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Classic Cocktail Party Wines
Andrea Immer's Favorite Finger-Food and Wine Matches

Friends, family and the holidays - what better excuse to have a cocktail party complete with finger-food and great tasting wine. It's simple, just set out a variety of great tasting fruity reds and whites, like Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel or Shiraz (Syrah), and have your guests serve themselves. All you need are some all-purpose wine glasses and a few corkscrews. This method saves on hiring a bartender and makes for a more casual, comfortable atmosphere. For a real eye-opener, try these classic combinations.

CLASSIC HOLIDAY PARTY FOOD WINE SUGGESTIONS
Stilton with crackers Port is a good choice for this rich, pungent cheese.
Spicy nut mix A slightly sweet Sparkling Wine goes well with nuts and the wine's sweetness offsets the spice.
Shrimp cocktail The peachy undertones of a Riesling help handle the heat of the cocktail sauce.
Antipasto platter with smoked meats, olives and aged, hard cheeses The medium-weight, red Valpolicella balances the bold flavors of this dish.
Crab cakes A Chardonnay with its buttery undertones complements the richness of seafood.
Smoked trout on toast points with crème fraiche The herbal tones and acidity of Sauvignon Blanc provide a harmonious match.
Prosciutto and melon A dry Sparkling Wine will nicely complement the sweetness of the melon.

 

cookbook reviewsIn addition to contributing to wineanswers.com, Andrea Immer is the author of Great Tastes Made Simple: Extraordinary Food and Wine Pairing for Every Palate, Andrea Immer's Wine Buying Guide for Everyone, and Great Wine Made Simple: Straight Talk from a Master Sommelier. She is also a columnist for Esquire and other publications, and Dean of Wine Studies for the French Culinary Institute in New York. Former Beverage Director for Windows on the World in New York, Andrea now serves on the committee for the Windows of Hope Fund that raises money for the families of the Windows on the World employees affected by the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center disaster.

 

 


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