How to choose wine for any occasion - from a connoisseur's gift to a party

Do you often have to face the dilemma of choosing wine when you have guests, for example? Everyone's tastes are different, and finding something universal becomes an almost insoluble task. And here you are standing in a wine shop among all this endless variety of countries and beautiful labels and... you have no idea what to do with it all. You want to please your friends and not offend yourself.

Or, for example, you have been invited by a managing partner or an investor, who is also a great wine connoisseur and collector, and you can't fall flat: you need to find something very special and unusual.

In such cases, everyone does things differently: someone looks at Vivino ratings, someone simply buys what he likes himself in the hope that everyone else will also like it, and someone very carefully studies ratings and reviews on the websites of wine critics and experts.

To keep wine selection from becoming a headache, I've compiled a list of great wines for any occasion, whether it's a party with friends, a visit to my parents, or an anniversary gift.

This is the one time when you can't get away with a semi-sweet red from the supermarket on sale. A true wine gourmet would rather learn the year and region of the wine you give him than your date of birth.

To avoid getting it wrong, you need to choose a wine with history, character and aging potential.

What to buy: 

- Barolo Riserva DOCG (e.g. Vietti Barolo Riserva Villero) is an Italian classic for fans of great tannins.

- Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé from Château Pichon Baron or Château Lynch-Bages is always solid and appropriate.

- Dom Pérignon Vintage or Krug Grande Cuvée. By gifting a prestigious champagne, you are sure to leave the right impression. Tip: a magnum and a beautiful wooden box are recommended;

Wine should be as cozy and warm as a mother's care - soft, unobtrusive and very pleasant.

What to buy: 

- A light white such as Riesling Kabinett from Germany by Dr. Loosen Blue Slate. This slightly fruity and refreshing wine is a favorite of my mother.

- Whispering Angel Rosé from Provence. You can even drink it with olivier, and the color is beautiful.

- Red Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir: soft, berry, light wine. If you need something sweeter, try the semi-dry Solco Lambrusco dell'Emilia Semisecco 2024 from Paltrinieri. You'll be surprised at how good Lambrusco can be.

The scenario: a noisy apartment, a fancy playlist and guests drinking whatever you have. I think the key here is to have a friendly, understandable and versatile wine.

What to buy: 

- White Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough from Cloudy Bay or Villa Maria is fresh and still a win-win;

- If you want a fruity and simple red, you can choose, for example, Castello di Ama's Chianti Classico DOCG or Trapiche Oak Cask's Malbec from Argentina.

- Sparkling Cava Brut Reserva or Cremant de Loire.

Plaid, glasses, baguette, cheese - and you lie on the grass, feeling at least a hero of a French movie.

What to bring with you:

- A pink from Provence, Minuty Rosé or M de Minuty is the perfect companion to prosciutto, cheeses and berries.

- Vinho Verde Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde. It is a light wine with bubbles, drinkable like lemonade.

- A Domaine Hoppenot Fleurie Origines red that can and should be drunk slightly chilled.

Candles, some cheese and strawberries... Wine is the main ally of romance.

What to choose:

- Champagne or a quality sparkling wine. For example, Bollinger Special Cuvée or Cremant de Loire.

- Reds are pinot noir from Meiomi Wines or Bachelet-Monnot Bourgogne Rouge.

- White. Here you need something elegant, like Chablis Premier Cru from Domaine Bernard Defaix.

For this occasion, you need to pick something photogenic and easy to drink long, photograph beautifully, and not suffer in the morning.

What will fit:

- Rosé Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé pink sparkling wine, but Martini Prosecco Rosé is also an option.

For those who like sweetness (why not?), Moscato d'Asti would be a great alternative. For example, from La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia.

For example, when I went to Franciacorta to explore the local wineries, I was very pleased with the idea of a mini format from La Montina Franciacorta. Instead of the standard and to everyone familiar shape, they came up with a flat bottle resembling a flask. When I asked "why?", I was told, "It's perfect for a ladies purse". I think it's a brilliant solution!

It depends on the style of the company. But usually it's meat, pizza and "that's when we..." conversations.

What will fit:

- A red with character - zinfandel from California from Ravenswood or Ridge. Or another option is Penfolds Max's Shiraz from Australia.

If you want "something stronger," you can grab a port wine or a good single malt whiskey.

Ribs, burgers, sausages, charcoal and friends who claim to know better how to grill steaks. You need a wine with powerful flavors and good tannins.

What will fit:

- Malbec from Argentina Catena Zapata Malbec.

- Spanish Rioja, such as Marques de Riscal Reserva.

- Zinfandel or primitivo would work too - they're very friendly with the smoke.

Lifehack: the red can be slightly chilled, because it's hot around the campfire.

For this occasion, you need a neutral, high-quality (mandatory) and understandable wine that no one will discuss for too long. Wine should not be the main character of the evening, so you need something as clear and neutral as possible.

What to get:

- White - Instead of a win-win Italian pinot grigio, try going for its German Grauburgunder brother, such as Emil Bauer Grauburgunder. 

- The red is a Chilean merlot, such as Montes Classic Series.

- Sparkling - Prosecco DOC from Zonin has been tested at many corporate parties. Light, fruity and goes down a treat!

Foam overboard, wind in my hair, "come on, let's take pictures". I want light "bubbles" and something refreshing.

What to choose:

- It's a good champagne. If your budget allows, go for Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label. I think the label perfectly matches the white of the yacht and the deep blue of the sea. Alternatively, go for a fresh albariño, such as Martin Codax Albariño, or even a light Muscadet or Verdicchio.

Everyone has those days when things are difficult. In this case, you open a bottle just for you. Well deserved!

What's perfect. A glass of rich amarone (such as Masi Costasera). Or a glass of Sauternes or Tocai - golden, aromatic and sweet;

It may sound trite, but whatever bottle of wine you choose, the main thing is to have people at the table with whom you want to share it. No wine, even the rarest and most expensive, can make the evening special without good company, sincere conversations and laughter to tears. The rest is just a matter of taste.

This article was AI-translated and verified by a human editor