As the Christmas party season starts in earnest, a few ideas on what wines to serve. The first question is always how much to buy. The answer is: it all depends on your friends. Are they guzzlers who will stay for hours, drinking the house dry, or a more genteel group who will slowly sip a glass of wine before departing early? I would guess that most guests fall somewhere in between those two categories.
As a rough guide I would allow half a bottle of wine per person, the equivalent of three large glasses. Unless you are serving a meal, I would buy more white wine than red and go for lighter wines too.
However, gone are the days when you could offer a choice of one white wine and one red along with sparkling water at a drinks party. Our drinking has become much more sophisticated, and many parties now also feature cocktails, beer and alcohol-free options.
It is likely that a number of your guests will not be drinking alcohol, so make sure you have some interesting alternatives to offer them. A good mocktail will go down well, as will alcohol-free beers, kombucha as well as an alcohol-free wine. I find the sparkling versions the best.
As well as the wine, I would buy in one can of beer for every two guests (preferably an IPA), plenty of sparkling water, some kombucha and the ingredients for a good mocktail.
It is always better to over-order a little even if it means you have leftovers. If you buy from a shop that rents glasses and offers wine on a sale or return basis, you can save yourself a lot of worry and return any unused wine.
Specially Selected Muscadet de Sèvre & Maine sur lie 2023
11.5%, €9.99
Light and fresh with plump ripe green apple fruits and a dry finish. Drink by itself or with snacks.
From Aldi
Soplo 2023, Rafael Cambra, Valencia
12%, €16.50
A light, refreshing white wine with very appealing pear and apple fruits. Perfect party wine.
From TheNudeWineCo.ie; A Taste of Spain, D2; Lilith, D7; Gibney’s, Malahide; Redmond’s, D6; Lilliput, D7
Paòni Merlot 2023, Veneto
12.5%, €9.99
Light, supple, easy plum and dark cherry fruits. Perfect sipping wine with light canapés.
From Lidl
Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Rouge 2023, IGP Pays de Hérault
13%, €14.95
A fleshy, herb-scented wine with fresh dark fruits and light tannins on the finish. A great party wine or with your midweek dinner.
From Sheridans Cheesemongers; McCurtain, Cork; Kitchen Stories, Ballydehob; Mitchell & Son, Sandycove and The Vaults, D2; Ely Wine Store, Maynooth
