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Dinner parties are tricky because you want everything to be perfect. Unfortunately, it seems that everything that can go wrong will go wrong. The wine is no exception. With all of the choices out there, how do you know which one to pick?

You don't need to be a wine expert to properly pair wine with your dinner party menu, but a little knowledge goes a long way. So let's look at the different types of wine and the food you should pair them with.

White wine is usually light and refreshing

Remember that light and refreshing are the keywords here. You don't want a white wine that is too heavy or sweet. A good rule of thumb is to match the weight of the wine with the weight of the food. So, if you are serving a light fish or chicken dish, go for a lighter white wine like a Pinot Grigio. If you are serving a heartier dish, like pasta with a cream sauce, you can go for a slightly heavier white wine, like a Chardonnay.

White wine is also a good choice for spicy food. The acidity in white wine helps balance out the spices' heat. Pairing white wine with spicy food can be a bit tricky, though. If the dish is too spicy, the wine will make it hotter. But, on the other hand, the wine will taste flat if the dish is not spicy enough. So, you need to find a happy medium.

Red wine is usually fuller bodied

Again, the key word here is "fuller bodied." You don't want a red wine that is too light or too fruity. A heavier red wine will stand up to heartier dishes, like steak or lamb. If you serve a lighter dish, like chicken or fish, you can go for a lighter red wine, like a Pinot Noir.

Another thing to keep in mind when pairing red wine with food is the tannins. Tannins are what give red wine its astringent, bitter taste. They also can soften and round out the flavors of food. So, if you are serving a dish high in tannins, like a steak that has been grilled rare, you might want to go for a red wine that is high in tannins, like a Cabernet Sauvignon. Conversely, if you are serving a dish that is low in tannins, like a fish that has been poached, you might want to go for a red wine that is low in tannins, like a Merlot.

Sparkling wine is an excellent choice for special occasions

Sparkling wine is always a good choice for a special occasion. It's festive, it's fun, and it pairs well with just about anything. If you are serving a light dish, like sushi or salads, you can go for a sparkling wine on the drier side, like a Brut. If you are serving a heartier dish, like pasta or chicken, you can offer a sparkling wine on the sweeter side, like a Demi-Sec.

Dessert wine is the perfect way to end a meal

There are many different types of dessert wine, so it's easy to find one that pairs well with your favorite dessert. If you are serving a light dessert, like fruit or sorbet, you can go for a dessert wine that is on the drier side, like a Muscat. If you are serving a heartier dessert, like cake or pie, you can go for a dessert wine on the sweeter side, like a Port.

Now that you know the basics of wine pairing, you can start planning your next dinner party with confidence. Choose the perfect https://boozebythebox.com.hk wine for your menu and watch as your guests rave about the food and the wine. Cheers!