Picture yourself preparing for an elaborate dinner for your loved ones, the meal plans are ready, you've scoured through the best recipes and now you struggle with selecting the ideal wine to pair with each course. An earthy Pinot Noir with the roast chicken or a fresh Riesling for the dumplings? The number of combinations can quickly become overwhelming.

But there's no need to fret, an effortless solution to this conundrum was revealed by Ray Isle, the Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine, during the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. Isle recommends a one-rule approach that cuts through the clutter when deciding on a wine - let there be only "one star on the table".

In other words, if you are planning an elaborate dinner feast, don't reach for an equally extravagant bottle of wine. Instead, opt for a straightforward wine to perfectly accompany your sophisticated spread. "Choose a basic Chablis," advises Isle, "you want to showcase the food while the wine simply complements it - a complex wine may overshadow the flavors of the food."

On the flip side, if you plan to flaunt an exquisite wine that you've been saving for a special occasion, accompany it with a simple yet delicious meal. Isle suggests, "Don't serve a complicated dish if you want your guests to appreciate the brilliance of this amazing vintage wine."

In case you decide to personally taste a few wines to finalize your selection, Isle suggests conducting this shopping spree early in the day. "The best time to taste wine, for a professional like me, is around 10 in the morning. You're up, you've had breakfast, but you're starting to feel the hunger again. Your senses are at their sharpest when you're slightly hungry. If you taste wine right after a meal, your senses might not be as acute," says Isle.

Lastly, remember to always trust your instincts. "Don't bother about the 99 points of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc if you don't like it personally. It’s unnecessary to concentrate on the pairing, as you won't enjoy it anyway. If you personally appreciate the wine you picked, it's likely your guests will also relish it," advises Isle.