What wine to take to a house party?

By on December 22nd, 2022 in Blog
Spread the love

What wine to take to a New Year house party is always tricky. On the one hand, you don’t want to spend too much money. Invariably, you’ll probably only end up drinking a glass or two of it, if you’re lucky. Not to mention the other unknown guests who will probably glug it down when you’re not looking. On the other hand, you also don’t want to bring something so low-quality that everyone thinks you’re a cheapskate. And if you really want to impress, getting a couple of bottles never fails to keep the host smiling. So again, the price has to be correct. Here we have four cost-effective options that really deliver on flavour. So get involved with this quartet of New Year party winners. They’re guaranteed to ensure a very Happy New Year for you, your host and your fellow partygoers.

party wine


Manzanos & Mouchão

Here are two little beauties from the Iberian Peninsular that will make any red wine drinker have a very happy new year. First to Spain. Bodegas Manzanos Castillo de Enériz Crianza is made in Navarra which borders Rioja. Like so many lesser-known regions that sit next to famous neighbours, Navarra wines offer Rioja quality at more competitive prices. Rich damson and blackcurrant flavours are kept light by well-judged acidity and super smooth tannin. There’s a seductive, perfumed quality as well as a little dark chocolate flourish that finishes things nicely. Next, we travel over the border to Portugal’s Alentejo. Herdade do Mouchão Dom Rafael Red represents everything wonderful about this region. Big, bold, dark berry fruit, some excellent spice (nutmeg, vanilla and clove). Silky tannins, bright acidity and a classy floral character. It’s even got ageing potential, so that’s the next 3 – 5 new years’ sorted!

party wine reds


Picpoul or Pinot G?

Here at hometipple we pride ourselves on being picky. We taste hundreds of wines every year to ensure we offer only the best available. So to find excellent examples of two of the most mass-produced wines on the market is pretty rare. First up Vignerons de Florensac Ornezon Picpoul de Pinet. Aromas of Granny Smiths, lemon, kiwi and apricot are followed by flavours of white peach, nectarine, honey and yellow apple. There’s minerality and a light creaminess with a lovely touch of dried herbs on the finish. Hand on heart, the best Picpoul we’ve ever tasted. Next Villa Fresco Pinot Grigio. We love these guys, and with good reason. Lemon ‘n lime, apricot and a little melon hit your nose first. Then it’s all citrus, greengage, a little white peach and Granny Smiths in the mouth. The acidity is refreshing. The finish is citric, moreish and just long enough. Scrummy.

party wine whites