Drinking Red Wine 101: A Beginner’s Guide To Party Hosting
Introduction
Hosting a cocktail party can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you want to ensure everyone appreciates the served food and drinks. Red wine remains a classic choice among the many liquors, cocktails and mocktails you can offer. Known for its rich flavours and versatility, red wine is popularly made from red grapes (or, more accurately, black grapes). Basically, any grape varietal that has a dark pigmentation will do.
Most of the red wine’s colour comes from the skin. This is because such grapes usually undergo a degree of skin maceration to yield the eventual red hue. If you are new to the world of red wines, selecting the right bottles can seem confusing initially. However, this beginner’s guide to drinking and serving red wine will help host wine and cocktail parties more smoothly.
Drinking And Serving Red Wine 101
Choosing The Right Red Wine
Picking the right kind of red wine is essential for a beginner. Red wine has a lot of variety, ranging from light-bodied to medium-bodied to full-bodied to sweet wines. Light-bodied red wines, such as Pinot Noir, have a crisp and smooth taste with minimal acidity. Medium-bodied reds, like Merlot, have soft tannins and moderate notes of red fruits like cherry.
Full-bodied red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, have a robust, acidic flavour along with notes of dark fruits like blackcurrants. While sweet red wines, like Port, have a fruity, almost honeyed taste. Light-bodied and sweet red wines can be a good place to start for red wine newbies. While hosting parties, try to keep at least one light-bodied or sweet red and one medium or full-bodied wine to cater to all kinds of wine aficionados.
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Serving Temperature And Glassware
Contrary to popular belief, red wine should not be served at the temperature of a typical room, especially during summer. Instead, try to serve slightly cooler than room temperature—around 60–65°F (15–18°C).
If the wine is too warm, its acidity can overpower its subtle flavours. When served too cold, the aromas and taste of the red wine might appear muted. To achieve the perfect wine temperature, place the bottle in the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving.
Choosing the right red wine glass can help emphasise its flavours, hidden notes, aroma and textures. Technically, the best glass depends on the body of the wine. If you wish to go all out while hosting a fancy wine party, you can buy different red wine glassware for its varieties.
For example, a full-bodied wine does well in a bordeaux glass. However, lighter reds like Pinot Noir are served best in wide-brimmed wine glasses. A basic red wine glass is a versatile choice for red wine amateurs till they are ready to try more nuanced blends.
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Red Wine Drinking Etiquette
As a party host, it is important to know and understand the basic etiquette of drinking red wine. This will add a touch of sophistication and nuance to your party. Encourage your guests to taste the wine slowly and savour its flavours and aroma. It is ideal to swirl the contents of your served wine glass to identify its viscosity and appreciate its colour.
Swirling the wine also aerates it, releasing aromas. Bring the glass close to your nose and inhale the different scents, ranging from floral and fruity to complex notes of wood and leather. Finally, it is time to sip your red wine. Let the initial flavours emerge before assessing its body and viscosity. Note the balance of sweetness, dryness, acidity and tannins to unlock the wine’s true taste.
When pairing foods with red wine, it is all about complementing and balancing the dish. For a robust Cabernet Sauvignon wine, you can serve it alongside grilled steaks, aged cheeses like Gouda and cheddar or a rich mushroom risotto. A lighter Pinot Noir wine can pair well with roasted chicken or creamy pasta dishes. The wine also complements earthy flavors like beets or truffle-infused bites. Zinfandel wine, with its fruity, spicy profile, may be perfectly paired with BBQ ribs or a spread of spicy sausages and charcuterie. With its smooth tannins, Merlot wine works ideally with pizza, grilled vegetables or a savory meat stew. You can also mix up the sweet and savoury elements of your meal by serving a glass of Malbec wine with a dark chocolate tart.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
