If you've got a special occasion coming up, you may be thinking about bringing a bottle of wine to help celebrate. Some tasty vino is always going to go over well, and it's generally a pretty safe bet. After all, you can never have too much wine, right? Of course, this is easier said than done, especially when it comes to a bottle that, which has a tremendous amount of information attached to it. Choosing the right vintage for the occasion is a good skill to have, and is far less daunting than you may think. Here's a quick primer.
If you're going to a dinner party, you want to match your hostess gift to what you're eating. For instance, if you're working with something like steak or lamb, you want to stick to drier reds, while chicken and seafood is definitely more accommodating to a nice white wine. Of course, it's understandable if you'd rather not ask your host what he or she is making, in which case you can always simply buy a bottle of dessert wine. These are somewhat sweeter and are a great way to close out a meal on a high note.
Some types of wine are more popular than others, so if you're unsure about what to get, stick with what you know. You've probably heard of merlot, pinot noir and chardonnay, and for good reason! These are the "safest" wines - nothing too fancy going on, but still delicious in their own right.
You can also bring along some food to go along with your wine - this is a good way to ensure that it's paired well. You can't go wrong with crackers and cheese. It'll be sure to please and makes for a great way to whet the appetite before the main course arrives. And what goes better with a great wine than a rich, decadent dessert?
A bottle of wine also makes for a great gift. If you're going to a birthday party of anniversary, you can find a number of box sets that include a bottle with an appropriate food pairing, taking all of the guesswork out of your hands! These are great for a last-minute present when you've been putting off buying something. It's also the perfect choice to give as a corporate party gift. A basket of fine wine paired with several gourmet meats and cheeses make for an elegant thank you gift.
What's your favorite wine to bring to a party?