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- As a sommelier, there are 5 wines I always have on hand for guests (businessinsider.com)
Certified Sommelier Shares Her Top 5 Wine Picks for Effortless Entertaining
Local Wine Expert Reveals Go-To Bottles to Impress Guests, From Bubbly to Non-Alcoholic Options
Hosting can be a delightful experience, but for many, selecting the right wines to please a diverse group of palates can feel like a daunting task. Fear not, fellow entertainers! We sat down with a certified sommelier, Brianne Cohen, who shared her personal cheat sheet for keeping a well-stocked wine selection that’s sure to elevate any gathering.
“As a certified sommelier, when I entertain, I want to serve the perfect wines to match any meal, occasion, and person,” Cohen explains. “Whether I’m ordering takeout, making one of my trusty weeknight dishes, or preparing a fancy meal for guests, they expect something delicious in their glasses.”
So, what are her secret weapons for keeping guests happy and glasses full? Here are her five go-to categories:
1. Bubbly: Not Just for Big Celebrations!
Forget reserving sparkling wine for New Year’s Eve or major milestones. Cohen insists that opening a bottle of bubbly instantly makes guests feel special.
With its high acidity, sparkling wine is incredibly versatile and food-friendly, pairing beautifully with a wide array of dishes. Her top picks include California’s Gloria Ferrer, Italy’s Alta Langa Bera Brut, and for those truly special moments, Champagne Telmont.
2. Refreshing White Wines: A Palate Cleanser for Any Occasion
A crisp, refreshing white wine is almost always a crowd-pleaser. Its palate-cleansing nature makes it perfect for a casual evening or even when tackling spicy cuisines like Indian, Mexican, or Thai. Cohen favors varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, and Chenin Blanc, recommending Teneral Cellars Vermentino, William Hill Sauvignon Blanc, and Hye Meadow Winery Chenin Blanc as reliable choices.
3. Italian Reds: Cozy, Food-Friendly, and Full of Flavor
For a comforting and food-friendly choice, Cohen turns to Italian red wines. Far beyond the Chianti of yesteryear, today’s Italian reds offer incredible quality from every region of the country, making them the ideal companion to Italian cuisine.
She enjoys a structured Brunello di Montalcino from Castello Banfi for grilled meats and stews, and always finds Super Tuscan wines from Tenuta Argentiera in Bolgheri to be a hit. Wines from Madrevite in Umbria, crafted with indigenous Italian grapes, are also on her list.
4. Dessert Wines: A Sweet Ending to the Night
To conclude an evening on a sweet note, Cohen often brings out a dessert wine. Port, with its broad appeal, is a strong contender.
Fonseca Bin 27 Reserve Ruby port is a classic for chocolate desserts, while Taylor Fladgate’s 10-Year-Old tawny port offers more complexity with its nutty balance. For white wine enthusiasts, Vin de Paille, made from concentrated raisins, provides a sweeter, richer flavor.
Alta Colina Winery and Tablas Creek Vineyard in California are her preferred producers for this unique treat.
5. Non-Alcoholic Options: Inclusive and Delicious
Recognizing the growing trend in non-alcoholic beverages, Cohen emphasizes the importance of having a non-alcoholic wine on hand for guests who are abstaining. She notes that the quality of these options has significantly improved.
Fre offers excellent non-alcoholic white wines like Pinot Grigio, while Noughty’s sparkling wine is a close contender to the real thing. Kally also provides appealing bottles made from classic wine grapes like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
With these expert recommendations, hosts can confidently curate a wine selection that caters to every taste and occasion, ensuring a delightful experience for all.
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