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Reception - What flavor wines to serve?

posted 1 year ago in Food
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    1.
    Hostess
    2,389 posts
    Buzzing bee
    jackie-o    October 31, 2010   Seattle, WA

    FH and I don't know too much about wine, its kina embarrassing.  For white I only like Pinot Grigio or Souv Blanc and then reds I only drink blends. FH doesn't really care for either.

    We are having red/white wine at each table. What reds and whites do brides serve?  Our guests will be eating NY strip, Miso Soy Cod, or Gnocchi. 

    Thanks so much ladies Laughing

     
    2.
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    Bee Keeper
    SapphireSun    July 9, 2010   Vancouver, BC

    We went with Pinot Grigio and Merlot.  Pinot grigio is kind of beginner wine :) so it's typically a crowd pleasing option, and my personal favourite.  I don't have the most developed palate either. 

    I don't drink red wine often (and especially not in a white dress), but the Merlot went over well too as far as I know.

     

     
    3.
    3,234 posts
    Sugar bee
    Kittyachi    August 2010   New York

    OK well with a NY Strip (or any type of steak really) you'll want a heartier red. Cabernet is quite heavy and too much for a lot of people, so I'd probably go with a Merlot or a heavier Pinot Noir for your red wine. As for white, I think a light, crisp, citrus-y type blend would work well with your miso cod (most types of fish tend to pair well with a crisp citrus white). That kind of white is also refreshing to drink and not heavy. Go with a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Gris. Some Pinots are heavier than others. I would choose the Sauvignon Blanc personally. Or Sancerre if that is available but that's more of a specialty blend that probably wouldn't be in your average caterer offerings.

     
    4.
    2,110 posts
    Buzzing bee
    gabrielleelise1981    August 28, 2010   Portland, Maine

    We’re serving:

    Red:

    La Vieille Ferme (2007) – a French Rhone red wine and is a blend. It’s super easy to drink on its own or with food. This will stand up to a steak, but won't overpower the other dishes.

    White:

    Macon Lugny, Les Charmes (2007) – a French Chardonnay. I don’t usually like Chards, but this is completely NON-OAKY tasting. Light, easy to drink on its own or paired with food, we like it with seafood.

    If your venue offers a specific wine list to select from, I would suggest taking that list to a local wine merchant and asking their recommendations, and then having a tasting of a couple of the wines in your price range.

     
    5.
    Hostess
    2,389 posts
    Buzzing bee
    jackie-o    October 31, 2010   Seattle, WA

    @Kittyachi: THANK YOU, I was hoping you would reply.  My second question is how much to spend per bottle?  And then are these the same two wines to offer at the open bar or do I offer additional reds/whites?

     
    6.
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    Buzzing bee
    jackie-o    October 31, 2010   Seattle, WA

    @gabrielleelise1981: thats a great idea. We actually aren't going through our venue/caterer. We are having an open bar and we're bringing in all the booze and wines. I think you bring up a great point though, I can go to a wine store here and let them know what we're offering tell them our price point (which I have NO CLUE b/c I don't know what it should be per wine) and here their suggestions.....

     
    7.
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    Sugar bee
    Goldilocks1107    September 2010   Madison, WI

    I think you can find some nice wines for $10-$15 (and oftentimes less than that!). Since you're in Seattle, maybe take a trip out to some of the wineries to see if you can get a deal on cases of wine. I know that Chateau Ste. Michelle isn't too far out and usually has some general people-pleasing wines.

     
    8.
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    Blushing bee
    Madras    September 11, 2010   DC / NC

    Assuming you're serving "budget-friendly" wines, I'd suggest trying something besides a Cab or Merlot for the red...there are higher-quality choices in the $10-20 range for some other varietals IMHO. Malbecs are increasingly popular (ie, available at stores/restaurants) and Zinfandels can provide a lot of big flavor to go with your steak. I personally favor Petite Sirahs, or a blend with any of these could be a solid choice, like the Hey Mambo Red.

    Definitely try a sauv blanc, pinot grigio, viognier, or riesling for the white. Something fruity, minerally over oaky...budget chardonnay is likely to not compliment as well as the others!

     
    9.
    Member
    110 posts
    Blushing bee
    Madras    September 11, 2010   DC / NC

    Just seeing the other notes -- to think of a good price point for your wine, figure 5 glasses per bottle. Are you hoping to have drinks cost you $2 each? $3? etc. I'd think you can definitely find tasty options in the $10-15 range.

    Buying cases can get you a discount, and def try visiting a big giant wine store (like total wine or costco) and a smaller, local place. You'll find different wines and advice at each place, it can help you get a fuller picture of your options.

     
    10.
    3,234 posts
    Sugar bee
    Kittyachi    August 2010   New York

    Oh well if you are bringing in your own you should definitely go to a local wine shop and ask them their opinion within your budget. I was thinking along the lines of you having to pick from caterer wines.

    I think what you offer at the bar really depends on your budget, although a knowledgeable wine store owner will be able to get you the best bang for your buck quality-wise. I would suggest not mentioning it is for a wedding and getting recs in your price range PER BOTTLE based on your food choices. There's always a chance that for a wedding if you'll be ordering in bulk, they might try to convince you to get more expensive bottles than you realy need for the quality of the wine. There are some fabulous $9 bottles and some gross $20 bottles.

    I don't think you necessarily have to offer additional varieties of wine at the bar in addition to the two you choose for dinner. Anything you choose should be fairly easy drinking regardless so what you choose for pairing with dinner will be good for a bar wine as well.

     
    11.
    Hostess
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    Buzzing bee
    jackie-o    October 31, 2010   Seattle, WA

    @Kittyachi:  @Madras:  THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

     

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