. Try Silver Heights, Ao Yun or Helan Mountain!
Silky tofu in a fiery red sauce of fermented bean paste, minced meat, and Sichuan pepper. The lips tingle, the palate burns – a flavor explosion from Chengdu!
Gewürztraminer Spätlese
Weißwein
Aromatic, slightly sweet white wine with lychee and spice notes. The sweetness tempers the intense heat.
Ice Wine (Liaoning) oder Chardonnay (Shandong)
Chinesischer Süß-/Weißwein
❄️ The discovery: China's northeast (Liaoning) produces excellent ice wines that perfectly balance the heat. Or: A buttery Chardonnay from Shandong as a creamy contrast to the fiery tofu.
Small dishes like Har Gow, Siu Mai, Char Siu Bao - the art of Cantonese brunch.
Champagner (Brut) oder Crémant
Eleganter Schaumwein
The luxury combination: Champagne with dim sum has long been a classic in Hong Kong. The bubbles cleanse the palate between different flavors.
Sparkling Wine (Changli) oder Pu-Erh Tee
Chinesischer Schaumwein / Tee
🍵 The discovery: Chinese sparkling wines from Changli (Hebei) are getting better! Traditionally, however, Pu-erh tea belongs with dim sum – its earthy taste and fat-dissolving properties are perfect for the rich dumplings.
Traditional dish. Pairs with: Chardonnay
Chardonnay
The Chardonnay with its refreshing acidity and fruity notes is an excellent companion for this dish.
Traditional dish. Pairs with: Chardonnay
Chardonnay
The Chardonnay with its refreshing acidity and fruity notes is an excellent companion for this dish.
Traditional dish. Pairs with: Chardonnay
Chardonnay
The Chardonnay with its refreshing acidity and fruity notes is an excellent companion for this dish.
Traditional dish. Pairs with: Riesling
Riesling
The elegant German Riesling with its precise acidity and notes of peach and minerality is a versatile companion.
Traditional dish. Pairs with: Riesling
Riesling
The elegant German Riesling with its precise acidity and notes of peach and minerality is a versatile companion.
Spicy Thai curry with fresh shrimp, coconut milk and aromatic herbs.
Riesling
The elegant Riesling with its lively acidity and fruity notes is an excellent partner for Thai dishes. The residual sweetness harmonizes perfectly with the spices.
Showing 50 of 1895 dishes