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.
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.
Courtesy of wine Market Council. For more information, visit www.wineanswers.com