Selecting an appropriate wine can be extremely difficult. There are a number of rules and exceptions to the rules, and conflicting preferences when it comes to pairing wines with certain food types. However, if you are hosting a dinner party and have decided on a red meat main course, you’re best bet is choosing a nice red wine to compliment the meal. You can rarely go wrong pairing a red wine with a red meat dish. Of course, there are a number of choices when it comes to choosing the best red wine for your dinner party.
Obviously the two main categories of wine are red and white. But most people understand very little about the differences in choices other than the two broad grape families. Red wines are often more popular with heavy dishes and hence appear more often at dinner parties, especially when the menu includes red meats or pastas with red sauces. Many times people simply select a red wine based on the wine brands and labels paying little regard to the actual type of wine they are buying. But there is a vast difference between the various types of red wine from merlots to shiraz, chiantis to burgundy wine and more. While each of these wines offers a unique palette and range of flavors, pairing any red wine with a red meat dish remains within wine protocol. But to really get the most out of your dinner and wine, it’s important to understand the differences in the various types of wine.
Perhaps the most full bodied and boldest wines are found in the cabernet sauvignon family. Cabernets are rich red wines that most often contain a strong bouquet and offer plenty of flavor and spice. Cabernets are strong and earthy with a somewhat bitter taste to them. The cabernet sauvignon family is a French wine, originating in the Bordeaux region of France but cabernets are produced all across the world from California to Australia. Some of the best meats to pair with cabernets include spicy dishes like sausage, chicken and beef.
If you’re looking for a wine that appeals to a broader audience a merlot is an excellent choice. Originating in the same region, merlots are essentially the easy going cousin of the cabernet family of grapes. Merlot grapes ripen earlier in the season and have much thinner skins than the cabernet giving them a softer, sweeter, and fruity flavor. Because of the sweet aromas and fruity flavors merlots are extremely popular wines with both wine experts and casual drinkers alike. Merlots are best when paired with meats such as turkey, beef, and lamb.
Pinot Noir is often paired with light flavored meats and even desserts because of the light bodied smoothness generally associated with this type of wine. The pinot strain of grape is very difficult to grow and prefers very specific cooler climates in order to mature correctly. Being one of the most difficult types of wine to create, there are just as many bad pinot noirs as there are good. If you’re serious about enjoying a pinot noir at your next dinner party or event, don’t sacrifice flavor to save a couple of dollars. When it comes to pinot noir it’s often the more expensive wine bottles that offer the best combination of flavor and body.
Great wines make the perfect addition to any dinner party or gathering. They help set the mood, spark conversation and help you show your appreciation to your guests. But pairing your wine is important if you want your dinner party to be a success. Now that you have a basic understanding of these various types of red wines you should be able to select the perfect bottle to share with friends and family at your next dinner party. And of course, don’t forget to prepare a toast; to love, to long life, or to happiness. And to great wine.
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