Favorites of the fair

The right moment: Right at the start, when the evening still promises everything.

• when … the guests are ringing the bell and the oven needs another twenty minutes
• when … there is something to celebrate that you can't say out loud
• when … prawns, salmon carpaccio or oysters are on the table

The right moment: When it's autumn outside and something is braising inside.

• when … the ragù has been bubbling on the stove for three hours
• when … leg of lamb or salsiccia is coming to the table
• when … someone claims Italy only does light wines

The right moment: Whenever champagne would be too much fuss, but prosecco too little.

• when … something good happened on a perfectly ordinary Tuesday
• when … friends drop by unannounced and the fridge wants to be ready
• when … goat's cheese or a light fish dish is on the plate

The right moment: With an aperitif that is really half the meal already.

• when … you want to impress someone without reaching for champagne
• when … mussels, antipasti or a summer salad are being served
• when … someone says sparkling rosé is only for weddings

The right moment: When you want to open a wine people talk about at the table.

• when … game, lamb or something off the grill is coming to the table
• when … guests ask: “So what are we drinking tonight?”
• when … you want to tell a story that is actually true

The right moment: End of the working day, shoes off, glass full.

• when … the asparagus or the Thai curry is ready
• when … you need a wine for a group where everyone likes something different
• when … there is no occasion, and that is exactly the occasion

The right moment: At lunchtime on the terrace, or in the evening when things should stay light.

• when … risotto, vegetable pasta or goat's cheese is on the menu
• when … you need something fresh after a long day
• when … someone thinks Sauvignon Blanc only comes from New Zealand

The right moment: When the food gets hearty and nobody is watching the clock.

• when … steak, Ibérico or tapas are on the board
• when … you want a red that is fun and doesn't lecture
• when … someone asks what the wild boar is all about

The right moment: For the evening when the meat plays the lead.

• when … a beef pot roast or lamb chops are being served
• when … you're after a red with power but without the muscle show
• when … the name alone gets the conversation going

The right moment: As the first glass, before anyone even thinks about food.

• when … asparagus season is on or Asian food is coming to the table
• when … you want to surprise guests with a wine they don't know
• when … someone thinks dry and fragrant can't go together

The right moment: Sunday lunch, when there is a proper meal.

• when … roast beef with onions, schnitzel or mountain cheese is on the table
• when … you want a red that isn't heavy, but isn't tame either
• when … grandma is cooking and you're supposed to bring something good

The right moment: Late afternoon, low sun, nothing else planned.

• when … fish, shellfish or white meat is going on the plate
• when … you're sitting on the balcony letting the day wind down
• when … you're looking for a white wine everyone will like

The right moment: Whenever there's a toast and not everyone is drinking.

• when … drivers, pregnant guests or children are at the table
• when … the brunch needs a festive touch
• when … you want to toast on a Monday night without regretting it on Tuesday

The right moment: For the dinner where the phones get put away.

• when … bistecca, game ragù or aged pecorino is being served
• when … you want a classic that won't disappoint anyone
• when … everyone is talking about their last holiday in Tuscany

The right moment: Lunch, dinner, with food or on its own. It can do it all.

• when … Wiener schnitzel, asparagus or young goat's cheese is on the table
• when … you need one white wine for lots of different dishes
• when … someone asks for “something fresh”

The right moment: With the aperitif or the first course, when it should taste of the sea.

• when … fish, seafood or fresh cheese is being served
• when … you want to show wine friends something they don't know yet
• when … summer is really over, but you're not ready to let it go

The right moment: As the opener, once the oysters are shucked.

• when … oysters, raw fish dishes or salty snacks are ready
• when … regular sparkling wine is always a touch too sweet for you
• when … you want to give champagne fans a Loire alternative

The right moment: When it's warm, or at least should feel that way.

• when … grilled fish, salads or Mediterranean food is on the table
• when … you need an easy-going white for a big group
• when … your holiday wasn't all that long ago

The right moment: On a weeknight, when you want something good without thinking about it.

• when … pasta, sushi or antipasti is on the table
• when … friends spontaneously stay for dinner
• when … someone asks whether you can drink pecorino

The right moment: When it's cold outside and the candles are lit inside.

• when … pizza, lasagna or roast goose is coming to the table
• when … you want a red that gives you a hug
• when … the day was long and the sofa is calling

The right moment: With the aperitif, when things should be elegant.

• when … oysters, ceviche or cheese are being served
• when … you want to show someone that Italy can do more than prosecco
• when … an anniversary is coming up that must not be forgotten

The right moment: For late in the evening, when the light turns just like the name says.

• when … saddle of lamb, game or mature cheddar is on the table
• when … you're looking for a red with depth
• when … someone asks whether South Africa can make top wine

The right moment: With the aperitif or at a barbecue, before it gets dark.

• when … grilled vegetables, salads or fish from the grill are being served
• when … you think rosé is allowed to have some character
• when … the sun is out, whatever month it is

The right moment: Whenever a dry Riesling fits, which is almost always.

• when … fish, sushi or Asian food is on the table
• when … you're giving a Riesling skeptic a second chance
• when … you want a big name at a small price

The right moment: For the evening when you cook, but nothing elaborate.

• when … pasta, something grilled or a board of ham is coming to the table
• when … you're looking for an everyday red
• when … your visitors ask whether you have another bottle

The right moment: When the food gets hearty.

• when … hearty meat dishes or a spicy cheese are being served
• when … you want to try an Italian away from the big names
• when … you want to buy your discovery from the fair again

The right moment: In the early evening, while it's still light.

• when … ratatouille, sea bass or tapenade is on the table
• when … you're thinking back to your last trip to the Mediterranean
• when … a picnic is planned

The right moment: For the evening that runs longer than planned.

• when … lamb, something braised or pasta with meat sauce is being served
• when … you're looking for a Primitivo that is more than just sweetish
• when … winter is coming and you want to be prepared

The right moment: For the meal where fish takes center stage.

• when … grilled fish, risotto or antipasti is on the table
• when … someone says Pinot Grigio is boring
• when … you need an elegant white wine for guests

The right moment: When things get cozy and the cheese is already on the board.

• when … Manchego, chorizo or herb-crusted leg of lamb is being served
• when … you want a red everyone at the table will like
• when … someone is planning a trip to Spain and wants to get in the mood