As the clock ticks down to the New Year, the celebrations are heating up with parties, lavish spreads, and, of course, a glass of wine to toast to fresh beginnings. Choosing the perfect wine can elevate your New Year’s Eve experience, but with countless options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Indian wine experts are here to simplify the task, offering practical tips for selecting wines that suit your menu, mood, and festive spirit.
Pairing Wine with Your Menu
Food and wine pairings can make or break your dinner table experience. Gorakh Gaikwad, winemaker and COO at Sula Vineyards suggests starting with the basics. For light appetizers like bruschetta or salads, a crisp and refreshing white wine such as The Source Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice. Its zesty notes complement lighter fare, creating a harmonious balance.
For richer main courses like roasted meats or gravies, Gaikwad recommends a bold red wine like Rasa Shiraz. Known for its depth and complexity, it can hold its own alongside hearty dishes. And for those who want to end the evening on a sparkling note, The Source Moscato adds a touch of sweetness, perfect for toasts and desserts.
Sumit Jaiswal, COO at Grover Zampa Vineyards, echoes the importance of aligning your wine choice with the emotion of the moment. He suggests beginning the evening with sparkling wine, such as the Grover Soiree or LA Réserve Sparkling, to set a celebratory tone. For those with a preference for Indian flavours, Jaiswal points out that off-dry wines like their Art Collection Chenin Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon pair well with Indian palates, offering a versatile choice for diverse menus.
Matching Wines to the Festive Spirit
New Year’s Eve isn’t just about the food — it’s about the vibe. White wines like VA White Viognier Réservé or LA Réserve Blanc pair beautifully with poultry and fish dishes, while reds such as Chene Tempranillo Shiraz and La Reserve Red make an excellent match for red meats, tandoori dishes, or barbecues. For those craving something unique, Jaiswal recommends a mulled wine like One Tree Hill, which adds a warm, cozy touch to winter celebrations.
Busting Common Wine Myths
Wine culture involves many false beliefs that are sometimes refuted. Among the most prevalent and not true, as pointed out by Jaiswal, is the mistaken assumption that every wine becomes more delightful with age. “Not all wines are meant to be aged,” he says. Rather, much of it is produced to be like food which is best eaten straight away, and a minority of them will turn out to be even better for all the efforts they are made to age. He cautions that for a home to keep a wine that long will not necessarily result in a better one.
Another myth is that the only good red wine is the one served at room temperature. Jaiswal invalidates this idea by telling them that ”room temperature” actually ranges from 13°C to 18°C, rather than the basic temperature of your house. To obtain the best flavour, he recommends that you cool the red wine slightly before you intend to consume it.
Cheers to New Beginnings
Choosing a wine that will impress your guests on New Year’s Eve is not as hard as you think. With these trusted hints, you can create an environment that fits the upbeat atmosphere of the event. The right wine selection – be it a toast with the bubbly one, a glass of a robust red wine, or a fruity Moscato – can add to the success of your party and make it a truly unforgettable experience. Here’s to a happy New Year full of great wine, great friends, and a start for the sparkling year!
