For drinks with friends, the safest choice is to offer a fresh, fruity white and a supple red, served at the right temperature. Two well-chosen bottles cover most tastes without complicating the evening. Here is how to choose, how much to plan for and which wines from the shop fit the bill.

Which wine for drinks with friends: what to look for?

A good aperitif wine is recognisable by its freshness, its drinkability and its lack of heaviness. You want wines that are easy to drink, without pronounced tannins or heavy oak, because they should accompany savoury bites rather than overwhelm them. A wine that is too powerful tires the palate before the meal even begins.

Budget matters too: several glasses are poured per person, and there is no need to open a great bottle with ageing potential for this occasion. A sincere winemaker's wine at a gentle price, which can be shared freely, is a better choice. Great bottles deserve a quieter moment.

White, red or rosé: which to serve first?

White is the most natural choice to open the aperitif: its liveliness whets the appetite and goes with most nibbles. Serve it chilled but not icy, so the aromas stay clear. The red follows, especially if the table offers charcuterie.

• A dry, fresh, fruity white to welcome your guests.
• A soft, low-tannin red for lovers of red wine and charcuterie.
• A third wine (rosé or sparkling) if the group is large or if you want some variety.

This simple trio avoids debate and lets everyone find their glass. If you can only choose one, go for the white.

Which white wine should you choose for a convivial aperitif?

The Vox Blanc, AOP Ventoux is made for this purpose: a blend of Roussanne and Clairette, fresh and fruity, it is described as suited to the aperitif, fish and seafood. It is served at 10 to 12 °C. Its price of 11,50 € means you can open several bottles without hesitation.

Another option is the Autour du Pigeonnier cuvée by Benoît Roseau, a 2023 IGP Colline Rhôdanienne blending Chardonnay and Roussanne, to be served between 11 and 13 °C. It is a limited selection at the shop, at €11.90, offering a little more roundness than the Vox. To learn more about the former, our article on Vox Blanc food and wine pairings details the dishes that suit it.

Which red wine to serve as an aperitif without overpowering the bites?

For red, favour suppleness. The VOX Rouge 2024, AOP Ventoux, blends Syrah and Grenache: it is fruity and supple, and pairs easily with charcuterie and everyday dishes. Serve it slightly chilled, at 14 to 16 °C, which enhances its mouth-watering side.

At aperitif time, avoid structured reds built for ageing, such as a Côte-Rôtie: they deserve a dish and some attention, even a decanting. Save them for later in the meal. Our guide to serving temperature will help you get the chill right for each bottle.

How much should you plan for an aperitif with friends?

A standard bottle holds seven to eight usual serving glasses. For an aperitif before a meal, generally allow two to three glasses per guest, a little more if the aperitif is standing in for dinner. It is better to plan one more bottle of white than red, as it is drunk faster.

For a calculation suited to your group, the shop’s drinks calculator gives you an estimate based on the number of guests and the duration. Don’t forget water and a few savoury bites: they are part of the balance of the evening.

What side dishes should you serve with these wines?

With the crisp white, think of gougères, fresh goat's cheese toasts, shrimp or raw vegetables. The supple red goes well with charcuterie, rillettes and semi-hard pressed cheeses. The idea is to keep to simple flavours that let the wine speak for itself.

If you enjoy exploring these pairings, the Wine, Cheese and Charcuterie workshop in Old Lyon offers a 1h30 introduction with an expert wine merchant. It is a practical way to understand why some pairings work better than others.

How can you easily get hold of these wines?

Vinea Mea is an independent wine shop at 3 rue Soufflot, in Old Lyon (Vieux-Lyon), with wines from independent winemakers selected at the estate. You can browse the online shop and choose pick-up at the shop (Click and Collect) or home delivery, to a pick-up point or express 24h.

If you are unsure about quantities or style, feel free to use the contact page: we will help you put together a selection suited to your evening and your budget.

FAQ: your questions

What is the best wine for drinks with friends?

A dry, fresh and fruity white is the most crowd-pleasing choice, served at 10 to 12 °C. The Vox Blanc AOP Ventoux is described as well suited to an aperitif. Add a supple red for the charcuterie lovers.

How many bottles should you plan for an apéro?

Allow an average of two to three glasses per person, or about one bottle for three guests. Plan for more white than red. The shop's calculator lets you fine-tune the quantity for your group.

Should red wine be served chilled as an aperitif?

Yes, a supple red benefits from being slightly chilled. VOX Rouge is served between 14 and 16 °C, which highlights its fruit and suppleness.

Article written with the help of AI.