Sommelier Jenny Benzie, owner of Pour Sip Savor: An Assemblage of Sommelier Services, splits her time between Palm Beach and Nantucket (and Napa, and Ribera del Duero, and...), pouring, sipping and savoring the world's finest wines. As you can imagine, she's one of our favorite people to chat (and drink) with.We caught up with her in advance of the Simply Italian Great Wines U.S. Tour 2011 stop at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach (stay tuned for our favorite vintages from the event later this week) to ask her the questions that are always top of mind for our clients.
Here's a taste:
What are the most important things to consider when selecting wine for a wedding reception?
While it is your 'big day' and there are many things to consider to make your event memorable, the wine you choose to serve should not be overlooked. There is nothing worse than arriving at the bar to only be offered 'red and white.'
Make sure to choose wines that are user-friendly for the type of wedding event you are planning and that pair with the food that you are serving. Most people are familiar with Chardonnay and while it might be appropriate for a four-course sit down meal, is that big, buttery oak bomb appropriate for an outdoor cocktail reception? Cabernet Sauvignon is great with beef, but you're serving a choice of chicken or fish. If you are only serving one red and one white for the entire event, choose a wine that is 'middle-of-the road.' Sauvignon blanc or albarino are more exciting than pinot grigio and not as big as most chardonnays; pinot noir may be too light and malbec too big for red. Select instead perhaps something made from tempranillo (Ribera del Duero from Spain) or a blend from Southern Rhone (made from grenache, syrah, mourvedre).
Also, steer away from wines that your friends can find at the local grocery store. Take a little time to discover something unique that will leave your guests asking, 'Where can I buy more of that wine?'
How much should a bride and groom expect to spend per bottle on wine?
On average, the price per bottle of wine should be double the cost of the main course. If your price is inclusive per person, ask your caterer to break the cost down for you so you know how much that would be. If you are having only a cocktail reception, the caterer should be able to give you an idea of a figure. For example, your appetizer is $15, then main course is $30 and the dessert (wedding cake, of course) is $15. Then the wine would be about $60 per bottle. Feel free to go lower or higher in price based on your budget and the level of sophistication of your guests' palates. Most fine dining establishments will offer an entry-level wine at $50, with selections at $75 and $125 for upgrades. Off-premise caterers may be as inexpensive as $25 per bottle, with $40 and $60 upgrades. Remember that you are paying restaurant pricing for the wines just as you are for the food.
Also, the cost of your wine should be in proportion for the rest of your event. Booked a five-diamond hotel for your reception? Maybe don't serve Prosecco, but you don't need Dom Perignon either. There are many reasonably priced lesser known Champagnes that give you a better bang for the buck: Gimonet, Vilmart, Pierre Peters, Pol Roger. Barefoot on the beach? Cava from Spain would be perfect (think Gramona for excellent quality)!
Do most venues allow couples to bring their own vino? What would be an appropriate corkage charge?
This is always tricky and is definitely depends on the restaurant. Most fine dining restaurants DO NOT allow you to bring in your own wine. Why? Because many people will bring in an everyday wine in order to cut their costs versus serving a wine that is more suitable and appropriate for the food that will be served. If your father has a special collection that he has been saving for your wedding, speak with the banquet manager and let them know that it is no ordinary wine that you are interested in serving. Try to negotiate a set fee for all the wine as a corkage fee, not a corkage fee per bottle opened (if they charge you $50 per bottle, you may be better off paying a flat fee of $500 or $1,000).
For places that do allow you to bring your own wine, they may charge $10-$25. Consider the cost of your wine plus that fee to make sure it's not better a better deal to just buy the $40 bottle that is being offered at the venue.
Are champagne toasts a thing of the past?
Yes and no - if this is your first time at the altar, I think a toast is appropriate. Your best friend wants to wish you well (and tell that embarrassing story...) and your parents are proud. If this is your second (or third) time getting hitched, you may not find a toast necessary. Keep in mind, this adds another cost to your wedding. If your crowd aren't big bubbly drinkers (although I am!), ask to have half glasses poured for each guest instead of a full pour.
For more information on Jenny Benzie and Pour Sip Savor, visit www.poursipsavor.com.
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