Merlot 101

what wine is a good one to use for a tasting party?

Having a wine tasting party over the weekend a i heard that's it's good to focus on one kind (merlot, cabernet, etc.) What's a good kind that most people like?

Public Comments

1. Depends If their drinkers it really doesn't matter
2. It depends on how many people you are having and how many wines you plan on tasting. If the point is the party, not the tasting, then keep it simple. If you actually want a proper tasting though, try using just the main varietals and a couple bottles of each. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and either Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. The point of having multiples of any varietal is contrast.
3. I would select Merlots. There are many brands and they vary in price. You can get a good merlot for about $9.00 per bottle. Serve Francis Coppola, Robert Mondavi, Trinchero, Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve and Columbia Crest. They are some of the Merlots we serve in our gourmet restaurants in the Atlantic City casino I bartend in.
4. I would say go with red and white, dry and sweet. Pair them with fruit and cheese trays specific to their flavors. I often pick a region, pick a red, white and dessert wine and pair it with cheese and fruit from the area. Hope this helps you and happy tasting :)
5. That all depends on who you are having at the party, and whether or not they have any particular preferences. Normally it would be a good idea to go for the mix. A mixture of red, white, sweet. Chardonnais, merlot, Chiraz are good choices. Also pick some great food wine to go with the party. Sweet wines are great for desserts but not everyone likes them.
6. I'd rather have 3 or 4 different wines at a tasting party. Have had and been to some with one varietal. Unless that one is a Chianti or a Rioja from one specific region. I would look to get 3 or 4 from different parts of the world. Like Cabernet; one from California, one from France, one from Chili and one from Australia. You can do this with several wines like Pinot Noir, Merlot or whites like Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.