Now here’s a cool tool: Natalie MacLean’s Wine & Food Matcher.

To get started, simply select the food, like “chicken” then another option to get a little more targeted. The Wine Matcher then generates options by varietal, and other beverages as well like beer, spirits and even coffee and tea.

Natalie MacLean’s Wine & Food Matcher is super user friendly. And by listing several varietals for the food, it encourages the adventurous wine drinker to try something new.

The matcher works backwards too. What to serve with that new bottle of Gruner Vetliner? Wine Matcher suggests sashimi or asparagus, among several other ideas.

You might not find exactly what you are serving, but you can get pretty darn close. And the matcher does not suggest specific labels, just varietals. What it provides is direction for that visit to the wine shop, with recommendations offered by your favorite salesperson (or found on Natalie’s website). Try it for yourself and let me know what you think in the comments below.

Natalie MacLean is an award-winning wine writer, speaker and judge. For those app happy, there’s a mobile matcher at her website as well.  And while you’re there, sign up for her e-newsletter Nat Decants. -alyce eyster