Choosing your Wedding Wine

By / Wine + Drinks / September 6th, 2013 / Like

I have very vivid memories of sitting with the banquet hall manager and my father, some fourteen years ago, deliberating over the choice of dinner wine to serve at my wedding. I was young and knew very little about wine; my father‘s primary concern was that the bottle NOT have a screw cap. The wine was ok – not great – and we paid too much for it. I wish I knew then what I know now.

Be mindful of your menu

You may be surprised how many people overlook their food choices or choose a wine before they choose their menu. It is not necessary to perfectly match your food and wine (also not possible, as wine preference is highly personal) but try and stick to a few basic rules. The idea here is to avoid all out clashes and not have either the food or the wine overpower each other. Have both a red and white wine available.

Match the flavour intensity of the food with the flavour intensity of the wine.

Acidic foods and fatty/oily foods match well with high-acid wines.

Pair a food high in protein (rare red meat) with a high-tannin wine.

Balance the richness of the food with the richness or weight of the wine.

Match or contrast the flavours of the wine and food.

Be mindful of your budget

Set a budget. Part of that process is estimating the amount of wine you expect your guests to consume. A good rule of thumb – half a bottle per adult. Remember, wine does not need to be expensive to be enjoyable. If you plan a toast, serve Cava or Prosecco in lieu of champagne. And screw caps…go ahead!

Go with a theme

Add some interest to your wine choices by setting a theme. Choose a bubbly, a white and a red from one region or country. Your guests will appreciate the extra effort.

Consult an expert – for FREE!

One you have made you menu choices, set your budget and decided on a theme, consult with your banquet manager, maître D’ or wedding planner. They should be able to offer you suggestions as a part of their services.  If you are going at it alone, take advantage of the customer service at your local liquor or wine store. With their advice and these guidelines, your guests will not be disappointed.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shannon is an urban soul living (and loving) a small-town, country life. Short term goals include always keeping her wine glass, and outlook on life, half-full. Long term goal…taking her three boys on a 6 month south Pacific adventure. We’ll keep you updated.

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