Selecting the right wine really depends upon personal tastes. You can do research on the various vineyards, what was a good year for a particular wine, etc. but the bottom line is what do you like. We have listed a few things to look for in a really great wine below to try to make your next purchase a successful one.
1. The Whites: When your guests first arrive and are enjoying the appetizers a white wine is always the perfect choice. They are commonly lighter and drier and leave the palate fresh for the main entree’. Some of the whites such as the Chardonnay can also be introduced during a rich dinner such as “Coq a Vin”, with its beautiful creamy wine sauce. Another suggestion is the Sauvignon Blanc that is excellent served with a first course salad or shrimp cocktail or even a plate of delicate fish.
When toasting that special event in your life or the life of a loved one the whites are a perfect choice. The more common toasting wine for weddings and anniversaries is of course the more elegant choice of Champagne.
2. Red Wines: A nice hearty red wine such as a Merlot or Burgundy would be perfect with an Italian meal or with grilled steak, pork or lamb. Serving a good red with a meal can actually help to enhance the dinner.
Oregon produces a great Pinot Noir. This wine is a combination of plum, vanilla, and blackberry. Because of its light and fruity flavor it could also be served after dinner.
When hosting a spicy Mexican meal the Shiraz is a perfect compliment with its peppery flavor that brings out the spiciness of your enchilada suiza or chili verde.
The perfect wine to complete an Italian meal would be a Chianti. With its rich flavor and deep red color it blends easily with ravioli and pizza. When you finish the wine, the beautiful raffia wrapped bottles make great candle holders and set the mood for your romantic Italian dinner.
A robust Burgundy would be the red to choose for a fine standing rib roast or delicate filet mignon.
The main thing when hosting a dinner party is to have several choices in wines. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to wines. We have offered a few guidelines of which wines would compliment a particular meal. It is also fun to introduce your friends to a new and unusual wine they may not have tasted before.
If wine is your hobby you may want to consider producing your own wine at home. There are several fruit wine recipes that are not complicated turn out a great wined to serve with desserts or chilled on a hot summer afternoon. Look for some recipes at a it wine making site online.
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Posted under Wine
This post was written by wine on May 21, 2009
