Living in New York City, you’ll probably be asked to bring a bottle of wine to a dinner party sooner or later. If you’re not familiar with wine, this can be a difficult task. Looking in a NYC Liquor Store, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the dozens of options that are available and you may be completely unsure what’s appropriate within in your budget. Below are some simple tips to help you make a stress-free selection that’s sure to impress.
Think About the Menu
Most wine is meant to be enjoyed with a meal, and some types of wine pair better with certain dishes than others. If you know what food is being served, look to the menu to help you select your wine. Fish and chicken goes best with white whines like Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, while meats like beef and lamb will be complemented by heavier reds like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. If dessert is being served, opt for a sweeter wine like White Zinfandel or a sherry.
Remember Serving Temperatures
If you’re getting your wine at the last minute, remember that some varietals need chilled before they’re ready to be served. According to Wine Enthusiast magazine, white wines should be chilled to 45 to 52 degrees to enhance their flavor. If there’s no time to chill your wine before dinner, you may want to opt for a wine that can be served at room temperature instead. Merlot and Pinot Noir are two reds that do well at room temperature.
Stick With the Classics
Certain “Old World” wines from specific regions of Italy and France are well-known for their superior taste and timeless appeal. If you’re stuck, you’ll have great success choosing one of these classic wines. Look for a Syrah or Viognier from France or a Moscato or Barbera from Italy when you’re at the NYC Liquor Store.
Don’t Worry About Price
A great bottle of wine doesn’t have to cost hundreds of dollars. Most wine enthusiasts agree that there are plenty of winning wines that are priced under $20 a bottle. If budget is an issue, look for wines from Chile, Australia, Argentina and the California growing region of the U.S. These areas have produced consistently good efforts in recent years at an affordable price.