Wine News

With the current economic climate forcing many to cut costs, research reveals that over half of us (54%) are swapping restaurant dining for dinner parties at home. Our survey shows that one in five have given up restaurant dining altogether since the credit crunch began 12 months ago - and with many people spending as little as £5 per head on home entertaining, compared to an average of £19 on eating out, it's no surprise food-lovers are turning to more cost-effective options.

Cooking up a British storm

Interestingly, while we enjoy foreign food when eating out, almost 70% shun exotic recipes and stick to ‘British’ when cooking for a dinner party. Just 2% have cooked French dishes for guests and fewer than one in ten (8%) choose to recreate a takeaway favourite, the curry.

However, it’s quenching guests’ thirst that causes the biggest headache; the survey found that over a third (36%) struggle with what wine to serve with what food, in fact, 4% find choosing the wine the most difficult part of a dinner party – not least because of the cost. Two-thirds of dinner party hosts opt for bottles of wine costing less than £10 but, according to Berry's food and wine matching expert Nick Page, a little can get a lot of bottle!

“A well chosen bottle of wine can really complement the flavours of a meal and you don't need to splash out to get something that tastes great. A good Claret goes really well with traditional roast lamb. 2003 Les Tourelles de Longueville has the right balance of tannins to cut through the fat of the lamb and costs just £19.75. If you want to stick with British, serve your guests English sparking wine like Nyetimber. It's delicious and a great alternative to Champagne if you’re having a celebration.” he recommends.

Party politics

For 84% of people, good food and good company are the vital ingredients for an enjoyable dinner party - far more important than party games (6%) or elaborate themes (1%). Berrys’ Nick Page gives his top three tips for having a successful dinner party:

- British wine is very ‘now’. Opt for Wickham Vineyards Vintage Selection, from Hampshire, to wow guests. It’s crisp and aromatic and would particularly go well with a goat’s cheese salad starter.
- You don't have to go for the most expensive bottle, wines from Beaujolais are delicious and great value – 2005 Moulin-a-Vent, Oliver Merlin, is available priced £12.55 per bottle, when purchased by the case.
- If you are not sure what wine to match with your dish stick to this rule: Dry before sweet; young before old and cheaper before expensive.