Apparently, DIY social settings, including home bars and curated ‘third spaces’ (whatever they are) are becoming more prevalent – must be true as I just read it online!
I think the point is – that staying in is still the new going out, and we still want to share the occasion with good friends, just as we would if we were headed to a bar or restaurant.
So, what to offer when friends drop round?
However, whilst it’s all very well to offer a range of wines t – you don’t want to end up with a raft of half empty bottles. If you know everyone’s tastes then that can help, but some people (like me), enjoy all sorts of different wines and despite what could be a hankering for Riesling one day, could turn into a yearning for a Chardonnay the next.
Perhaps you stick with offering a red or white or go one step further and propose a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Noir. If you’re feeling plenty of ‘joie de vivre’, then maybe two white wines – polar opposites such as a Sauvignon Blanc (vibrant, fruity and crisp) and a Pinot Gris (textural, orchard fruit and easy-going) and for the red – Pinot Noir!
Whilst there are many who love big chewy reds; preference for these styles has dropped off in favour of lighter, more gentle styles. These latter wines are perfect as a glass on their own, or with any number of dishes. You don’t have to have a chunky wine with a steak, a lighter red will be just as delicious. And yes, by lighter, I’m talking Pinot Noir.
So why is Pinot Noir ‘lighter’? Mainly because it has thinner skins than Syrah/Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Given that they are responsible for the wine’s colour and the tannins – it stands to reason that thinner skins mean less of both. And that can often mean a more accessible, approachable and enjoyable wine experience, certainly if just having a glass with friends in the early evening.
Why not order the perfect mixed case and get social at your place?
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