A memorable holiday party deserves a great party wine. Good party wine is easy to find. Great party wine is a little trickier. In my opinion, great party wine shares the following characteristics:1. It is interesting. Everyone serves Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc. Why? Honestly, I am not sure, other than maybe habit. I always try to show my guests something new or at least unexpected. Wine can start a conversation, inspire someone to get out of their well-worn habits, or challenge a preconceived notion. Why NOT?
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| Marcato Soave |
2. It is low-maintenance. Great party wine is drinkable, with or without food. It doesn't require perfect food pairing, exact temperature, decanting, or fine crystal to enjoy. Some of it even comes with a screw cap (I know!).
3. It is the very best quality you can get for an affordable price. Enough said.
Here is my current line-up of great party wine. Again, my philosophy in wine (and life) is to look away from the large producers to encounter often spectacular best kept secrets.
1. Marcato Soave 2010 (Veneto, Italy) $10
This is my favorite new find. @DalaiWino suggested this as a dry wine alternative, and it was great advice. It is bright and crisp like a sauvignon blanc, but it is soft and floral and not as acidic or fruit forward. It will please both the Pinot Grigio crowd, the grass-and-citrus Sauvignon Blanc crowd, and the white Bordeaux crowd. 2. Foris Pinot Noir 2008 (Rogue Valley, Oregon) $17
This is a perfectly balanced Pinot Noir. It will please fans of European-style leaner Burgundy and the fruitier, spicier California-style enthusiasts. It is delicate with it has great structure, and is delightful to sip throughout a night of various hors d'oeuvre.
3. Arido Malbec 2010 (Mendoza, Argentina) $10
This is my medium-bodied go-to wine for company. I liked this description so much I didn't even bother with my own: (www.delavin.com) "Delicate red fruit and violet aromas interact with classic Malbec spiciness. Soft and round in the mouth with balanced acidity and sweet tannins."
4. Mistinguett Cava Brut Rose (Spain) $15
Ahh, the bubbly... an absolute holiday party essential. It does not have to be champagne. This cava is a methode champenoise beauty, meaning it is made to the exacting standards of sanctioned French Champagne. It has a gorgeous color and an elegant bouquet. It is floral, bright, and off-dry. Perfectly delicious on its own, it has no need for the aid of fruit juice, lavender syrup or St Germaine (not that any of those are a bad idea!).5. Il Cuore Rosso Classico 2007 (Mendocino County) $13
This wine is my Cabernet alternative. It is a blend of Zinfindel, Syrah, Merlot, Petite Syrah and Petite Verdot from Mendocino County. It is a huge wine that is drinkable and subtle. It has notes of tobacco and chocolate following an initial punch of dark cherry and cassis. Cheers to great party wine. If you have favorites, please share them!
