Best Red Wine for Wedding: Top Picks for Your Special Day
Choosing the perfect wedding wines can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. There are several factors to consider when choosing the best red wine for wedding celebrations.  The right choice can elevate your reception and create lasting memories for you and your guests. Let’s uncork the secrets to selecting the ideal red wine that will have everyone raising their glasses. Once you understand the basic principles of real wedding red wine selection, narrowing down and choosing the perfect wine will be easy.
Understanding Wedding Wine Basics
Before diving into specific recommendations for the best red wine for wedding events, it’s important to grasp some fundamentals about serving wine at weddings.
How Much Wine Do You Need?
One of the first questions couples often ask is how much wine they should buy. A good rule of thumb is to assume each adult guest will drink about one glass of wine per hour. A standard wine bottle holds 25 ounces which serves 4-5 glasses per bottle.
Budgeting for Wedding Wine
When planning your wedding budget, it’s generally recommended to allocate about 15% of your overall reception budget to wedding wines, this includes sparkling wine. This percentage can help guide your decisions on which wines to choose and how much to spend per bottle. It can also ensure you have enough to satisfy your guests at the wedding reception without going over budget.
Buying vs. Ordering Through Your Caterer
You have two main options for sourcing your wedding wine: buying it yourself or ordering through your caterer. While ordering wine for your wedding reception through your caterer might seem convenient, it can cost you about double the retail price for each bottle.
However, if you choose to buy your wedding wines, be aware that some caterers charge a corkage fee that can be over $15 per bottle. You will need to weigh the pros and cons of each option to decide what is best for you.
Selecting the Best Red Wine for Wedding Celebrations
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some top choices for the best red wines that meet your guest preferences. There are many different red wines on the market. It’s helpful to know what the most popular red wedding wine choices are.
Cabernet Sauvignon: A Classic Choice
Cabernet Sauvignon with its rich unique fruit-driven characteristics is the top pick for red wines in America, and for good reason. Its full body pairs wonderfully with beef, duck, and richly spiced dishes.
If you’re serving a hearty main course Cabernet Sauvignon could be the perfect wine pairing companion. Cabernet Sauvignon wines pair well with red meat making them perfect wines for your wedding.
Pinot Noir: Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing
Pinot Noir is another excellent choice for wine pairing at weddings. Its lighter body and fruity notes make it versatile enough to pair with most foods, from salmon to roasted chicken. Pinot Noir is originally from the Burgundy region of France.
It’s also a great option for those who prefer a less intense red wine. Many brides and grooms find that their guests enjoy this wine.
Merlot: Smooth and Approachable
Merlot offers a smooth, velvety texture that many wine drinkers find appealing. It’s less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a softer red wine that will appeal to a broad range of palates. The Merlot grape is used to make both red and rose wines.
Syrah/Shiraz: Bold and Spicy
If you’re having a winter wedding or serving game meats, consider Syrah (also known as Shiraz in some regions). This bold red wine offers beautiful notes of black pepper and dark fruits, making it an excellent pairing for hearty, flavorful dishes. Syrah should be your go-to choice if spicy food will be served at your wedding.
Pairing Your Red Wine with Wedding Food
Choosing the best red wine for wedding menus involves considering your food pairings. Here’s a quick guide to help you match your wine with your menu:
| Wine | Food Pairings |
|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Beef, lamb, strong cheeses |
| Pinot Noir | Salmon, chicken, mushroom dishes |
| Merlot | Pork, pasta with red sauce, roasted vegetables |
| Syrah/Shiraz | Game meats, barbecue, spicy dishes |
Remember, these are just guidelines. The best red wine for wedding celebrations ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the overall theme of your event.
Tips for Serving Red Wine at Your Wedding
Once you’ve chosen your wines, consider these tips for serving them at your reception:
- Serve red wine at the right temperature. Most red wines are best served slightly below room temperature, around 60-65°F.
- Provide proper glassware. Red wines are typically served in larger, rounder glasses to allow the aromas to develop.
- Consider offering a variety. While you don’t need to have every type of wine available, offering at least one red and one white wine option gives guests a choice. Sauvignon Blanc is another good wine choice to have for your wedding.
- Don’t forget about non-alcoholic options. Make sure to have alternatives available for guests who don’t drink alcohol. This could be sparkling wine or juice.
Budget-Friendly Options for the Best Red Wine for Wedding Events
If you’re working with a tighter budget, don’t worry. There are plenty of delicious red wines available at reasonable prices. Here are a few tips:
- Look for wines from lesser-known regions. You might find great value from up-and-coming wine areas like South Australia.
- Consider buying in bulk. Many retailers offer discounts when you purchase by the case. For example, Laithwaites offers savings when you buy 12 or more bottles.
- Use a wedding wine calculator to avoid over-ordering. Some retailers, like Laithwaites, will even take back up to 20% of your order if you don’t use it all.
- Consider wines under $15 per bottle. Many excellent options in this price range can still impress your guests. Many of these wines can be found in the wine regions of South Wales.
FAQs about best red wine for wedding
What is the most popular red wine for a wedding?
Cabernet Sauvignon is often considered the most popular red wine for weddings due to its wide appeal and ability to pair well with many wedding dishes, especially red meats.
What is a crowd-pleasing red wine for a wedding?
Pinot Noir is often cited as a crowd-pleasing red wine for weddings. Its lighter body and fruity notes make it accessible to a wide range of palates, and it pairs well with various foods.
What is the best red for a wedding?
The “best” red wine for a wedding depends on your menu, budget, and guest preferences. However, versatile options like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or Merlot are often great choices that satisfy different tastes.
What is the best red wine for an event?
For events like weddings, a medium-bodied red wine such as Merlot or a Bordeaux
What exactly is a Bordeaux? Bordeaux ble... More blend can be an excellent choice. These wines are flavorful enough to stand up to food but not so bold as to overwhelm lighter palates.
Conclusion
Selecting the best red wine for wedding celebrations doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By considering your budget, menu, and guest preferences, it will be easy to choose wines that enhance your entire celebration. Remember, the goal is to select wines that you and your guests will enjoy. Whether you opt for a classic Cabernet Sauvignon or a versatile Pinot Noir, the best red wine for your wedding is the one that fits your unique celebration. Cheers to finding the perfect pour for your special day.
