Wedding & Party Wines

Описание: In this week's episode of 'The Wine Down', ‪@theindependent‬ wine columnist Rosamund Hall recommends some great wines for a wedding or a large party.

Ultimately, the most important factor in wines for a wedding or party is pleasure. Make sure you’re selecting the wine with the best crowd-appeal and most character possible – your guests will be very grateful for the extra thought.

Follow Rosamund on Instagram ‪@rosamundhall6544‬

Here’s a selection of wines that might just get the party started…

L'Extra par Langlois', Langlois-Chateau, Crémant de Loire Brut, France, NV,
Available from Majestic £12 (mixed six), £13.50 (single bottle) 12.5 per cent ABV
Cremant is the perfect option when you’re catering for a large crowd and don’t want to compromise on quality. Langlois-Chateau is owned by Bollinger (you might have heard of their Champagne), and the know-how and expertise in making a great sparkling wine is certainly evident in this bottle. Made in the same method as champagne out of chenin blanc and a touch of chardonnay. Its delicate bubbles deliver beautiful aromas and flavours of fresh citrus, green apples and a warming toasty note. A super option for welcome drinks, toasts and everything in between.

Les Filets, Piquepoul Terret Blanc, IGP Cotes de Thau, France, 2023,
Available from Waitrose, £10 (on offer for £8 until 20 May), 12 per cent ABV
Picpoul is a great crowd-pleasing wine, which is always a consistently good quality for the money. This example is blended with terret, an ancient white grape varietal from Languedoc Rousillon. It is a harmonious combination of lemons and peaches, which gives it both a refreshing and uplifting note with a soft mouth feel. Just lovely.

Famille Brocard ‘Belle Margote’ Bourgogne Chardonnay, France, 2022,
Available from Majestic £15 (mixed six) £16 (single bottle), ABV 12.5 per cent
If you’re looking for a white wine with a little more finesse and structure, but don’t want to pay high end Burgundy prices, then this is a perfect choice. This one hundred per cent chardonnay is made by the Brocard family who use large amounts of organic and biodynamic grapes in the blend. They’re a famous Chablis producer, and this bottle displays heaps of chablis’esque characteristics and at a more affordable price. It’s rippling with lemon citrus curd, a honeyed touch and a gentle buttery note too. It’s generous in the mouth, and long on the finish. I’d be delighted if this was being poured at any wedding or party I was invited to.

Réserve des Vignerons, Saumur cabernet Franc, Loire, France 2023,
Available from The Coop £10.75, ABV 13 per cent
Cabernet franc might not be the immediate choice for a wedding wine as it can be a little bristly and green at times. However, this example, made by a very respected cooperative in Saumur in the Loire Valley is just so enticing and appealing. It’s brimming with ripe strawberries, plump red cherries and a little hint of sweet spice too, the tannins are super-smooth and the alcohol is perfectly balanced. This could happily be enjoyed as a glass on its own, but it’s also wonderfully food versatile too.

Quinta da Alorna 'Lutra' Tinto, Tejo, Portugal 2023,
Available from The Wine Society, £8.75, 13 per cent ABV
For sheer value for money, Portugal never fails to deliver, and this wine is the perfect embodiment of that from the ever-impressive Tejo region. A blend of Portuguese indigenous varietals touriga nacional, castelão, and trincadeira, it’s just bursting with appealing character – expect a barrage of ripe red plums, generous blackberries, supple smooth tannins and such moreish, concentrated juicy fruit which is effortlessly enjoyable. It’s a perfect party pour, and all for under ten pounds!