Best Wines for a Party
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When it comes to a party, keep it convivial.
by Erin Henderson
There are a few dates throughout the year which signify to me the beginning of a time or season.
The May long weekend, in my mind, is the starter’s pistol to summer, even if the calendar suggests otherwise; when Thanksgiving in Canada rolls around (the second Monday in October), to me, it's a straight shoot to New Year’s Eve.
Sure, you could argue I’m rushing time, or falling prey to the commercialization of "The Holidays," but you know as well as I, the final quarter of the year is one long decking of many halls.
From cozy, intimate brunches, to sporty sledding parties, to the festive black tie of a swanky New Year’s bash, corks are popping and glasses are filling.
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So, as we rush home with our presents and rock around Christmas trees, here’s how to choose the best wines for your festive fetes:
Ignore your feelings. While this is good advice for most family holiday gatherings, what I mean here is to sidestep your wine preferences for the greater good. Sure, you may be hip to Natural Wine Craze, but not everyone loves the briny, acidic bite that comes from a wine shipped without sulfur. When hosting a gathering, go with classic bottles that will widely appeal: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are all popular whites; Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Pinot Noir are red wines that please most wine drinkers.
Be extra generous. When we’re running a party, we generally estimate two drinks in the first hour, and one drink each hour after that. However, all bets are off come the holidays (as last year’s photocopy of Susan in HR’s derriere will attest) so aim at one bottle per person. Sure, you may end up with a surplus of stock, but there will be many more parties this season, my friend.
Think about the food. If you’re busting out the caviar and seafood towers (invite me, please) probably ordering a ton of rich Napa Cab isn’t the best option. Consider the menu and aim at the most food friendly wines which are low-to-medium body, with brighter acidity, and lower tannin. Dry sparkling wine, rosé are very accommodating. Riesling, Chablis, and dry Chenin Blanc are great options for whites; Pinot Noir, Gamay, Frappato from Sicily, and younger Rioja are great choices for reds.
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Resist the need to impress. You may have spent a semester studying in the Loire and just love how the faint traces of schist rock define an Anjou Noir, but not everyone has – or even cares. Keep your wines approachable and easy. This is a party, not a lecture on terroir.
Bubbles are always the right choice. The best time to drink fizz is anytime, and the next best is the holidays. Sparkling wine is naturally festive, so don’t be afraid to make it one of your main offerings. At the very least have some available for the toast (if you’re having one.) Crémant is an affordable option over Champage, as are traditional method sparklings from Canada, California, or Australia.
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