Andrea Immer's Classic Cocktail Party Wine and Food Pairings -

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Andrea Immer's Classic Cocktail Party Wine and Food Pairings

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By Andrea Immer

Posted August 6th, 2007

Andrea Immer is the author of Great Wine Made Simple: Straight Talk from a Master Sommelier, (2000, Broadway)

Great Wine Made Simple: Straight Talk from a Master Sommelier

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 cr?me 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.