What to drink with an aperitif?
You're having friends over but don't feel like spending your time in the kitchen while they chat happily in your living room. The apéro dinatoire is the solution: the various dishes are prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy your guests all evening long. The question is, however, what to drink with these varied preparations
Bubbles: the great classic
As well as being festive, bubbles are refreshing and the perfect way to start your aperitif. Bubbles will tantalize your taste buds and stimulate your appetite. Champagne may still be a little pricey, but there are plenty of reasonably priced sparkling wines that will also give you plenty of gustatory pleasure. You can choose from a range of Crémants, such as those from the Loire or Burgundy regions, as well as the more gourmet Cerdon from Savoie or Clairette de Die. And why not go beyond our borders? You can pour Spanish or Italian bubbles into your glass, with a round, fruity cava or a prosecco with or without residual sugar. The former resembles a tangy treat, while the latter brings freshness and minerality.
Charcuterie, cheese and rosé: summer flavors
Plates of charcuterie are still a popular choice for aperitifs, as they require little preparation, are easy to eat with the fingers and are nourishing. The same goes for cheese platters, which are easy to pair with the above. Instead of opting for a classic light red or a full-bodied white, vary the pleasures with a more original and summery pairing, drink a pretty rosé. Make the most of the season! The choice is yours: Coteaux de Provence, Bandol, Tavel, Cabernet d'Anjou, ..
Raw vegetables and dips: freshness first!
As the thermometer climbs, we crave light, fresh dishes. Raw vegetables combined with dips - a variety of sauces - to accompany them are a good option and allow you to vary your taste sensations. To accompany this type of preparation, you also need to keep the glass fresh. It's best to focus on the range of dry, fruity whites. For a sunnier version, turn to grape varieties such as Chenin, with its aromas of white fruit (apple and pear) and a hint of honey and acidity, or Vermentino, with its notes of green almonds, sweet spices, hawthorn and fresh pineapple.
And what about red wine?
If your aperitif dinner takes a Hispanic turn with a tapas set, red is a must. This type of dish has more pronounced flavors and therefore requires a fuller-bodied wine to accompany it. You can stay in the Iberian mood with a Rioja or a Penedès. Another option is to choose southern wines from Corsica, Languedoc or Provence.