Choose the Right Wine for Celebrations

4 Parts:

White Wines

Basics of Red Wines

Tips, Tricks & Warnings

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Every celebration seems to go hand in hand with wine, but not all wines go with every celebration. Wine and food are also served together, but specific wines go with specific foods. Whether you are buying wine for a gift, to be part of your collection or for a party you are hosting. To do all these things properly, it is important to know the basics of wine. It takes a lot of work to become a specialist regarding wines. This article won't make you a wine connoisseur, but it will give you enough information so you'll know what you're doing.

When you host a party, it is also a must that you plan ahead of time what the menu will be, so you can choose the right wine. There are wines that go perfectly with certain food so avoid a mismatch especially if you are expecting wine-lovers at the party. Basically, red wine goes with red meat and white wine for white meat. You can stick with basics, but in the past few years, this isn't as cut and dried as it used to be. There is nothing wrong with serving white with read meat, and red with white meat.

Read on to discover what wines you'll need on the table of your dinner party.

This type of wine is best served before the main course, as white wine tends to be lighter than the red wine. Since it has a lighter taste, it would not in any way interfere with the taste of the dishes. White wines can also be served earlier on in your party.

1. 1
   Cream sauces

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   When the menu includes dishes with creamy sauce, Chardonnay is a good choice.

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2. 2
   Shrimp and salads

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   These foods go well paired with a nice Sauvignon Blanc.

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3. 3
   Celebrations require Champagne

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   Anytime you're going to toast, you should have champagne on hand. These event include:  

   1. Weddings.
   2. Anniversaries.
   3. New Year's Eve.
   4. Job promotions, etc.

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4. 4
   Some of the Characteristics of White Wine

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   • Creamy - it has a smooth taste and texture; not acidic.
   • Round - it has smooth texture.
   • Crisp - it has a slight acidic taste and fresh.
   • Okay it has a distinct vanilla taste and carries an aged taste from the barrel.
   • Dry - no sweetness.

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5. 5
   Known White Wine Varieties

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   • Chardonnay
   • Riesling
   • Sauvignon Blanc
   • Chenin Blanc
   • Gewurztraminer

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This type of wine is usually served with the main course, which more often than not is served at the later part of the gathering. One good suggestion for red wine that will definitely please your guest's taste buds is Merlot. Basically, it goes well with lamb and pork. Should there be spicy food served during the meal, you can complement it with Shiraz.

Things to Look for in a Red Wine

1. 1
   Acidity

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   There should be a balanced acidity when choosing red wine. Too much or too little will interfere with the taste of the food served.

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2. 2
   Tannin Content

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   This determines the bitterness of a red wine. Again the taste should not interfere with the taste buds.

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3. 3
   Body

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   This refers to the alcohol content. Red wines are stronger than the white ones and go with heavier meals.

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Red Wine Varieties that Go Perfectly with Certain Food

• Sea foods (shrimp, tuna, mackerel) - Cabernet Franc, Burgundian Pinot
• Barbecues and steaks (beef, turkey) - Merlot, California Cabernet, Zinfandel and full-bodied Sangiovese
• Spicy meats -Australian Cabernet, Syrah or Shiraz wines
• Pizza, burgers, pasta - light Chianti, Bardolino, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais
• Any red wine goes with chocolate.

• If you are new to wines, never hesitate to ask an expert. This is especially true when shopping at the wine shop.
• Many people with asthma do not, or should not drink white wine.
• Red wine should be served in glasses with a large opening.
• White wine should be served in glasses with a narrower opening.
• White wine is served cool, from the fridge (49 - 55 degrees F.)
• Red wine is served at room temperature. That being said, this term, "room temperature", was first penned at a time when room temperature was much colder (62 - 68 degrees F.)

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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