Drinking a chilled glass of white wine on a balmy summer evening, or a glass of sumptuous red in front of the fire, is the perfect way to end any day. Wine is often the preferred beverage when entertaining guests or as a gift for a wine lover.
The versatility and different palates of wine make this drink perfect for any occasion, and it always adds an air of sophistication to the evening. Non-alcoholic wines are great too for those who do not drink alcohol!
We have compiled the basics of wining and dining guests at home for you to try out next time you host colleagues, family or friends at home. Even if you do not know much about wine, this basic wine 101 will guide you to picking the best wines for the occasion.
Pairing Wines
You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to pair wines successfully for your parties at home. Wine pairing is simply selecting a wine that will complement the taste of the food. Wine pairing adds that extra star quality to your host or hostess abilities! Impress your guests with good wine pairings and don’t forget to experiment and have fun with the pairings!
The general rule of wine pairing is to pair red meats with red wines whilst pairing chicken and seafood with white wines. Rosé and sparkling wines are usually served with canapés and desserts. Port wines are best served with rich and luxurious desserts.
Experts say that pairing wine with the sauce of the dish is best practice as this brings out the balance of flavours on the palate. Bold flavours demand rich bold wines, normally of the red variety. Light and citrus flavours pair well with white wines.
The younger the red wine, the better it tastes after aeration. Purchase a proper aerator to ensure the quality of your wine is enjoyed.
Wine Storage
Storing wine is equally as important as serving wine. Temperatures can affect the taste and aromas of wine, which is why is it important to store wines properly whether this is in a wine cooler or not. Stylish wine storage in your home is as simple as choosing a storage solution to match your interior and design aesthetic. Sites like Wineandbarrels Ltd offer wine racks, wine coolers, furniture and more to suit any taste and style.
White, sparkling and rosé wines must be chilled appropriately to lift the flavours embodied in the wine, but overcooling them can destroy the balance. Red wines should be served and stored at room temperature.
Cheese and Wine Platters
Cheese and wine pairing can be quite complex, but most Chardonnays pair well with most cheeses as a rule of thumb. Include seasonal fruits, breads, pâtés and dips to complement the perfect cheese spread. Figs, nuts and dark chocolate are especially good with cheese and wine platters.
With this basic guide to entertaining with wine, you cannot go wrong with pleasing your guests. For evening spreads, add scented candles and jazz music to create the perfect Italian Café experience your guests won’t soon forget.
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