Selecting The Right Wine

Selecting the right wine really depends upon personal tastes. You can do research on the various vineyards, what was a good year for a particular wine, etc. but the bottom line is what do you like. We have listed a few things to look for when selecting the right wine to make your next purchase a successful one.

1. White Wines: A white wine is a great choice to serve with hors d'oeuvres as your guests are arriving. A white wine has a light, fresh flavor that won't interfere with the main dish. The Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, and a good Chablis are all good choices. Ask your local wine merchant what he or should would suggest. They will let you sample some upon request.

When toasting that special event in your life or the life of a loved one the whites are a perfect choice. The more common toasting wine for weddings and anniversaries is of course the more elegant choice of Champagne.

2. Red Wines: A nice hearty red wine such as a Merlot or Burgundy would be perfect with an Italian meal or with grilled steak, pork or lamb. Serving a good red with a meal can actually help to enhance the dinner.

The Pinot Noir, while not as commonly served as a Merlot or Cabernet, is a unique blend of plum, vanilla and blackberry. Oregon produces Pinot Noir where the blackberries grow wild and are sweet and juicy. This wine will certainly be a hit.

When hosting a spicy Mexican meal the Shiraz is a perfect compliment with its peppery flavor that brings out the spiciness of your enchilada suiza or chili verde.

The perfect wine to complete an Italian meal would be a Chianti. With its rich flavor and deep red color it blends easily with ravioli and pizza. When you finish the wine, the beautiful raffia wrapped bottles make great candle holders and set the mood for your romantic Italian dinner.

If you are serving a tender rib roast, tenderloin steak, Chateaubriand, filet mignon, or tournedos of beef, a robust Burgundy would be just the ticket.

As you can see from the suggestions above selecting the right wine should include both a white wine and a red wine on hand when hosting a dinner. Some guests will most likely pick the wine they prefer and stay with that choice for the entire evening. Another may choose a white for the start of the evening and finish with a red. So always be prepared.

If wine is your hobby you may want to consider producing your own wine at home. There are several fruit wine recipes that are not complicated turn out a great wined to serve with desserts or chilled on a hot summer afternoon. Look for some recipes at a fruit wine making site online.

Napa Valley Wine Duet Long considered to be the pride of California, Beringer wines are known for a legacy of quality and distinctive varietal character. This sophisticated gift features a spectacular compass-themed gift box with a bottle each of their esteemed Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, along with a sampling of delicious gourmet selections. Recipients will be pleased to also discover Saraivanov Smoked Salmon, Aaron Bell Seasoned Crackers, Gourmet Vanilla Caramels, Hathaway's Toffee Peanuts, and Auberge Camembert Cheese Spread. After the foods have been enjoyed, the one-of-a-kind gift box will lend itself to many uses in the home or office. Measures 16'' x 13'' x 4''. Due to the alcoholic content of this gift, an adult signature is required upon delivery.