Party reds & whites

WINE:Here's a starter list of decent, not-too-pricey party wines to get the ball rolling

AS THE PARTY SEASON gets into full swing, it is time to look at what wine to serve. The good news is that wine prices have never been so competitive, and there are plenty of easy-drinking fruity wines on offer that wont break the bank. I know times are tough, but as argued here before, spending a euro or two more will allow you to serve something that your guests will enjoy, rather than ditch in the nearest potted plant. Any defects in a wine will be magnified when served without food, so be careful. In most cases, this means spending around €10, although if your party is more select, be prepared to spend up to €15.

The key to party wines, red or white, is to find wines with plenty of fruit. While all whites certainly need a bit of crisp acidity, too much will grate on an empty stomach. A little bit of residual sugar is not a bad idea either, as this softens the wine. Steer clear of reds that have too much alcohol or dry tannins, as they will be difficult to stomach on their own. Serving canapes is always a very good idea; it helps soak up the alcohol and smoothes out any tannins.

Keep an eye on the temperature you serve the wine at. An ice-cold white wine will not taste of anything, so put them outside overnight if your fridge is full of food. Red wines should be at room temperature, so bring them into a warm room the night before. Lastly, make sure to have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to hand for those who are driving, or don’t drink. There are plenty of sparkling fruit drinks available that are so much better than plain water.

BOTTLES OF THE WEEK

Philippe Michel Crémant du Jura 2008, 12%, €9.99You could go for a Prosecco, but many of the less expensive versions are not great. This is a very tasty alternative. Made from 100 per cent Chardonnay, it will certainly get your party going with a real sparkle, with its crisp, green-apple fruits and lemony acidity. It may be a little retro, but a Kir Royale, sparkling wine with a drop or two of Crème de Cassis, always helps soften that acidity a little. Stockist: Aldi

Les Chapellières Blanc 2009, IGT Comté Tolosan, 11.5%, €8.99Nervy, fresh and crisp, with an aromatic nose, and ample green fruits. This is a wine to please the Sauvignon-lovers, even though it contains none. Stockists: La Touche Wines Greystones; The Market, Stepaside; KCR Wine Store, Terenure; Hole in the Wall, Blackhorse Avenue; Brady's Wine Store, Baker's Corner; Silver Granite, Palmerstown; Bin No 9, Goatstown; Morton's, Salthill; JJ O'Driscoll's, Ballinlough, Co Cork; The Kitchen and Foodhall, Portlaoise; O'Neill's, Carrickmacross

Domaine de Pellehaut, Harmonie de Gascogne 2009, 12%, €9.95I recommended this earlier in the year for summer drinking, but it is perfect for any large gathering. Fresh, light and packed full of juicy ripe, green fruits, this will put your party guests in great form straight away. Stockists: Mitchell Son, Chq Building, IFSC and Glasthule; Anderson's, Glasnevin; Bin No 9, Goatstown; French Flair, Tralee

Tim Adams Pinot Gris, Clare Valley, Australia, 12.5%, €11.35A little bit on the pricey side, but the wine is fantastic value, and great to serve with a wide variety of nibbles. Fresh and vibrant with luscious melons and pears with a zippy citrus finish. Stockist: Tesco

SQ Classic Valpolicella, 12.5%, €7Light and free of any drying tannins, Valpolicella makes great party fare. This has very decent, dark cherry fruits, a little bite of acidity, and not a tannin in sight. Great value. Stockist: Superquinn

Brouilly Cuvée de Tête 2009, 13%, €11.792009 is a great vintage for Beaujolais. This Brouilly has seriously delicious refreshing cherry fruits and a tannin-free finish. Perfect for a slightly posh party. Stockist: Marks Spencer

Terrana Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2008, 13%, €10.95Provided they aren't too tannic, the wines of the Abruzzo make for perfect party wines. This has supple, dark cherry and liquorice fruits with an attractive warmth. Easy and rounded, this is very drinkable on its own, but would also go nicely with lighter meat dishes. Stockists: 64 Wine, Glasthule; Lilac Wines, Fairview

Marques de Aldaz, Navarra 2009, 13.5%, €7.99A great winter-warmer bursting with rich, ripe cherry and plum fruits and a wonderfully smooth finish. This would go down a treat at drinks parties, but is also big enough to handle most red meats, too. Stockist: O'Briens

DIARY DATES

Simply Wines has been holding its first Christmas Wine Fair in its warehouse on the Ballyogan Road in Dublin 18. The final day is today, see simplywines.ie for further details. Curious Wines has a wine fair in its new warehouse on Kinsale Road, Cork today, from noon. curiouswines.ie. Gibney’s of Malahide will hold its annual Wine Fair next Wednesday, in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, from 6-10pm, with a 20 per cent discount on all wines. gibneys.com or tel: 01-8450606