Talk-A-Vino

Today, I’m offering you a guest post by Kevin Fagan, a food & travel writer, based in New England with experience in the catering industry. Kevin is always on the lookout for the trendiest food spots and bars on his travels and also likes to keep his finger on the pulse of the latest news in the world of catering & restaurants.

Whether it’s a Thanksgiving party or a wedding reception, giving a toast and having all your guests raise their glasses in unison is one of the most awaited moments of a celebration.

What matters most is not just any wine but the right wine, one that can elevate every sip and enhance the overall experience of the occasion. With the myriad of varieties in the market, selecting the perfect one for the toast may seem daunting.

This article is here to guide you through the top ten wines for a perfect toast. Consider the styles and flavors to ensure you make the right choice for your special occasion!

Prosecco

Originally from the Veneto region of Italy, this sparkling wine is a classic favorite for a joyful experience. Its light feel and refreshing bubbliness make it the perfect choice for toasting at a luxurious celebration. For example, a wedding reception at an elegant ballroom in Los Angeles certainly calls for a prosecco toast.

Prosecco to try: Bisol Jeio Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Cava

Magnificence meets excellence with this Catalan sparkling wine, made with Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo grape varieties. You don’t have to limit cava to toasting; you can use it for any occasion. Serve it with aperitifs and desserts or throughout a meal because it pairs well with almost anything.

Cava to try: Sigura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad Cava DO

Port

With sweet notes and a luscious mouthfeel, this fortified wine is famous for its intensely rich flavor profile, which includes hints of dried fruits and spices. Apart from being a unique toasting choice, Port Wine pairs perfectly with desserts, especially chocolate-based ones and charcuterie platters, which is why it’s a great choice for savoring and sipping for your guests.

Port to try: Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port

Grenache

A blend of red berry flavors and mild spiciness makes Grenache a perfect match not just for giving a toast but also for serving with many dishes. Its Spanish and overall Mediterranean influences make it a perfect wine for holiday celebrations, especially those with dishes like roasted lamb, stews, and braised meats.

Grenache to try: Carlisle Grenache Rossi Ranch Sonoma Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

With crispy acidity and hints of soft herbs, jasmine, and honeysuckle aromas that lead to and reveal layers of citrus and melon, this complex wine will make for a great toast. Plus, Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice to contrast the heavy richness of celebration meals. If you like the zestier varieties, look for French bottlings or ones from New Zealand’s Marlborough region.

Sauvignon Blanc to try: Montes Sauvignon Blanc Limited Selection Leyda Valley DO

Riesling

Riesling’s sweet, fruity notes make it a versatile choice for toasting and having your guests enjoy it with their meal. Its electric crackle of acidity and subtle sweetness give Rielsing a very distinct flavor profile, making it a highly cherished option among wine lovers. It is also a good alternative to the traditional varieties from France’s Alsace and New York’s Finger Lakes regions.

Reisling to try: Brooks Ara Riesling Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Known to be among the most crowd-pleasing options, Chardonnay’s versatility and smooth finish make it one way to give an amazing toast while also pleasing your guests. This white wine also pairs well with many foods, including poultry, vegetables, and seafood, making it an excellent choice no matter what your palate desires.

Chardonnay to try: Balverne Chardonnay Russian River Valley AVA

Pinot Noir

Any holiday celebration means delicious meals. Whether it’s turkey with cranberry sauce or glazed ham, Pinot Noir’s bright acidity and red fruit flavors make it the perfect wine to enhance the flavors of a rich meal. So, it goes without saying that you can give a heartfelt toast while also leaving your guests’ tastebuds in awe.

Pinot Noir to try: Vino Vasai Pinot Noir Estate Reserve Chehalem Mountains

Beaujolais Nouveau

Made from the Gamay grape south of Burgundy, Beaujolais Nouveau is all things fresh, fruity, and festive. Since it was originally produced to toast the end of the harvest season, toasting couldn’t get any better than with this young and easy style of wine. This one, too, is a crowd favorite and pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.

Beaujolais Nouveau to try: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau AOP

Champagne

We saved the best for last because Champagne is perhaps the most widely used sparkling wine for toasts. Filled with luxe and elegance, Champagne is a drink you would have to use for celebrations like lavish wedding receptions in a beach club, castle, theater, etc. Plus, it’s amazingly compatible with fish, poultry, red meats, shellfish, desserts, and more.

Champagne to try: Bruno Paillard Premiere Cuvée Champagne

Parting Thoughts

We hope this article has enlightened you about the various options available for giving the perfect toast. You don’t have to do what everyone else does and stick to champagne, although a classic will always remain a classic. Here’s to creating unforgettable memories while sipping on an exquisite selection of wines!