Buying wine for a special dinner

Which wine should you buy for a special dinner?

Whether in the company of friends, with family, or alongside the person with whom you wish to spend the rest of your life—few dinners truly qualify as "special" if the food isn't paired with a wine chosen specifically for the occasion. Even many people who don’t typically drink wine have grown accustomed to savoring it during such exceptional moments. It has become so common to enjoy wine at these types of dinners that phrases like "don't worry, I'll take care of the wine" have become a standard part of the ritual surrounding these gatherings. Some people breathe a sigh of relief when someone else takes on the task of choosing the wine, while others actually enjoy taking on this little "responsibility." If you fall into the latter group, would you know how to select a wine that leaves everyone satisfied?

Choosing the wine for a special dinner

Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes—looking at things from their perspective—is a good approach before making a choice. Consider the role of the person who provides the wine for a special celebration. They might do so for various reasons: perhaps they want their guests to enjoy a new wine they’ve recently discovered, or maybe they want to share a "hidden treasure" they’ve been keeping in their cellar. Then again—since it takes all kinds to make a world—it’s also possible that offering to bring the wine is simply a way to avoid other logistical responsibilities.

In any case, when someone else has taken charge of selecting the wine, it is always best to simply enjoy the gesture and let yourself experience it without any preconceived notions. Just as you might discover a delicious, unexpected flavor when trying a dish you initially thought you wouldn't like, the same principle applies to wine. When you open your palate to new experiences, you can enjoy the unexpected. Naturally, the opposite could also happen, but it is only fair to give it the benefit of the doubt and approach the experience with an open mind. In this way, our horizons can expand, leading us to discover new flavors that might become part of our future repertoire.

Put yourself in someone else’s shoes before making a choice—wouldn’t you want others to do the same for you?

How to choose a wine for a special dinner

While everyone has their own personal approach, it is always wise to ask questions before making a decision. This logical rule—applicable to many areas of life—can help narrow down your wine search. It is just as important to know the menu planned for the occasion as it is to understand the wine preferences of your fellow diners. With this information in hand, creating a great pairing becomes much easier. You might choose a reliable wine that you have enjoyed in the past, or perhaps try a bottle that was recommended to you but which you haven’t tasted yet—allowing you to savor it in the company of people who truly matter to you.

Regardless of your choice, you might run into an unexpected snag: sometimes, after settling on a wine, you may find it isn’t as easy to acquire as you thought. Perhaps you mistakenly believed you had a bottle at home, or maybe it’s too late to head to the store—or perhaps the wine is simply sold out. You can always find an alternative to save the day, but wouldn’t it have been better to plan ahead?

Choosing based on food pairing

You can select a wine by considering various factors:

• Based on its affinity with the food: matching flavors and aromas. For example: white wine paired with seafood.
• By contrast: to balance out strong flavors.
• Based on the intensity of the food: robust dishes call for bold wines, while lighter dishes pair well with milder wines.
  
  

By type of wine and food:

Dry/young white wines (such as Albariño or Verdejo): White fish, shellfish, sushi, and seafood paellas.
Full-bodied/oaked white wines: Soft, rich cheeses, fatty fish (salmon, bonito), and poultry in sauce.
Rosé wines: Salads, mild rice dishes, and light appetizers.
Young/fruity red wines: Mild cured meats, semi-cured cheeses, pasta, and grilled white meats.
Crianza red wines: Grilled red meats, traditional stews, and cured cheeses.
Reserva/Gran Reserva red wines (powerful and mature): Game dishes, elaborate meat preparations, and well-aged or blue cheeses.
Sparkling wines (Cava or Champagne): Appetizers, shellfish, fried foods, or as an accompaniment throughout an entire meal, thanks to their palate-cleansing acidity.
Fortified wines (Fino or Manzanilla):Serrano ham, garlic shrimp, olives, *salmorejo* (chilled tomato soup), and fried fish.

At Iberowine, you can quickly and easily—and with a sense of responsibility—choose the perfect wine to surprise the people who mean the most to you. 

So, you want to enjoy that extra-special dinner? Planning ahead allows you to order the wine you’ve chosen in advance—no last-minute surprises. At Iberowine, we have curated a wide selection of Spanish wines, all readily available for you. Explore our collection and put your trust in our services.

Article developed by iberoWine