Party On with wines that do “double duty”
If you’re planning a party this season, you may be wondering what wines to buy. It can be challenging to find wines that do “double duty†– pair well with the foods you’re serving and also stand on their own.
You can always play it safe and serve a single varietal of white and red – a Riesling and a Pinot Noir. These wines are what my friend calls the “hussies†of the wine world: they’re indiscriminate about what they’re paired with, go with virtually any dish and show everyone a good time – even without food!
Want more wine adventure … and tips on getting the best value?
You can be adventurous and take your guests on a little around-the-world journey out of their comfort zone. Here are some tips:
- Choose lesser-known and under-appreciated varietals, like Malbec from Argentina, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero and Albarino from Spain, and a sparkling Prosecco from Italy.
- Buy by the case. Retailers often let you mix and match 12 different bottles and still offer a 10% case discount.
- Shop for bin-end sales. You can often find some real treasures when retailers have excess stock.
- Ask your local retailer for help. They’re always on the look-out for great values for themselves.
Plan on between a half to one bottle per guest, and be sure to stock up on inexpensive glassware.
Cheers!
