Which occasion can be called complete without some delectable wines? From weddings and anniversaries to birthdays and retirement parties, every event sees people indulging in wine drinking. Being a flavorful drink, there are certain things to consider before choosing wines for an occasion. Some wines get better with age, and some lose their flavour as they age.
It is important to pair wine with the right foods. Here are a few tips that might help you buy wine online for different occasions:
Weddings:
Either of the bubbly celebratory beverages, Champagne or Prosecco, is perfect for a wedding party. Although available in various taste profiles, Champagne is more expensive and drier, while Prosecco is towards the sweeter side.
If you have made your choice of foods to be served at the party, analyze what drink works best with what you serve at each stage. The wine’s flavour should strengthen the food’s flavour, and not supersede it. As Champagne is highly acidic, pair it with foods such as grilled chicken, raw bar items such as shellfish and oysters, crispy fried chips, pickled vegetables, etc. Prosecco goes well with Asian dishes, cured meats, fruit-based appetizers, etc. Serve desserts along with some gourmet sweet wine.
Anniversaries and Birthdays:
Acquiring a bottle of wine dating back to the year of your wedding would be interesting for celebrating a milestone like wedding anniversary. If the celebration is served with heavier foods like red meat, start with a crisp wine that increases your appetite. Serve richer wines like a French red wine along with the main meal. On the contrary, if the food served is lighter, skip the crisp wine and go for a white wine along with the meal. Likewise, if you decide to celebrate your birthday with some classic wine, find one from your birth year. It might not be that easy to track down older wines. Try those that improve with aging such as Bordeaux or Riesling.
A Date Night:
Wine and romance go hand in hand. But choose your wine wisely on your date, as no one wants to get sloshed as soon as they start conversing. While you indulge in some romantic banter, start with a glass of bubbly such as Prosecco or Champagne, or some dry white wine. These aperitifs can stimulate your appetite, giving you more time to talk before you get inebriated. When you begin your meal, there is a multitude of choices from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. If your meal is spicy, go for crisp wines like Riesling that excel with spicy foods. With their strong floral scents and incredibly sweet taste, a young Riesling can never go wrong on a date. If you are ordering a richer meat dish, stick to the red wine varieties. Most of all, if you want to impress your date, go for a limited release wine.
Cookout Parties:
For those hosting a barbeque in their backyards, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontes or such crisp variants on the white wine list are ideal to start with. They are dry, and can be refreshing on your palate. Alternatively, make a red or white wine-based Moscato Punch or Sangria. Experiment with various fresh fruits and herbs, and it can definitely turn out to be a refreshing drink your guests would want to indulge in again.
Festivals:
When the winter chills make you want to grab a hot beverage during Christmas, try some mulled wine. It is usually grainy, warm and spicy, and is not as sweet as you expect. Go for it, if you think your festive cheer will not be marred by sipping on this spicy booze.
You don’t have to be an expert to choose the best wines for various occasions. The aforementioned tips can act as a guide in finding the right wine on your next special occasion or event.
