SEO Content Writing - Wine

Wine: Red or White — Things to Know Before Buying European Wine

Because You’d Want to Look Like an Expert

So, you want to bring a bottle of wine to that dinner party this weekend. Before you get just any bottle of vino off the shelf, here are a few things you need to know.

First of all, what’s on the menu? This is crucial, as you don't want to ruin a delicious plate of grilled bass with a glass of Shiraz. Shiraz and grilled bass just don’t go well together.

Red wines are bolder and richer than whites, making them ideal for robust dishes. If red wine is partnered with delicate cuisine, like shrimp salad or sautéed bok choy, the heavier notes will suppress lighter flavours, resulting in an unpleasant aftertaste.

Bold reds, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Malbec, make a great match with red meat (e.g. beef, lamb, venison) and hard cheeses (e.g. Gouda, Gruyere, Pecorino).

If soft cheeses are served, instead of bold red wine, you can pop open a bottle of a dessert wine, such as Port, Sherry and Muscat. Dessert wines pair brilliantly with desserts and light appetizers.

If the host is serving root vegetables (e.g. carrots, turnips, radishes) or squashes (e.g. pumpkin, butternut, chayote), then Rosé shall be the go-to wine.

White wines tend to be more light and airy than red wines, making them ideal for lighter, earthier dishes. However, the general airiness of the green grape will be too delicate for some dishes, like spaghetti bolognaise and lamb chop.

Are you having shellfish (e.g. lobster, crab, prawns) or mollusks (e.g. oyster, clams, mussels)? Dry white wine, such as Sémillon, Chardonnay and Roussanne, would be delicious with them.

The fresh notes of the green grapes in white wine will taste well with the sweetness and lightness of the seafood.

There’s a type of wine that is basically a Joker card of wines, which is sparkling wine, such as Champagne, Prosecco and Cava. You can bring sparkling wine to any dinner party as sparkling wines pair excellently with any dish and refreshes the palate.

Now go impress the dinner party and buy the perfect bottle of wine at European Winestore. You’ll find all the great European wines here. Bon appétit!