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The Why and How Of Serving An Aperitif

It doesn't have to be all about Champagne.. Let's have a look at a few other possibilities to kick your evening off.

An aperitif’s role is to stimulate the appetite for the meal ahead - from Latin ‘to open’ (it is the counterpart to the digestif that closes the meal). Its job is to tickle or refresh palate which is why dry white wines or sparkling wines are the most popular option. It should also fulfil the task of making your guests feel relaxed and pampered - we’ll help you to find something they'll enjoy.


Light-bodied white wine
A cool, crisp and a slightly chilled white wine, is a great intro wine. Remember, you don't want something too heavy or super sweet to avoid killing your guests' palates before they even get to the good stuff.
Try the slightly cloudy Austrian Gruner with delicious rounded grapey fruit. Or something off the beaten track - our Bastian Rivaner comes from Luxembourg - yummy fresh pineapple popsicle, off dry with compensating singing acidity. And finally, Chenin Blanc from the Loire region of France, Attention Chenin Méchant, is brisk and zippy. This is packed with delicious citrus and a minerally finish.

Rosé wine
Flavorful and refreshing fruity wine that is traditionally served slightly chilled. This is the classic apéritif in the south of France and other Mediterranean regions, especially for hot summer afternoons or evenings. It can be romantic, joyous and fun and is a great match to many simple appetizers.
Gassac is one of our wines from southern France, lively, vivid pink with hints of strawberry of crushed red fruit. Or hop down to South Africa with Force Majeure, an unfiltered, organic rosé with bright and creamy red fruits.

Flavoured liqueurs
Some people prefer more alcoholic, flavoured liqueurs to start a meal. Try Aperol on the rocks. While the bitterness can be an acquired taste, it can definitely wake up your palate!

Light-bodied beer
Finally, not all aperitif must be wine or liquor-based. It is very common to offer a nice, cold beer in a less formal setting like a barbecue or casual dinner party. Lighter-styled beers are best for this.
Try the London brewed Table Beer by Kernel, a light, citrusy and slightly hoppy low ABV beer. Or a blonde ale from Barcelona: La Bella Lola has an excellent balance of malt and hop, and a unique bottle shape that's sure to be a conversation starter.

Sparkling choices
Sparkling wines are a great way to usher in a sense of excitement and celebration to your dinner party. Most sparkling wines pair beautifully with a range of foods, so they can also accompany appetizers or other early courses of the meal. Prosecco is refreshing and fun to drink. Our organic Modi is beautifully fragrant with a blend of sharp citrus fruit, honey and peach. Or for something more unusual try a Petillant Naturel (aka Pet Nat) like the Naturalist from New Zealand. It's slightly cloudy, with delicate bubbles, nice tart fruit and a bit of spice - really fun and refreshing wine.

Whether you are hosting a BBQ or friends dinner in the warm summer weeks ahead there's something for everyone…

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