| There are really no hard and fast rules when | | | | makes them a great complement to hearty |
| choosing the best wine for each occasion - | | | | meals. If you are looking for the wine that is |
| especially when you consider the fact that people | | | | most certain to please the most people, go for |
| are partial to certain wines depending on their | | | | Merlot. It has a balanced mix of body and |
| personal preference and taste. Here are a few | | | | lightness that make it the perfect choice for most |
| 'soft' guidelines to help you choose the right wine | | | | dishes. It particularly does well with poultry, pork |
| for the right occasion. This will give you a good | | | | and lamb. |
| idea on how to complement an occasion - and | | | | The scintillating aroma of plum, vanilla and |
| certain dishe - with the right kind of wine. | | | | blackberry make Pinot Noir an intriguing proposition |
| 1. White Wines - white wines, being lighter and | | | | during special occasions. It is not as heralded as |
| drier than red wines are best served during the | | | | Merlot or Cabernet, so many people may not |
| earlier part of the evening or before the main | | | | recognize its unique blend. It goes well with |
| course. Chardonnay, having wide appeal among | | | | creamy sauces. |
| most wine connoisseurs, is also perfect for | | | | For spicy foods, Shiraz is a fiery complement. It |
| serving along with rich tasting courses, especially | | | | has a peppery taste that will greatly enhance the |
| those that have creamy sauces. Sauvignon Blanc, | | | | flavor in barbeques, roasts, and chili or spicy |
| while not as dry as Chardonnay, still makes | | | | dishes. |
| excellent company with salads, shrimp, and fish | | | | For a hearty, full taste, look no further than |
| due to its fruity nature. | | | | Chianti. Chianti is the best wine to accompany |
| White wines are perfect for starting off an | | | | tomato dishes and poultry. It is wonderfully |
| evening on the right foot, and are also wonderful | | | | versatile in having varied range in price and quality. |
| for toasts and special occasions. Champagne is a | | | | During some occasions you may want to prepare |
| regular fixture at weddings and is indispensable at | | | | servings of both red and white wine, and have |
| such occasions. | | | | your guests sample which they would have for |
| 2. Red Wines - red wines are great for main | | | | the rest of the evening. Most people choose their |
| courses and are typically served during the latter | | | | drinks early on and keep them until the end of |
| part of any occasion. Their full bodied nature | | | | the reception. |