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+--- Thread: More wedding plans! (/thread-1304.html)
- Harry2277 - 02-24-2000
I am getting married in September of this year and our caterer suggested a Merlot and Chardonnay (both Monterey brand) on an even split 5 cases each. We have 125-150 guests and are probably serving beer & wine/champagne only. The facility just started to allow hard liquor but we are not sure this is a smart idea. Assuming we go with beer and wine only we have been just overwhelmed at the number of suggestions we have received on selections. Our menu is tentatively food stations consisting of swordfish, filet mignon & a pasta (red) and/or chicken dish. We would like advice on wine amounts (We do not want to run out!) and selections for types (price range $8-$17 per bottle).
- Innkeeper - 02-25-2000
Can't really argue with your caterer's suggestions. If you want an alternative suggeston with a little more pizzaz within your budget try: R.J Phillips, Barrell Cuvee, Chardonnay, Dunnigan Hills, 1998; and Sonoma Creek, Sonoma County, Pinot Noir, 1996 or '97.
- misterjive - 02-28-2000
September is a long way off (at least to me, but probably not to you), so you are doing the right thing in exploring wine options early. I would add these wines to your list fr consideration: Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon (a real crowd-pleaser, and economical), Stonehedge or Columbia Crest Merlot (both economical), Falling Star Merlot-Malbec (made by Trapiche, extremely economical at about $5 a bottle), and Hess Select Chardonnay. It sounds to me like your caterer wants to go with 1.5 liter bottles, but that's just a guess (the restaurant where I works pours Monterey chard and merlot by the glass from the big bottles, and they are real-moneymakers). Make sure, however, that you get at least 6 bottles of good California Brut, as I have a hunch that many of your guests who would normally drink chard when out at a restaurant will want bubbly when at a wedding. If you are only going to serve beer and wine, I'd get a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay. Cab is a little bit more versatile than Merlot in the sense that it is not usually as big and oaky as most domestic Merlots in this price range. And as if you need more advice, perhaps take a peek at the current (Feb.) newstand issue of Wine Spectator, for their latest South American round-up. Plenty of value chardonnays to consider (and plenty of chards that are more interesting than, and just as economical as, Moneterey). Happy hunting!