“What temperature is it there?” “74 degrees.” “Is it sunny?” “Yes.” “We should go visit. I just can’t take another four months of winter!” Many adventures are spurred by a need. The need in this case was to escape 30+ years of living through endless New England Winters, and after some research a trip to Pensacola was booked. During the third evening, while having dinner outside (it was 74 degrees) at a downtown restaurant, watching the sun set on Pensacola Bay the idea was solidified; “We are moving here!” Jump forward one year and our travelers have purchased a house and are moving in before the holidays. On the second evening after moving in the couple living next door walks over and introduces themselves. Upon finding out that our new Pensacolians would be alone for the holidays, the neighbors invite them over for Christmas dinner. “Can we bring anything?” asked our intrepid new Pensacolians. The neighbor’s response; “Just bring a bottle or two of some nice wine.”
If you are one of those who can instantly feel the fear set in then you are not alone! If you have ever been in a similar situation: in charge of drinks for the holiday office party, or the first time hosting the family holiday dinner as the daughter-in-law and his parents LOVE wine, but your husband’s only answer is “they drink everything,” then you may have experienced a similar, dreadful, feeling. “WHAT DO I BUY?!?” Well, fear not! Here are a few words of wisdom that will keep you from spiraling down into the winter abyss of despair, and instead help make you the toast of the evening.
First and foremost, know your audience and occasion. Do some research. Do your neighbors regularly drink Yellow Tail, OR have you heard them say “Southern Rhône,” or “Red Mountain” while swirling their wine? Does your mother-in-law always like to start with a white? Will your office mates or uncle just try to get drunk as fast as possible? Will there be food, and if so, what? A few simple cue words will probably be all that is needed to get you started down the right path. For the larger occasions such as the office party or first-time family holiday dinner host I recommend a white and a red that are middle of the road in intensity and have lower relative alcohol. A good example would be a Pinot Gris and a Tempranillo. The balance of acid, fruit, and minerality will complement most foods and the lower alcohol level will keep your guests from heading under the table too soon. For more intimate affairs a little more attention to the menu would be in order. BUT, while trying to pull off the perfect wine-to-food pairing is always a noble challenge, it is not the most important aspect of what wine to bring.
Bring a wine that you like! NEVER take a wine to any function that you would not drink. This is not the time for experimentation. Be able to talk about your wine, even in the simplest of terms, BUT DON’T TALK ABOUT WHAT IT SHOULD TASTE LIKE!! What if you taste dark plum in your favorite wine but your mother-in-law tastes bitter red cherries? Well, you have just entered the conflict zone! Instead talk about where it’s from and maybe another fact that YOU might find interesting about the wine, keeping it simple. Example: “This is a red blend from the Douro in Portugal. It has many of the same grapes that they make Port wine from.” After everyone tries some then you can talk about what everyone tasted. Ensure that you tell everyone that it is okay to taste different things. This will give everyone, including yourself, an out. Everyone tastes differently, so Be Confident in what you taste and Be Comfortable with sharing what you taste.
So how did the new neighbors do at the first Pensacola dinner? Well, the husband, upon hearing “Just bring a bottle or two of some nice wine,” responded with “We don’t drink…” Happy Holidays and Cheers to a good season!