The Wine List
The last cork you popped may have been at your reception, but the celebrating doesn’t stop when the last bridesmaid goes home. Your first year together will have many milestones worth toasting.
Erik Johnson, wine director at L’Espalier in Boston, suggests a few bottles to keep on hand to celebrate any of these big events in your first year:
The last cork you popped may have been at your reception, but the celebrating doesn’t stop when the last bridesmaid goes home. Your first year together will have many milestones worth toasting.
Erik Johnson, wine director at L’Espalier in Boston, suggests a few bottles to keep on hand to celebrate any of these big events in your first year:
1. You made—and didn’t burn—dinner for two: Try a 2001 Starry Night Old Vine Zinfandel from the Russian River Valley (about $22).
2. You sent the last thank-you note: Thank yourself with a yummy Beaujolais-Villages from Louis Jadot (about $24).
3. You’re hosting your first dinner party: Champagne and dry sparkling wines go well with almost anything. Pick up some Louis Roederer NV Brut Premier to serve (about $45).
4. It’s Valentine’s Day: Toast your love with a Beaumont des Crayères Rosé NV. Blended from chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, this sparkler from a small house in Epernay, France, has a gorgeous pale pink hue that’s perfect for February 14 (about $32).
5. The holidays at your folks’ Thank them for helping plan the wedding with a Stags’ Leap
Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis (about $54).
6. The holidays at his folks’ Impress the in-laws without being too predictable and bring a bottle of 1996 Bodegas Artadi Rioja Pagos Viejos Reserva from Spain (about $100)
7. The anniversary of the day you met: Wine from the year you got married isn’t ready yet, so pick up a bottle (or, better, a case) from the year you met to celebrate on that day and for the rest of the year.
8. Your first anniversary: Buy a bottle of the red or white you served at your wedding. Don’t remember? Chances are you had a California chardonnay. Pick up a good one, like Grgich Hills (about $40).
9. Just because Time to break out the cheap vino? Heck, no. Nothing feels more decadent than a splurge for no reason. Think champagne. Think (seriously) 1996 Dom Pérignon (about $140) or go with a local name, such as a 2001 Brut Cuvée RJR from Westport Rivers (about $20). — Christie Matheson