Red Wine - Red Wines
In general, red wine can be defined as an alcoholic beverage made from a fermentation process that uses red and purple grapes and yeast. In the event planning industry, red wine can be integrated into your event in a wide variety of ways such as:
- Cooking
- Serving
- Gift bags
- Charity Auctions
- Tastings
- Branding
The first thing that comes to mind when red wine is mentioned is consumption. Red wine is a staple at most bars and is typically served at events. Red wine can be served by the bartender or a member of the wait staff. Red wine has several different varieties which can be defined by their level of dryness, sweetness and fullness. The varieties are based on the type of grape used and include the following:
- Cabernet Sauvignon- a dry red wine made from the cabernet grape
- Pinot Noir- red wine made from the vinifera grape
- Merlot- dry red wine made from the merlot grape
- Zinfandel- a red wine made from the black vinifera grape and grown in California, typically sweet
- Shiraz- a sweeter red wine
To accentuate its best qualities, red wine should be served at room temperature after it has been allowed to breathe. Red wine matures and gains flavor once exposed to air. Generally speaking, red wine complements heavier dishes such as:
- Tomato based soups, sauces and pastas such as Bouillabaisse
- Red meat such as ribs and steak
- Spicy foods
- Chocolate desserts
- Lamb
- Chicken- depending on how it is cooked
Caterers can also use red wine as a cooking ingredient as the alcohol dissipates during the cooking process leaving only exquisite flavor. Aged red wine can be given away in gift bags or even auctioned off at a charity event.
