When it comes to what to serve with dinner at weddings, wine is a must. And odds are that this past year, wine nights have become part of your weekly (ahem, daily?!) ritual, too. If you’re planning a micro-wedding, chances go up that you’ll have a bigger hand in choosing the specific bottles. We talked to the master of wine at the largest family-owned winery in the world, E. & J. Gallo, for his expert recommendations when it comes to spring wines that are well-suited for all of the micro-weddings on the horizon.
Below are E. & J. Gallo director of global sourcing and master of wine Nicholas Paris’s top picks:
“A wedding just isn’t a wedding without a bit of bubbles, and J Cuvée 20 Brut is perfect for your spring celebration,” Paris says. “Graceful and lively with notes of citrus and pear. Pair this versatile sparkler with everything from canapés to cake.”
Fleur de Mer Côtes de Provence Rosé
“Bring the lavender fields of the French seaside to your big day with a glass of Fleur de Mer Rosé,” Paris recommends. “The perfect addition to cocktail hour, its crisp and refreshing style also pairs perfectly with a range of dinner entrees, making it an easy choice to sip throughout the night.”
William Hill Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay (2017)
“A must have for nearly any celebration, William Hill Estate’s Napa Valley Chardonnay is smooth and elegantly balanced with aromas of butterscotch and praline leading to beautifully integrated layers of baked pear, peach, and toasted coconut,” Paris says.
“What’s not to love about this aptly named Pinot Noir for your romantic soiree?” Paris asks. “Perfect for spring, Talbott’s Kali Hart is an elegant rendering of its cool climate origins in the Santa Lucia Highlands and truly represents the beauty of Pinot Noir.”
“Fondly referred to as the king of reds, Cabernet Sauvignon is a staple of any dinner party filled with crisp nights and bold flavors,” Paris states. “Louis M. Martini’s Napa Valley Cabernet is densely layered showcasing plush notes of cherry cobbler and wild blackberries backed by hints of cedar and fresh herbs.”