You are hosting friends at home, but you don't want to spend your time in the kitchen while they chat happily in your living room. A dinner aperitif is the solution! Different dishes can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy your guests all evening. However, one question remains: what should you drink with these various preparations?
Bubbles: The Classic Choice
Besides their festive aspect, bubbles are refreshing and ideal for starting your dinner aperitif on a cheerful note. The bubbles will tantalize your taste buds and stimulate your appetite. If champagne is still a bit pricey, there are plenty of sparkling wines at a reasonable price that will also bring you a lot of gustatory pleasure. You can opt for different crémants, such as those from the Loire or Burgundy, or try Cerdon de Savoie or Clairette de Die for a more indulgent version. And why not go beyond our borders? You can pour Spanish or Italian bubbles into your glass, like a round and fruity cava or a prosecco, with or without residual sugars. The first resembles a tangy candy, while the sugar-free version will bring freshness and minerality.
Charcuterie, Cheese, and Rosé: Summer Flavors
Charcuterie plates are very popular during aperitifs; they require little preparation, are easy to eat with your fingers, and are filling. The same goes for cheese plates, which pair well with charcuterie. Instead of opting for a classic light red or a full-bodied white, mix things up with a more original and summery pairing: a lovely rosé. Now is the season to enjoy it! You have plenty of options: Coteaux de Provence, Bandol, Tavel, Cabernet d'Anjou, and more.
Raw Vegetables and Dips: Freshness Above All!
When the temperature rises, we crave light and fresh foods. Raw vegetables paired with dips—various sauces—are a good option and allow you to vary the taste sensations. To accompany this type of dish, it's best to keep freshness in the glass as well. The best choice would be to opt for a range of dry and fruity white wines. You could go for grape varieties like Chenin, with its aromas of white fruits (apple and pear) slightly honeyed with a touch of acidity, or Vermentino, expressing notes of green almonds, mild spices, hawthorn, and fresh pineapple for a sunnier version.
And What About Red Wine?
If your dinner aperitif takes on a Spanish twist with a range of tapas, red wine is a must. These types of dishes have more pronounced flavors and therefore require a more robust wine to accompany them. You can stay in the Spanish vibe with a Rioja or a Penedès. Another option is to choose wines from southern regions, such as Corsica, Languedoc, or Provence.