Wine Pairings for Grilled Cheese

Pairing: 2010 Buehler Vineyards Zinfandel

The best grilled cheese is the gooiest grilled cheese, says author Laura Werlin: "After you bite into it, the cheese should stretch out past your face as far as your arm will reach. Otherwise, it's just not right."

Dry-farmed (i.e., unirrigated) vines are part of the secret to this terrific Zin's bright, berry-rich intensity.

Pairing: 2010 Talley Vineyards Rincon Vineyard Chardonnay

This sandwich is intensely rich with cheese, bacon and mayonnaise, calling for a full-bodied white with good acidity, like Chardonnay.

Pairing: 2009 Truchard Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

The secret to Chris Kronner's delectable sandwiches is the jam spiked with Pinot Noir. Kronner got the idea when he was helping Elisabeth Prueitt test jam recipes while they drank wine.

Seven different clones of Pinot Noir go into this lithe red, which is defined by wild strawberries and herbs.

Pairing: 2010 Melville Estate Verna's Syrah

A supereasy sandwich, this grilled cheese calls for a mix of Gruyère, fontina and mozzarella. To pair, try a fragrant and flavorful Syrah, with layers of spice, black fig and sandalwood.

Pairing: 2011 Ott Sélection Les Domaniers

This elegant, strawberry-inflected rosé is wonderfully food-friendly, but delicious sipped on its own, too.

Pairing: 2010 Coast Range Vineyard Dry Riesling

Dive into the delectable sandwich with a fork and knife or pick it up with your hands, providing there are plenty of napkins close by. Chef Jesse Cool likes to tuck the maple apples in with the ham and cheese, but the fruit can be served on the side, along with a spicy mustard or horseradish sauce.

Smoky, salty ham and sweet, nutty Gruyère are perfectly complemented by the contrasting fruity, tart character of a dry Riesling like this minerally Oregon bottling.

Pairing: 2009 El Castro de Valtuille Joven

The Pérez family's young, unoaked Mencía shows gamey ripe plum and brandied cherry flavors.

Pairing: 2010 Domaine des Aubuisières Vouvray

F&W's Grace Parisi likes the sweetness of the mango chutney in this sandwich. This single-vineyard Chenin Blanc offers a quintessential Vouvray mix of penetrating minerality and a hint of sweetness, plus juicy pear notes.