Selecting The Right Wine
There are no set formulas for selecting the right wine for that special meal, event or person. In fact people have their own preferences when it come to wine. We have listed a few suggestions below to help you pick the right wine for the right moment or special meal. We hope it gives you some helpful insights to serving wines that should please any palate.
1. The White Wines: Most commonly served as the first course, these wines do not have a really strong flavor, therefore leaving the taste buds relatively unaffected for the next course. Do not be afraid to ask the wine salesman for his advice. They will know exactly what year and which grape is best at this time.
A sparkling white wine such as the Rolls Royce of wines the champagne are reserved for those very special occasions such as a wedding, anniversary or engagement party. Again, you may want to ask the local wine connoiseuer what would be just perfect for the event.
2. Red Wines: A good red wine such as merlot wine is great anytime, but when considering which wine to serve with a particular meal, a red is normal chosen for the heartier meals of beef, pork or lamb. A good Merlot, Burgundy, or Cabernet would all be perfect choices.
The Pinot Noir, while not as commonly served as a Merlot or Cabernet, is a unique blend of plum, vanilla and blackberry. Oregon produces Pinot Noir where the blackberries grow wild and are sweet and juicy. This wine will certainly be a hit.
The peppery flavor of the Shiraz would be a great accompaniment to spicy Mexican or Italian meal. This is another wine that would also go well with a meal of beef or pork.
Italian food with its hearty and robust tomato sauces requires a Chianti. A Chianti can range in price and quality. You may be able to find one that is rather inexpensive but the quality is perfect for you.
A robust Burgundy would be the red to choose for a fine standing rib roast or delicate filet mignon.
As you can see from the suggestions above you may wish to have both a white wine and a red wine on hand when hosting a dinner. Some guests will most likely pick the wine they prefer and stay with that choice for the entire evening. Another may choose a white for the start of the evening and finish with a red. So always be prepared.
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.