Something for Everyone
Hosting a dinner party or having a reception does not mean you have to spend a fortune on the wine selection. A few affordable wines will get you through the evening and ensure your guests will feel like they are getting the royal treatment.
For those of us who are on a budget, this can be a challenge, but not impossible. Keeping your wine selection simple will pay off in the long run.
When serving wine, not only do you want to think of the foods it will pair well with, but also the occasion. Parties and receptions call for something not only tasty – but fun!
Rieslings and Pinot Noir are actually the most versatile of all wines. If you have no time to choose your wine and food pairing, or if you have a set menu in mind and do not want to be troubled by how wine can complement a meal, then you can simply serve a bottle of Riesling or Pinot Noir and still have your guests raving about your food and drinks.
Try to stay away from the Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons unless you plan to serve quality brands.
Inexpensive California Chardonnays – especially those that are ‘oaky’, will taste bitter when served with many foods. If you have your heart set on a Chard, choose one from a cooler climate like Washington, Oregon.
Cabernets have a high alcohol content, and can make many foods taste hot. Not pleasant. People will remember it as the ‘bad’ wine served at your party.
Some suggestions:
Riesling
Beringer’s Johannisberg Riesling (California)
A value wine from Beringer. This particular Riesling lies on the sweeter side and is a perfect introductory Riesling that pairs well with everything from simple appetizers to pasta dishes. It is the recipient of several gold medal honors including “Best of Class” at the 2004 California State Fair and 2004 Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition. A bargain at only $7
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
Precise, brightly balanced wine with a keen sense of fruit – Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine. “Ripe and effusive, with pretty pear and citrus flavors, finishing off-dry. Best Buy.” 87 points – Wine Spectator, June 30, 2009. $6
Pinot Noir
Beringer Pinot Noir Founders’ Estate (California)
Great value. This is a medium-bodied red wine that has great aromas of red fruit with a hint of spice. smooth and well-rounded. $7
Castle Rock Pinot Noir
An elegant, medium-bodied wine. Floral aromas with flavors of red fruit. Nice complexity, not usually found at this price point. A silky, smooth finish. Get it while you can.
Excellent value. At Costco for $8
Sparkling wine
Risata Moscato d’Asti
This semi-sparkling wine that is so versatile, it can take you from appetizer to dessert. Slightly sweet with a wonderful brioche flavor. People that don’t like Champagne love this wine. The beautiful blue bottle also makes it the perfect wine for a special toast. 2008 Grand Harvest Award, silver medal winner. We found this at Costco for $8
Tags: moscato d'asti, party, pinot noir, reisling
