Finding the perfect wine for any occasion
By Will Stroude
Ever stuck on what wine to choose for those important life occasions? Rather than looking a little lost whilst wandering the wine aisles, picking up and carefully replacing several bottles, we’ve got the perfect ‘what wine for what occasion’ guide to help you.
Garmence Wine Studio founder, Charlotte Calvet, shares her top recommendations to selecting the perfect wine whatever the occasion, navigating through deep comforting reds to frivolous fizz to find a wine to suit you and your needs.
The wine to show your parents that ‘you’ve got this’:
Viré Clessé – £13.00
You’re cool, you’re suave, and most importantly sophisticated enough to know that white wines can be seriously good! Chardonnay is enjoying a cultural renaissance – no longer a drink for lonely housewives and book clubs, try a chilled glass of Garmence’s Viré Clessé and luxuriate in lavish lemon and stone fruit. To note, an oaked Chardonnay will be a heavier wine with buttery hues where, as unbaked will be fresher and more on the citrus side.
The Saturday night in wine:
Chianti Classico – £10.00
A classic Chianti makes even the humble take-away feel like you’re ordering a feast! Great with a creamy carbonara, 4 cheese pizza or even a chicken tikka masala – order food and wine to your door and relax with a Tuscan treat.
The ‘I’ve had a bad day’ wine
Rioja – £9.00
TFL nightmares, a new coffee stain on your camel coat, difficult meetings and IT Fails – for those days when nothing seems to be going your way, a glass of Spanish merlot is like slipping into a silky enveloping blanket. Full bodied and reassuring …tomorrow is a new day.
The perfect pre-date wine
Vermentino di Gallura – £11.50
You’re nervous? Excited? Or just trying to switch off from the hectic day …how about a glass of Vermentino? Fun, lively and zingy, this Italian stallion is sure to put you in the mood!
The ‘why not?’ wine
Champagne – £25.00
Champagne – every time! This wine is reserved for every occasion from weddings to winning races but how about just because…it pairs perfectly with pizza and pop-corn!
The romantic night in wine
Cotes du Rhone Villages – Plan de Dieu – £12.00
This is all about passionate pairing – if you want to go all out, Oysters and Champagne are a match made in heaven, or pair a fiery chilli dish with a spicy Cotes du Rhone to really turn up the heat.
The wine to impress your in-laws
Cremant de Bordeaux – £14.00
Impress the in-laws with a fresh and fruity sparkling Cremant de Bordeaux – it marks the occasion, without appearing too lavish, plus you can demonstrate your impeccable wine knowledge by discussing how it’s just like Champagne but from another area. A sure fire hit with the parents!
The Thursday funday wine
Pouilly Fume £12.00
The essential Sunday roast companion
Prosecco – £11.00
Utiel Requena – £7.50
For a classic pairing a good Spanish merlot is a no brainer – the perfect partnership with a juicy beef rump, or a succulent lamb leg, follow with a soft but spritely prosecco to cleanse the palette and give your Sunday some sparkle.
The wine to propose over
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru – £20.00
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru – even if Champagne seems the right thing to do, nothing says serious, long term and commitment like vintage royalty! Dark, smooth and smouldering this rich Merlot should have the desired effect!
More stories:
Shawn Mendes shows off his ripped body in new Flaunt magazine shoot – PICS
Exclusive | Christine and the Queens on sexuality, subversion, and conquering the musical world