I think you should have a house wine
Take a note from my parents. They’ve had the same house wine for over a decade.
When I visit my parents, I can always expect two things: there will always be a container of homemade Chex Mix in the pantry, and there will always be a couple bottles of Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc chilling in the fridge.
I would consider my parents to be the ideal wine consumer. They like what they like and aren’t ashamed to drink what tastes good—whether that’s a bottle of nice bottle of Champagne or an eight-dollar bottle of Cava. They like to be a part of wine clubs and financially invest in vineyards they adore. (They’ve been faithful members of Goose Ridge Estate Winery for over a decade now.) They like to go to wine dinners and learn about new producers. They especially like tasting experiences where they can learn how to pair certain wines with the foods they cook at home. (Big cooking energy in my household.)
But I think, more importantly, my parents have always understood the importance of what a bottle of wine on a table means for bringing people together. I grew up with an appreciation for wine that I don’t think many young adults get to experience, especially in a culture like the United States where drinking is merely seen as a means to an end. I didn’t think twice about the fact that my father had a wine fridge in our living room. It was a part of our culture, our way of life.
There are so many attributes about my parents that I adore, but I think this is one that has really struck a cord for me. Sure, they like to experiment and try new things—their sense of adventure is certainly something I strive for in my own life. But they’re also good at honing in and perfecting the things they like. Especially when it comes to the recipes they cook and the wines they stock in the fridge.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is one of those wines that my mom and I bond over. (Correction: I think “go feral over” is more accurate.) Even after becoming a sommelier, I still adore those wines. We sit on restaurant patios or in beach chairs and chug bottles.
Eventually, as we tasted our way through the different producers available in our small town, Mom soon settled on one she loved: Whitehaven. Personally, I’m more of a Matua girl—I’m an unashamed slut for any wine with ripe tropical fruit notes, passion fruit specifically. But my Mom is a Whitehaven chick, and I can’t blame her—the wine slaps. Particularly when it’s ice cold, served in a Yeti cup while you’re sitting on a beach.
I think this is the beauty of having a house wine. Stocking a house wine means consistently having a wine that you love on hand, something you don’t have to think about. Whether you’re drinking on a random Tuesday or serving it to people who come over, you always know it’s good, because your palate has given it a stamp of approval.
As a sommelier, I have to appreciate all kinds of wine. My job is to learn about a lot or producers and be able to talk about them with guests. But in my personal life? In your personal life? There’s nothing wrong with the familiar, with turning back to the things you love and sharing them with others. Be the ultimate fan. Be a producer groupie. No one’s stopping you.
How to choose a house wine
I think a house wine must be something that you enjoy to drink. Something that you’re never sick of after grabbing it again and again. White, red, rosé…whatever the wine is, it has to be one that you could see in your fridge or on your shelf for many years to come.
If you’re not exactly sure what that wine is, then let’s pay attention to the wine that you tend to order. If you were to define the wine that you like to drink, what would it be? Is it lighter or fuller bodied? If it’s a white wine, do you want more citrus, fruit, or butter? If it’s red, do you like tannins on the tongue or to drink something smooth as velvet? Do you like fresh fruit or something more aged? Do you like something more traditional, or something with a funkier low-intervention spin?
I think the type of food you like to cook also matters. My mom is a huge fan of fresh seafood and lots of salty snacks—the ideal pair for something high acid and fruity like a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. If you were to invite friends or family over, what are you serving? And what kind of wine do you imagine opening up?
Pick something that will easily make sense with your lifestyle. Something you would add to your grocery basket without a second thought. Don’t force it. Let the wine be a natural expression of you and your personal culture.
Some sommelier picks for a house wine
If you’re still feeling a little loss, here’s a cheat sheet that you can work with based on your taste preferences.
If you prefer a crispy white wine: Look for wines coming from cooler climates, such as the Loire in France, Piedmont in Italy, Galicia in Spain, the Finger Lakes in New York, and pretty much all of Germany.
If you prefer sparkling wine: I think the majority of us can’t exactly afford to stock Champagne all the time (if you can, go off queen), so maybe choose something that feels a little more budget friendly. I honestly think Cava is a great option. I’m also a big fan of sparkling wine from England, South Africa, and New York. Crémant sparklers are also a great option from France, produced in the same way as Champagne but at a price tag that makes more sense. (My aunt always has cold bottles of Mumm ready to go.)
If you prefer rosé or orange: I would aim for something that’s a lighter and easier drinking. While there are some deeper rosés and orange wines out there, full of tannins and great with food, these styles of wine may not be your crowd pleasers. Find something that feels a littler lighter and fruitier.
If you prefer lighter reds: Your biggest tell is to look at the alcohol percentage. If a red wine is sitting at 13% or less, than it’s going to be lighter in style and something you enjoy. Again, aim for cooler climate wines.
If you prefer bolder, fuller-bodied reds: In that same vein, look for higher percentages! You’ll get bolder and richer styles at 14%. These wines likely sat in an oak barrel of some kind before release, which gives them that smooth, chocolatey, caramel-like quality. In particular, look for Bordeaux Blends. (Wines made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.)
Don’t sleep on American wine
Like I mentioned, along with their stock of Whitehaven, my parents are also faithful club members of Goose Ridge in Washington. You may find it is much easier (and cheaper) to order cases from an American winery directly, and it’s a great option to regional wine and local businesses!
Need some ideas? Here are some of my favorites from the Finger Lakes.
Wine of the week
If marinara sauce is on the menu, I can’t help but want a Sangiovese. I picked up a bottle of Casale delle Campore Maremma Toscana Sangiovese 2022 from Tuscany. and enjoyed it with some homemade stuffed shells, and mamma mia.
Tasting notes
Appearance: Clear, moderate intensity, ruby in color, medium viscosity, developing
Nose: Clean, pronounced intensity, savory red fruit like tomatoes and tart cranberry, a little oxidative, no evidence of oak
Palate: Dry, high intensity, high acidity, medium bodied, high alcohol, firm tannins, no evidence of oak, long length
Final conclusion
Bursting with tart fruit and all kinds of charm. Feels light on the palate but the alcohol is certainly present on the finish. Pair with pasta, obviously.
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