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Colm McGrath • Feb 14, 2023

How to choose the perfect wines for your event

Are you planning a special event and want to make sure you pick the perfect wine?

Whether it's a wedding, birthday party, or corporate gathering, selecting the right wines can be a daunting task. With so many different types and styles of wine available, it can be hard to know which ones will best complement your menu and impress your guests. Fortunately, we've got you covered! In this article, we'll provide some helpful tips on how to pick the perfect wine for your event.

Understanding Different Types of Wine
Before you start shopping for wine, it's important to understand the different types of wines available. There are two main categories of wine: red and white. Red wines are typically bolder in flavor and body than white wines, with varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot being popular choices. White wines tend to be lighter in body and flavor than reds, with varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc being popular choices.

In addition to these two main categories, there is also sparkling wine (such as Champagne) and fortified wine (such as Port). Sparkling wines are effervescent beverages that have been carbonated through fermentation or added carbon dioxide. Fortified wines are made by adding distilled spirits such as brandy during fermentation, resulting in higher alcohol content.

Pairing Food with Wine
Once you understand the different types of wines available, you can begin exploring food-and-wine pairings. The key here is to match flavors that complement each other – for example, a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with fish dishes while a full-bodied red such as Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with steak dishes. You should also consider any sauces or seasonings used in your dishes when selecting a wine – for instance, if your dish contains spicy ingredients then a sweeter white or rosé might be more appropriate than a dry white or red.

It's also important to consider how much food you're serving when selecting your wines – if you're hosting an intimate dinner party then one bottle per person should suffice; however if you're hosting a large gathering then several bottles per person may be necessary. Finally, don't forget about dessert! Sweet dessert wines such as Moscato or Sauternes pair wonderfully with desserts like chocolate cake or crème brûlée.

Selecting Wines for Your Event
Now that you know how to pair food with wine let's talk about selecting the right bottles for your event. When shopping for wine it's important to read labels carefully – look out for words like “dry” (less sweet) or “fruity” (more sweet) which can help guide your selection process. It's also important to consider price points – budget accordingly depending on the size of your event and don't forget about taxes! If possible try tasting different bottles before making any purchases; this will help ensure that what you select is something that both yourself and your guests will enjoy drinking!

Conclusion
Choosing the perfect wine for an event doesn't have to be difficult – just remember these simple tips! Understand different types of wines available; pair food with appropriate wines; select bottles based on price points; taste test before purchasing; and budget accordingly taking into account taxes! With these steps in mind, picking out the perfect bottle(s) should be easy peasy!

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