HELP

[seawakim]

I don't drink wine, so I don't know anything about wine! I'm having a dinner party tomorrow night and just found out that one of the people coming is very well versed in wine.

I need to run out and purchase some wine now (preferably reasonably priced or Trader Joe's, etc.)

I will be serving a Spinach Salad, French Mussel Soup (white wine & cream based), a Filet Mignon with a creamy peppercorn sauce.

What kind of wine(s) should I serve?

Please help! Thank you very much for any input.

[Busboy]

In case none of the other better-informed folks shows up, here's some input that should get you past the wine snob.

BTW, unless s/he really is a snob, expressing your modesty and then asking their opinion 1) puts them in a position of having to say something nice and 2) will be a good learning opportunity.

These are all under $20, mostly under $10

Spinach Salad: Vouvray (French), good Chenin Blanc (California)

Mussel Soup: White Bordeaux (French) Sauvignon Blank (US, New Zealand)

Beef: Shiraz or Shiraz Cabernet (Aussie)

Have fun, mix countries, don't fret.

[jsolomon]

+2 points for 2 Buck Chuck

Alternatively, you can give them a dodge and serve beer :grin:

[seawakim]

In case none of the other better-informed folks shows up, here's some input that should get you past the wine snob.

BTW, unless s/he really is a snob, expressing your modesty and then asking their opinion 1) puts them in a position of having to say something nice and 2) will be a good learning opportunity.

These are all under $20, mostly under $10

Spinach Salad: Vouvray (French), good Chenin Blanc (California)

Mussel Soup: White Bordeaux (French) Sauvignon Blank (US, New Zealand)

Beef: Shiraz or Shiraz Cabernet (Aussie)

Have fun, mix countries, don't fret.

Those are awesome recommendations. I'm going to follow your advice -- heading off to Trader Joe's

[Mark Sommelier]

+2 points for 2 Buck Chuck

Alternatively, you can give them a dodge and serve beer :grin:

To really impress the wine snob, get a bottle of Charles Shaw Cabernet and a bottle of Charles Shaw Merlot and mix them. This renders them palatable, as we learned in this very forum several weeks ago.

[Rebel Rose]

Busboy's recommendations are right on, but don't forget the wonderful wines made in your area, and don't be shy about serving them! Esquin Wine Shop in Seattle will have a nice selection and be able to guide you in your choice.

McCrae Cellars, which I believe is near Rainier somewhere, is a small artisanal winery that makes great Rhones, especially Syrah and Viognier. If you can find a bottle of his wines (the 1999 Syrah was called "Amerique") it might be a pleasant discovery for your wine guest--a new secret find he can share with his friends. And I think the blueberry flavors of a nice Washington syrah would be great with your filet mignon.

[seawakim]

Thank you very much for your recommendations! The dinner party went perfectly. By request, here is the menu that we served...

Wasabi Lime Crab Salad as an Amuse bouche

Baby Spinach Salad with Roquefort, Cranberries, Walnut vinaigrette

Paired to sparkling pear cider

Shrimp Bisque with Tarragon and Brandy

Paired to Sauvignon Blanc, Quivira 2001

Lemon Sorbet with lemon zest

Filet Mingon with cognac, cream and green peppercorn sauce

Paired with Shiraz, Lindemans 2002

Gianduja Mousse Tarts in a Chocolate Hazelnut Crust, served with crème anglaise and raspberry coulis

(We have a picture of this dessert, but don't know how to post it.)

As I mentioned before, I don't drink wine. I liked the white with the bisque. It had a nice palate-cleansing effect.

Thanks again!