What's the best wine to serve with corned beef?

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Dear Dr. Vinny,

What's the best wine to serve with corned beef?

—Ed, New Milford, N.J.

Dear Ed,

Between the salty-fatty yumminess typical of corned beef, and the usual bay leaf and peppercorn flavoring, I'd vote for a light-bodied, fruity red like a Beaujolais or Grenache. On the white wine side, I'd suggest something along the lines of an Alsatian Pinot Blanc or maybe a dry Riesling.

Let me throw in some free beer advice too. Personally, I'd be tempted to reach for a Guinness, but I checked in with my beer-expert friend, and she told me nothing would slake my thirst like the crisp, refreshing style of beer known as Kolsch. She said it has "almost hyperactive carbonation, and an excellent counterpoint to the heaviness of corned beef, colcannon and Irish soda bread" that she knows is sure to be stretching my waistband on St. Patty's Day.

—Dr. Vinny

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