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Hosting Your Own Wine Tasting Party
Looking to have some fun with friends while sharing some wine? You should consider hosting a wine tasting party. It's a really neat way to share your wine favorites and to be introduced to a variety of new and interesting wines. You can also add some spice to your fun by using a wine theme ("All About Reds", "Blindfold Tasting", etc.).
Party Size
You don't need a lot of guests to have a great party. What I have found works best is to have about four to twelve people, and definitely include yourself as one of the registered guests.
Theme Selection
Pick a fun theme, and remember the theme also determines what wines will be poured. You can name a theme like "The Great Italians", "The Great Whites of California", or whatever fits your mood. I would suggest being very creative, the possibilities are endless. If you tell your local wine merchant your theme, they can be a great source of help with wine and theme matching. Also, at a minimum make sure you have 4 to 6 different wine types to taste.
Food Choices
Have you heard the saying "First the wine, then your menu"? If you had a theme for your party and your wines followed that theme, you may want to carry it through with whatever food you serve. For example if you are tasting Italian Reds why not serve some Italian munchies to match.
How to analyse wine colour colour
Decanter's consultant editor Steven Spurrier indulges one of his passions - the colour of wine. Just how important is colour when assessing wine quality?
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How serve wine!
ine expert Steven Spurrier shows you how to get the best out of your wine by serving it correctly
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Alain Brumont a passionate and driven winemaker
Alain Brumont's achievements have placed him in the top tier of French winemakers. From the famous Alain Brumont comes the premium estates of Chateau Montus, Chateau Bouscasse, La Tyre (super premium single vineyard), the new concept Torus (using grapes from both estates), the wonderful sweet white Pacherenc du Vic Bilh, and the well reviewed VDP Gascogne range.
"These are unreal wines that are purely made, remarkably rich, and so complete and promising that they cannot be ignored." Robert Parker
"The wines of Alain Brumont are at the same level as Chateau Latour and the greatest wines in the world." "Alain Brumont is, in the world of wines 'A bull fighter'? Steven Spurrier of Decanter
"Alain Brumont is simply the best and most forward-thinking vintner in Madiran" Wine Spectator
op 30 Wines of 2011
- 30. Hartford 2007 Highwire Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
- 29. Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot 2006 Saint-Emilion
- 28. Merry Edwards Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
- 27.Bonny Doon 2006 Le Pousseur Syrah (Central Coast)
- 26. Madrigal 2005 Barberis Family Vineyard Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
- 25.Two Hands 2006 Bad Impersonator Single Vineyard Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
- 24.Bodega Catena Zapata 2005 Catena Alta Malbec (Mendoza)
- 23. Adelaida 2006 HM R Estate Pinot Noir (Paso Robles)
- 22. Trenza 2007 Tinto (San Luis Obispo County)
- 21. Betz Family 2006 Pcre de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley)
- 20. Au Bon Climat 2006 Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay
5 Wines You ShouldKnow
There are a few things that every respectable man needs to know. One of these things is how to select an appropriate bottle of wine for any occasion. The AskMen.com editors recently attended the Montreal Wine and Spirits Show to investigate some of the more popular wine varietals, and we?ve come back with this primer on five wines you should know.
Bear in mind that we?re only scratching the surface here, and that true depth of knowledge will rest on your own exploration. Start your journey of wine-discovery by exploring the five wines you should know, tasting our recommendations and picking your favorites.
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Champagne and Food Pairings!
Wine and Food pairings is an individual choice. Every person's sense of taste is different. In general, each person should decide for him or herself what combinations of wine and food taste good - don't worry about what anyone else says should work. However, I understand this is difficult when a wine drinker is just starting out. Hence, this listing.
Remember - these are only guidelines!! You will figure out quite quickly that your own tongue has its own idea of what goes well with what. Trust your own judgement, and eat and drink what you enjoy!
Typically, you want to drink light-to-dark, just as when you plan a meal you start with delicate tastes and work towards heavier tastes. For this reason, Champagne tends to go very well with appetizers or opening courses in a meal. It also goes well with sushi and very light meals, and of course as an after-dinner celebration
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Monty Waldin of Chateau Monty
Winemaker and author Monty Waldin talks to Adam Lechmere about his latest book on biodynamics
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