How to Buy Aperitif Wine

An aperitif is a cocktail that stimulates the palate for the meal ahead. When planning to buy aperitif wine, you should know that, while dry white table wine or champagne can make fine aperitifs, the term "aperitif" also refers to naturally flavored aromatic wine. Aperitif wine falls into three main categories: fortified wines such as Lillet or Dubonnet, "bitters" like Campari and herb-infused "Pastis" like Pernod.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide on a menu. Plan to pair an aperitif wines with any appetizers. If you plan to serve mixed drink aperitifs, make sure that all ingredients compliment the vintage as well as the food being served.

2. Locate a local wine store or look online for wine sellers that have aperitif wines.

3. Look for aperitif flavors that compliment the food you are serving. Drier vintages usually make the best aperitifs, since sweeter wines are usually paired with desserts. You may want to buy a few different aperitif wines, especially if you are serving more than one kind of appetizer.

4. Balance the quantity and quality of the aperitif wine you want to buy against your total budget. Depending on what else you plan to serve, you may choose to spend more or less on the aperitif wines.

5. Buy and store the aperitif wine.

6. Serve the aperitif wine at the appropriate temperature. Some aperitifs should be served at room temperature and others should be cold. Accent aperitifs with mint, frozen berries or citrus zest.

Tips & Warnings

• As a rule, stay with light, white and dry vintages for aperitifs. Red wines are best paired with entrées and sweeter vintages should usually be served with dessert or as after-dinner drinks. An exception is that some reds, as well as sweeter whites, pair well with cheese.
• Do not serve aperitifs with ice unless you are making mixed drinks.
• Some aperitif wines taste strongly of fruit, vegetables or herbs. When choosing an aperitif wine, remember that some guests may not appreciate very bitter or intense flavors such as artichoke-flavored Cynar.

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Resources

• Wine information and recommendations. Advice on pairing wine with food.