Your dinner party is just hours away. Standing in the wine aisle, you suddenly realize you have no idea which wine to choose. But, do not panic. Impress your guests by following these simple tips to serving the perfect wine to complement any menu.
Pairing Wine with Food
Wishing you had taken that course on “Wine Tasting for Dummies,” you are now wondering how to pair the right wine with your meal. A good rule of thumb to remember is to choose a light wine when serving a light meal and a rich wine with a rich meal. For example, a chilled Chardonnay or Riesling will greatly enhance the flavors of chicken or seafood. A rich Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir will balance well with a cheese platter or red meat.
A German Riesling also provides a fine balance for spicier foods. Rieslings along with other wines such as Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are good choices for pairing wine with Chinese and other highly flavorful cuisines.
Wine Does Not Have to Cost a Fortune
Wine does not have to cost a lot of money. There are plenty of fine tasting wines that range in price from $10-$15 a bottle. It is the quality of the grapes, the region and how the wine is stored that can significantly raise the cost.
But for the average consumer, it all comes down to taste. If you and your friends really enjoy the less expensive bottle of wine, then by all means, pop it open and partake. Just remember, once the cork is out of the bottle, the wine will only taste fresh for another few days. You may as well drink up and enjoy it while you can.
Serve at the Optimum Temperature
Even though you purchased all of your wine at the same temperature, you will not serve it to your guests that way. A wine served too cold or too warm can quickly lose its signature flavor. To ensure the best taste, a white wine should ideally be served chilled between 40-52 degrees Fahrenheit.
Enjoy your red wine at a temperature of 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit. As soon as you arrive home from the store, place your white wine in the refrigerator. One half hour before serving, remove the wine, allowing it to warm up to the preferred temperature. For red wine, you will want to chill it in the fridge for thirty minutes before serving, in order to raise it to the perfect temperature.
You do not need to be a wine expert to know how to buy a good tasting wine. With a few simple rules, you can serve the perfect wine with your meal, that all of your guests will enjoy.
