A wedding is a unique occasion that deserves a selection of festive wines to match the occasion. Whether to accompany a meal, for the vin d'honneur or as a gift for the bride and groom, the choice of bottles is essential. A good wedding wine should combine elegance, conviviality and perfect harmony with the food served.
In this article, discover the best wines to offer for a wedding, from refined bubbles to structured reds, elegant whites and subtle rosés.
Champagne: a must at weddings
A wedding without champagne is unthinkable. This sparkling wine is synonymous with celebration and elegance.
- Why choose champagne?
- Its effervescence adds a festive touch.
- It goes well with many dishes, from aperitifs to desserts.
- It symbolizes joy and success.
- What type of champagne to offer?
- Brut: ideal for the vin d'honneur. Dry and refreshing, it appeals to everyone.
- Blanc de blancs: made exclusively from Chardonnay, it brings finesse and lightness.
- Rosé: fruitier and more gourmand, perfect for a red fruit dessert.
- Champagne alternatives
- Crémant de Bourgogne or Alsace for excellent value for money.
- Light, fruity Italian prosecco.
White wines: elegance and freshness
A white wedding wine should be refreshing and well-balanced to suit all guests.
- The best white wine choices
- Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé (Loire): dry and mineral, perfect for seafood and fish.
- Chablis (Burgundy): lively and refined, excellent with light starters.
- Viognier (Rhône): round and aromatic, perfect for poultry in sauce.
- Why offer a white wine for a wedding?
- A perfect accompaniment to cold buffets and refined starters.
- Its acidity and freshness balance out rich meals.
- It is appreciated by those who prefer less tannic wines.
Red wines: power and refinement
A wedding is also an opportunity to open bottles of fine red wines to accompany the main courses.
- Which red wines to choose?
- Pinot Noir (Burgundy, Alsace, Loire): delicate and fruity, perfect with white meats or fish.
- Saint-Émilion or Pomerol (Bordeaux): elegant and balanced, ideal with beef or lamb.
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Rhône): powerful and spicy, it is the perfect accompaniment to dishes in sauce.
- Côtes-du-Rhône or Languedoc: accessible and warm, they appeal to a wide audience.
- Why offer a red wine for a wedding?
- An elegant accompaniment to main courses.
- It appeals to lovers of full-bodied wines.
- Some vintages can be aged, providing a beautiful souvenir for the bride and groom.
Rosés: conviviality and freshness
A festive wine perfect for a summer wedding or a vin d'honneur.
- Which rosés to choose?
- Côtes de Provence: fresh, fruity and light, ideal for refined aperitifs.
- Tavel (Rhône): more structured, perfect with Mediterranean dishes.
- Bandol (Provence): elegant and refined, it is distinguished by its complexity.
- Why choose a rosé wine for a wedding?
- It's friendly and appreciated by all.
- Easily enjoyed at an outdoor cocktail party.
- It goes equally well with aperitifs and grilled meats.
Sweet and syrupy wines: the sweet touch for dessert
To accompany a pièce montée or dessert, a sweet wine is a refined option.
- The best sweet options
- Sauternes (Bordeaux): the perfect accompaniment to fruit desserts or foie gras.
- Vouvray Moelleux (Loire): sweet but balanced, perfect for a wedding cake.
- Muscat de Rivesaltes (Roussillon): intense and aromatic, it seduces with its delicacy.
- Why offer a sweet wine?
- It enhances desserts and brings the meal to a beautiful close.
- Its sweetness appeals to lovers of sweet wines.
- An elegant finishing touch to any wedding.
How many bottles are needed for a wedding?
The choice of bottles depends on the number of guests and the type of wine selected.
- Vin d'honneur: 1 bottle of champagne or crémant for 3 people.
- White wine: 1 bottle for 4 people.
- Red wine: 1 bottle for 3 people if the menu is carnivorous.
- Rosé wine: 1 bottle for 5 people, if the meal is summery.
- Sweet wine: 1 bottle for 6 people, reserved for desserts.
It is advisable to order a little more to avoid shortages.
Personalize wine bottles for a unique gift
Offering a personalized wedding wine is an excellent way to mark the occasion.
- Bottle engraving: a message or the bride and groom's name on the label.
- Boxed set of selected wines: a great way to discover rare vintages.
- Magnum or Jeroboam: a prestigious format, ideal for storing and enjoying later.
Why choose an organic or natural wine for a wedding?
Organic festive wines are becoming increasingly popular.
- They are environmentally friendly.
- They offer more authentic flavours.
- They are suitable for people sensitive to sulfites.
Appellations such as Biodynamie d'Alsace, Vins Naturels du Languedoc and Loire Bio are perfect for an eco-responsible selection.
Conclusion
The choice of bottles for a wedding must reflect the tastes of the bride and groom and match the menu. From festive champagnes to elegant whites, structured reds and convivial rosés, each wine adds a special touch to this unique event.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in "Italy's great wines: varietals to discover and key regions", which may also be of interest to you!
