It is holiday party season and you’ll probably find yourself wondering what wine to bring to a holiday party. There are a few approaches you can take:
- You can be careless and just pick up some cheapie and hope for the best
- You can splurge on a really expensive bottle and hope to impress
- You can research websites like Cheap Wine Ratings for an inexpensive gem
- You can bring something unique that will get people talking
I don’t really recommend the first two options. Even if you spend a lot on an expensive bottle, chances are it will soon be forgotten, or just get lost in the mix. Option 3 is OK… you can find something good, without spending a lot. But hey, it’s a party! That’s why I’d suggest you find something unique to bring. And this is the perfect choice for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve parties, or whatever the occasion.
Paringa Sparkling Shiraz isn’t a high-brow wine, but it still tastes very good and more importantly it’s a lot of fun. It is truly a different wine that is a great conversation starter and will be remembered. I say that from experience too. I’ve been to many holiday parties over the years, and this is the only wine I remember from one. I discovered it last year when a friend brought it and I’m still delighted from the experience.
You’ve been to those boring holiday parties where you hardly know anyone and don’t have much to talk about. Bring a bottle of this wine, pop it open and the conversation will start flowing—along with the wine. Most people have never tried sparkling red wines and when they see it they are all intrigued. In fact, you may have to bring a couple bottles because everyone will want to try it. But that shouldn’t be too difficult as it sells for a reasonable $9.99.
The wine itself is a bit sweet, but not overly so. It tickles your palate with bubbles that burst with raspberry and blueberry flavors. The tannins are creamy and smooth, giving this wine a bit more sophistication than I had expected. I gave the wine an 87 on flavor, but a 95 on fun!
Wine: Paringa Individual Vineyard
Varietal: Sparkling Shiraz
Vintage: 2004
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 87 for flavor 95 for fun!
Price Paid: $9.99