The PR Company is proud to have partnered with experienced wine communications specialist, Patricia Buurman (a trained Oenologist and Wine Communicator), to support boutique Kiwi wineries to better engage their audiences and customers and tell their brand story.
Given Patricia’s vast experience, and most people’s love of good wine, we thought we’d take advantage of her knowledge to share with you some tips and tricks to finding – and enjoying – fine wines.
As a starter, Patricia has this advice for anyone hosting guests to a dinner, and who needs to ensure the wine offerings raise smiles and not eyebrows.
We have all been there – you’re hosting a dinner party and finding yourself gazing at a plethora of wine labels in the supermarket, trying to find the perfect match for your menu. Selecting the right wine can seem daunting, but with a few simple guidelines, you can confidently pick a bottle that enhances your meal and at the same time impresses your guests.
In the first of a three-part series, this recommendation focuses on sparkling and white wines. Future newsletters will explore pairings for red wines, dessert wines, and ports.
Before browsing, decide on a budget. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend helps narrow down your options. Quality wines are available at various price points, so you don’t need to break the bank to find a great pairing.
For any celebratory event, a bottle of bubbles is a must. While French Champagne is the gold standard, there are excellent budget-friendly alternatives such as Italian Prosecco, French Crémant or a bottle of Spanish Cava. These sparkling wines, with their high acidity, pair well with salty foods such Prosciutto, smoked salmon and even potato chips.
When choosing a white wine to accompany your meal, a fundamental rule of pairing is to match the intensity and flavours of the food with the characteristics of the wine. A zesty Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with goat cheese, Thai food, seafood, and salads.
For richer dishes like creamy pasta and roast chicken, opt for a buttery Chardonnay. A crisp Pinot Gris works beautifully with sushi, light pasta dishes, and summer salads, while Friday night takeout meals such as Indian curries or Chinese cuisine go hand in hand with a bottle of Riesling.
Choosing the right wine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By considering your meal and understanding key wine characteristics, you can confidently select a bottle that enhances your dining experience.
So, next time you’re in the supermarket, take a deep breath, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, sometimes you must kiss a few frogs before you find your prince.