May 1, 2011. Paul Hixon
Every wedding reception needs a round or two of wine among all the partygoers for relaxation as well as inspiration in giving the wedding speeches and toasts, and what better drink to serve your guests than white wine and champagne? Their golden colours give a nice sparkle to the whole occasion, unlike the deeper and more sombre hues of red wine. Not everyone has a taste for champagne, so serving white wine too will be much appreciated by your guests.
Since white wine and champagne are best served chilled, you can even serve them in the same glasses for less muss and fuss. Serve your guests white wine and champagne in beautiful wedding champagne flutes, and hear the congratulations and well wishes pour in for you and your lucky groom.
White wines worth serving include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris. You may need to shop and taste around to find the wine you like, but these three should give you a good start. Good Chardonnays like Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet won’t disappoint you, but you could try more affordable Chardonnay produced from California, Chile or South Africa. New Zealand and Chile also produces good Sauvignon Blanc wines such as Brancott Vineyards, Cloudy Bay and Casa Silva.
Some of the best champagne houses are Bollinger, Dom Perignon, Louis Roederer, Moet et Chandon, Mumm and Veuve Clicquot. As with white wine, you may need to do a little research to settle your preferences, but these well-known houses are the best way to go. Remember that white wine and champagne need tall, thin, chilled glasses. Serving them in the big large glasses most suited for reds will cause them to dissipate and lose aroma and flavour too quickly. Serve your guests wine in affordable yet pretty crystal champagne glasses for a special wedding celebration.
Updated May 1, 2011. Published April 7, 2011. Paul Hixon
