3 Secrets for Selecting the Perfect Wine, Every Time

Bri Books

Welcome to Wine Week on Bri Books! Today I'm sharing with you my 3 can't-fail secrets for selecting the perfect wine, everytime. Whether you're making a wine menu for holiday festivities or you're selecting wine for the table whilst out to dinner, these 3 tips will make you an instant Sommolier.

2:20: #1: Start and end with bubbles! In my humble opinion, bubbles are a must for any summer gathering. Served chilled, it’s a decadent way to greet your fête’s first arrivals and toast the end of the evening. I learned this trick from Sarita Cheaves, author of the VineMeUp Wine Activity Book and host behind the Swirl Suite podcast. For a wintertime bubble, I’d recommend Vigneron Luciano Saetti Rosso Viola Lambrusco Salamino, 2018 ($21), or the Opera Lambrusco di Modena. Lambrusco paired with capapes or passed hor'dourves is a great way to set the tone for the evening. PS, if you’re based in New York, shop Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits for your holiday libations! I love the team there, and I’ve been a fan since 2019. This 2020 Premier Cru from Chablis, sourced from Kings County Wines, one of my newer wine finds and obsessions in Brooklyn, is an insanely delicious chardonnay that could substitute nicely for bubbles.

5:00: #2: Learn the rules, then break them! When I say this, I’m referring to choosing wine based on my own flavor principle: the lighter the flesh, the lighter the wine. Hence I opt for white wine with fish and creamy pasta dishes, red wines with tomato dishes and red meats, and rosé flows best with vegetables. From there, I forget everything I know and opt for a left-of-center pick such as Meinklang “Mulatschak” Weisser Pino Gris ($20), or an orange wine. I frequent Orange Glou in New York, NY for my orange wines of choice, namely Cantina Marilina’s ‘Sikele’ 2022 ($24).

7:00: #3: Indulge in a wildcard liquor for quick cocktails! Wine is fine, but liquor is quicker! This summer, try to keep an interesting, wildcard liquor or spirit on hand for last-minute cocktail requests or simply to switch things up in the heat of the night. I recommend Letherbee Charred Oak Absinthe Brun ($38-$40), or Method Spirits Vermouth.

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