What kind of wine???

Allen Denton · 01-15-2003, 10:30 AM

This is not a wild game question but I have a dinner this weekend and I have been asked to bring wine. It is not fancy but nice. The guy is making homemade pasta with a red sauce and peppers and onions. He is Italian and make a great dinner. What type of wine should I take?

CAPT BRAD · 01-15-2003, 01:52 PM

A good Merlot. Not expensive. About $8 a bottle will be just fine. Concha y Toro is a good choice. Casarsa is another.
Look at what's on sell at Safeway.
Merlot is good with pasta with red sauce.
To really impress them, also take a chardonnay for before dinner BS'n
And a chablis for dessert.

Good Luck. Capt Brad.

Allen Denton · 01-16-2003, 07:30 AM

Thanks, I will check it out.

MATTITO · 01-17-2003, 05:21 PM

OK this is all I've learned from a few years of waitering and bartending at a fine restaurant, as well as numerous trips to Napa for "taste testing".

If you know your friend's tastes or favorites go with that. If they are a wine afficianado than the Merlots or Cab's are great. Some very serious wine drinkers like the really dry whites so it just depends. However if they are not big wine drinkers than you should stick to a something that isn't so bold like a Reisling (Gray or Johanasburg (sp)). Those are wines that are very tasty to the beginner and go with about any meal. They might not be robust enough for serious wine drinkers, but they will still drink them. On the other hand a very strong Merlot or Cab can be a miserable experience for a newer wine drinker.

The feeling around here is to just drink what you like, you don't need to force a dark red upon yourself just because you are eating steak etc. Good luck and please designate a driver.

Striper Phil · 01-19-2003, 07:32 AM

Mattito has some good advice. But these people are springing for dinner so don't try to find a good cheep wine, it exists but you probably will not find it. This said go for a reserve Chianti about $18 - $20 a bottle should insure a good wine. As Mattito said if you know they aren't wine drinkers go with his advice.

One Shot one kill Striper Phil

I enjoyed Nappa also!!