2011 Observer column: Enjoy your party with these wines

Editor’s note: This “On Wine” column by Catherine Rabb appeared in The Charlotte Observer on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011. Rabb co-owned Fenwick’s in Myers Park with husband Don. She also was an instructor at Central Piedmont Community College and Johnson & Wales University’s Charlotte campus. Catherine Jane Rabb died on Dec. 8 after a two-year battle with cancer. She was 64. Read about her here.

The holidays should be about spending time with family and friends. Wine is the simplest way to keep you with your guests during a party.

The best wines to serve are the ones that make it feel like a party and that will be good companions to food and conversation. Avoid wines that have such big personalities that only a few people in the room will be able to love them. Also avoid wines that are really high in alcohol, so guests aren’t taken by surprise after a glass.

It’s a fun time of year to buy wine. Most retailers offer case discounts or other specials that make buying for a party a little easier on the wallet.

Here are a few suggestions for affordable wines to pair with party appetizers.

Bubbles: Nothing says “holiday” like a glass of something fun and sparkling. For affordable choices, try Spanish cava or Italian prosecco. Try a California producer for something a bit more special. Some fun bottles are sparkling shiraz from Australia, and the fruity, sweet and beautifully holiday red Brachetto d’Acqui from Italy.

Whites: For parties, crisp whites that aren’t overly oaky are the best choices. Look for wines made from pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, or chenin blanc grapes. If you love chardonnay, chose one with moderate oak and alcohol. Don’t miss the white blends — wines that are a mix of several grape varieties, usually very drinkable and priced for a party.

Reds: Merlot is making a comeback this year. There are some really silky, fruity bottles on the shelves. Pinot noir is a perennial party favorite. Just-released Beaujolais wines from the gamay grape are fun to drink. Just as with the whites, be sure to check out the red blends. This has been a great year for them, with many well-made ones available for a song.

Sangria: If you want an even simpler solution, make a pretty pitcher or punch bowl with this Spanish wine mix. Start with a value wine, red or white, add some sugar, a splash of brandy and sliced fresh fruit such as lemons and oranges, or frozen ones such as peaches or berries. Refrigerate overnight, strain and add some fresh slices of lemon and orange and some ginger ale just before serving.