It's my party . . .

. . . but don’t run the risk of anyone crying at yours. Here is a selection of failsafe party wines – just remember, if you’re not providing nibbles, keep alcohol content low, and keep Auntie Vera away from the gin

AS THE FESTIVE season kicks off, here are a few suggestions for those of you who intend throwing a party. But first, some advice. Try not to serve the very cheapest wine going; wine served without food has no cloak behind which to hide. Times may be tough, but spending a euro or two more will make all the difference. If you are on a very limited budget, consider serving kir (or kir royale) instead of white wine, and mulled wine instead of red. The addition of a drop of something sweet and alcoholic, be it crème de cassis for kir, or a good glug of port for mulled wine, can help hide any shortcomings.

Alcohol content: Don’t serve a hearty 15 per cent monster. Wines served on their own should be light in alcohol, preferably 13 per cent or less. You don’t want your guests keeling over after a glass. The one exception I make is sherry, the world’s greatest aperitif wine, when served with a few nibbles. But then I am biased; I’ll drink sherry any time.

Food: It almost goes without saying, but most wine tastes much better with food. A glass of wine whets the appetite, leaving the stomach yearning for food. You don’t have to go to huge lengths, but a few nibbles with your drinks will improve the mood of your guests and help soak up any excess alcohol.

If the idea of ordering an entire case of wine seems daunting during the year, this is when it can really pay dividends. Ordering wine for delivery or online will make life a lot easier. You will be able to take your time browsing though a catalogue and put together a selection of wines that will arrive on your doorstep. As most of the companies involved tend to be small, you can always pick up the phone to ask for a little personal assistance. My own favourites would probably be thestoreroom.ie, winesdirect.ie and JNwine.com, along with regional retailers Red Nose Wines, Curious Wines, the Wine Warehouse and Greenacres. However, these days most wine shops are quite happy to deliver a case of wine anywhere in Ireland, often free of charge.

SPARKLING WINE

Prosecco is still very much in vogue and, being off-dry, can be easier to drink on its own. However, there are plenty of high-quality sparkling wines around that offer a real alternative.

Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay, 11%, €12.99 It’s been featured here before, but as far as I’m concerned, this is the best-value fizz on the market – it is streets ahead of most prosecco and cava at the same price. This is a delicious, stylish sparkling wine at an amazing price. The rosé is also very good. Stockists: Widely available

WHITE WINES

If you’re not serving any food, avoid wines that are bone dry and high in acidity. Those crisp whites may be great with a plate of seafood, but on their own, they can set the teeth on edge. Wines with plenty of juicy fruit, or even a few grams of residual sugar, are much easier on the stomach.

Tesco’s Finest Denman Vineyard Semillon 2010, Hunter Valley, 11%, €10.99 Possibly not quite as good as the Mount Pleasant version featured here before, but this is another very drinkable Hunter Valley Semillon, with attractive, clean, light kiwi and pear fruits. It has good acidity but enough ripe, plump fruit to allow it slip down smoothly. Even better value when on promotion at €7. Stockist: Tesco

Rizzardi Pinot Grigio 2010, Veneto, 12.5%, €9.99 Light, fresh pear and apple fruits, nicely rounded and just the right side of refreshing. Perfect party wine. Stockist: O’Briens

Simone Joseph Chardonnay 20010, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 12.5%, €11.50 I had this served to me at a party recently and it worked perfectly. Very attractive medium-bodied apple fruits and fine acidity, finishing bone dry. Stockists: thestoreroom.ie; the wine room, No 1 Pery square, Limerick; French Flair, Tralee; On the Grapevine, Dalkey; The Kitchen Project, Clonakilty; Cases Wine Warehouse, Galway; Donnybrook Fair; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock

RED WINES

With red wines, you want to avoid anything too tannic. They might go well with red meats, but on their own, your guests will be gasping after a glass. Better to pick out something rounded and fruity, preferably without too much oak.

Costadoro 2010, IGP Marche, Italy, 13%, €7.99 Very light, supple dark fruits, no off-flavours and a rounded finish; more than you could hope for at under €8. The white version is equally gluggable. Stockist: Wine Direct

Marks Spencer Nerello Mascalese 2009, 13%, €8.79 From the southwest of Sicily, a surprisingly forward, juicy red wine with very moreish dark cherry fruits, and a rounded finish. Stockist: Marks Spencer

Karu Merlot 2010, Central Valley, 13%, €6.99 If you have a big crowd and a tight budget, this should fit the bill perfectly; light, sweet, jammy fruits and no rough tannins. It mightn’t please the wines snobs, but everyone else will happily knock this back with gusto. Stockist: O’Briens