Know Your Vino

Party season is here – graduations, reunions, showers, weddings, barbecues, Uncle Arthur’s retirement … you name it, we’re celebrating it.

I am often asked for wine recommendations and advice for these gatherings. Generally people are looking for simple, crowd-pleasing wines that are both readily available and inexpensive. While it is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer, I have put together a few recommendations that I would give my own mother.

How much wine should you plan for each guest? Too much. It’s better to have wine left over than not have enough. A good estimate is a half-bottle per guest, which equals about three glasses. Taking into account that you won’t know what people will drink, it’s also wise to have plenty of both white and red on hand. Doing so also helps in case you do run out of one; Aunt Martha will just have to deal with what is left.

While you won’t be able to please everyone, such as your wine snob neighbor, it’s always a good idea to try your wine selections before purchasing to make sure you like them yourself. Not only will you be able to explain why you chose what you did, you’ll also have wine you actually drink in the event that you have any left over.

I suggest meeting with your favorite wine merchant as soon as possible so you have plenty of time prior to the celebration, just in case they do not have enough on hand and need to order it for you.

There are many good choices available from around the world that can range from $8 to $15. When making your selection, be sure to ask the wine purveyor about case discounts and sales – you may get a much better deal when buying in large quantities. If you have a wine merchant you trust, his or her advice will be invaluable.

Below are some of my picks for easy-drinking, easy-to-find wines that I’ve found to be well-received by a wide range of party guests.
Champagne or sparkling wine is commonly associated with celebrations, but like all wines, these can vary greatly in price, appearance and taste. Try to stick to a brut (dry), that doesn’t feel too heavy on the palate. A well-chosen sparkling wine can pair well with a variety of foods and desserts and doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for Segura Viudas Cava from Spain ($7), Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Noirs from California ($9), Zardetto Prosecco from Italy ($14), or Crémant de Limoux from Gérard Bertrand from France ($20).

When choosing a white wine, look for a wine that is light and crisp on the palate and has little to no oak. Oaked wines can overpower food and tend to be more pricey. Try Twin Vines Vihno Verde from Portugal ($7), Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc from Chile ($9), Santa Rita Chardonnay from Chile ($10), Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris from Oregon ($13), or Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand ($13).

For reds, focus on a lighter wine from recent vintages. Try Montes Alpha Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile ($10), Bogle Petite Sirah from California ($9), Mezzacorona Pinot Noir from Italy ($10), Reserve Perin & Fils Cotes du Rhone from France ($10), Il Poggio Sangiovese from Italy ($11), or Bouchard Ainé & Fils Bourgogne from France ($15).

My final piece of advice is to consider having an assortment of wines available, which will encourage your guests to explore on their own and find something to their liking. Second, any leftovers make great gifts for special guests or anyone who helped you put the party together. Of course, they can also be used to stock your own cellar. And finally, keep in mind that the most important element of enjoying your party wine is not so much the vintage, varietal or the vineyard from which it comes from, but rather the occasion on which it is enjoyed.

Cheers to your upcoming celebrations!