Dinner Party Inspiration

We all know that wine tastes best when it’s enjoyed with the right collection of people in the ideal atmosphere. So, let’s set the tone for your greatest dinner party ever with two excellent bottles of wine.

These wines are the perfect excuse to pull out some fancy table settings and find the sweet middle-ground between luxury and low-key fun. Mis-matched china and glasses, plenty of half-used taper candles, and a menu that bridges the gap between fine dining and lighthearted summer enjoyment are a must. I’m picturing a buttery heap of crab in the first course, to pair with our 2018 Follin-Arbelet Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc. Then for the entree (and to pair with our 2018 Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec ‘Gualtallary’), let’s go big with some thick rib-eye steaks, cooked in a cast iron pan so hot you’re keeping an eye on the smoke alarm. High-end ingredients prepared in a simple way, served with some timeless melodies in the background.

Which brings us to the perfect dinner-time playlist. We can’t underestimate the power music has to make the atmosphere just right. These days, I’m partial to classic oldies (Dean Martin and “Everybody Loves Somebody” is a great place to start); casual French bops (try some Françoise Hardy); and, of course, a little soul-inspired R&B (Leon Bridges always hits the spot).

Light some candles, open some windows, put on the right music, pop open some wine, and get to cooking while your guests set the table. This is the recipe for a good night.

2018 Follin-Arbelet Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc $71

An excellent village-level White Burgundy from a domaine that produces mainly premier and grand cru-level wines. An unusually warm, sunny vintage added some silky body to the underlying racy, mineral backbone. Enjoy it with buttery seafood or light, creamy pastas.

2018 Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec, 'Gualtallary' $88

From the wild Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina. This wine is a lesson in contrasts, balancing a contained ripeness and wildness with elegance and finesse. The palate bursts with black fruit, peppery spice, and a slight salty minerality. Enjoy it with a big well-marbled steak or any red meat of your choice.

Did one (or more) of these wines pique your interest? There are multiple ways to order with us! If you place your purchase through our online store, we’ll be happy to package and hold your bottles for you to pick up at your convenience. You can also reply to this email and ask us to set aside any bottles you’re interested in picking up at a later date. If you have any questions or would like to make special arrangements, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (919) 644-1243.