If I want to introduce someone new to wine – someone that typically does not enjoy it when they are at a restaurant, tapas bar or bistro, I’ll pour them a bit of Port and watch their face as they discover the complexities and sweetness of this wonderful aperitif. I find most folks will take to a slightly sweeter wine like port if they don’t particularly appreciate the drier types like a Bordeaux or a Burgundy. With time you can try something lighter, but drier like a Beaujolais which is a light, fresh wine best enjoyed when first released from the vineyards. Restaurants even have wine releasing parties for Beaujolais when they are first released and shipped for that year from France!
Try a nice port with a selection of mild, soft cheese to stronger cave cheeses such as Gruyere, Stilton or Gorganzola – some of my favorites. Hearty stone ground crackers and berries/fruit of the season will round things off for an aperitif and appetizer – great for a late spring or early summer outdoor get-together.
