Choosing the right wine for a dinner party at home can be an enjoyable experience, but it is not always easy. There are more than hundreds of varieties of grapes and countless different wines are made.
Here are some tips to help you make a good wine choice:
1. Know your taste and know your guests: find out which wines you like. Fresh, sweet, dry,... You can start by trying wines from the most famous grapes and making your choice. Do you know the taste preferences of your guests? If you know someone likes a certain type of wine, try to select a bottle that meets that preference.
2. Complement the meal: Consider the dishes you serve. Red wines generally pair well with red meat, while white wines often pair better with poultry and fish. But this is no longer a fixed rule. So look for complementary flavors and when in doubt: ask for advice!
3. Season and temperature: tailor your wine choice to the season. In summer, lighter and chilled wines such as rosé or white wines are often refreshing. In winter you can lean towards fuller red wines.
4. What is the occasion? For an informal dinner or a large number of guests, you can opt for an accessible and affordable wine. For special occasions, consider opening a bottle that is a bit more exclusive.
5. Set a budget in advance: There are excellent wines in different price ranges, so it's useful to know how much you're willing to spend. There is also a golden rule: don't you know anything about it? Ask for advice!
6. Read the label on the bottle: Pay attention to the information on the label. This may include details about the grape variety, winery and year of production, which can help you make your choice.
7. Ask for advice: did we mention this one already? The world of wines is complex, so it is certainly not surprising if it is all somewhat overwhelming. Therefore, if in doubt, it is recommended to ask for help from an expert, e.g. from the wine merchant.