Red vs White Wine

1. Red vs. White Wine for Parties: What to Serve and Why The red wine vs. white wine debate has been raging for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans drank both, but red wine was linked to strength and virility. In medieval Europe the elites preferred red wine thanks to Christian traditions and the extra expense required to age and store these wines. White wines were more accessible for poorer people and better-suited the climates of northern Europe. Red Wine vs White Wine: The Classic Party Dilemma Today the red wine vs. white wine conundrum is more a question of personal taste. We all know someone who only drinks hearty red wines or light-as-a-feather whites. But if you’re hosting a party, it’s important to get the balance right. Why Do People Prefer Red or White Wine? Lovers of big bold red wines often enjoy rich, powerful flavors and more complex flavor profiles. Red wine typically also contains more tannins which can feel drying on the palate and the gums. Some people love it, others hate it. White wines are usually crisper, drier, and lighter with little to no tannin. They’re approachable and easy-to-drink which makes them a great choice for the summer months or to enjoy without food. Red vs white wine alcohol content White grapes are usually picked earlier and fermented at cooler temperatures than black grapes. That’s why white wines typically have a lower alcohol content than red wines. An average white wine has 11% to 13% ABV, while red wines can range from 12% for a light Pinot Noir to 15.5% or 16% ABV for a hearty Zinfandel. This is another reason why people who prefer more delicate flavors tend to opt for white wines. The Best Wine to Serve at a Party If you already know your guests well, pick wines you know they’ll like. If you don’t know them so well, we recommend a 50/50 split between red and white wines. Here’s some more tips on picking the best wine to serve at a party:  For outdoor events and warmer temperatures, white wine, rosé, or sparkling wines are more popular since they’re more refreshing. For winter events or cosy dinners most people prefer richer red wines.  Pick crowd-pleasers you know everyone will like. Good examples include a fruity Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, or Merlot which tend to be easy-drinking with softer tannins. For whites stick to the classics like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Pinot Grigio.  Keep things simple by offering 2-3 types of wine, for example one red, one white, and one sparkling or rosé wine.

2. How Much Wine to Buy for a Party? If you’re wondering how much wine to buy for a party, a rough guide is to assume each person will consume 2-3 glasses for a 2-hour event. For each additional hour add another glass per person. People tend to consume more wine at evening and dinner events, and less if there are other alcoholic drinks available like cocktails and beer. For example, if you are hosting ten people for two hours you can expect them to consume 20-30 glasses of wine. Each bottle holds 5-6 glasses, so you should allow at least 6 bottles of wine. It’s always a good idea to have an extra bottle or two on hand just in case. How to Pair Wine with Party Food Light bites, seafood, and vegetarian dishes pair well with light, refreshing white wines, while barbecues and hearty red meat dishes call for heavier red wines. Sushi works especially well with floral and aromatic wines like Riesling or Gewurztraminer. Cheese and charcuterie boards can be a little tricky to pair; stick to easy-going, medium bodied reds like Grenache and Tempranilloand classic whites like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay. Which Wine is Best for Cooking? When you cook with wine you want to add flavor and season the dish without overpowering the key ingredients. As a general rule, avoid sweet, tannic or higher alcohol wines and pick a wine that’s similar to something you’d normally drink. Chicken and seafood dishes often work best with white wines, while heartier Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel are a better match for rich meat stews and marinades. How Much Wine to Buy for a Party? If you’re wondering how much wine to buy for a party, a rough guide is to assume each person will consume 2-3 glasses for a 2-hour event. For each additional hour add another glass per person. People tend to consume more wine at evening and dinner events, and less if there are other alcoholic drinks available like cocktails and beer. For example, if you are hosting ten people for two hours you can expect them to consume 20-30 glasses of wine. Each bottle holds 5-6 glasses, so you should allow at least 6 bottles of wine. It’s always a good idea to have an extra bottle or two on hand just in case. The Best Affordable Red and White Wine for a Party Bottle Barn makes it easy to order wine online for a party with plenty of affordable options delivered direct to your door. Whether you’re looking for an elegant crowd-pleasing red like this

3. Textbook Napa Valley Merlot, or an easy-going white like the Hanna Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, our wine experts have you covered. Source URL: https://bottlebarn.weebly.com/blog/red-vs-white-wine-for-parties- what-to-serve-and-why