WINES THAT EVERYONE LIKES, ACCORDING TO TOP SOMMELIERS
Dinner, drinks, party: dilemma. Because which wine should you stock that both your friends and family will enjoy? We asked top sommeliers which wines are true crowd-pleasers. Here they are:
Isabel van Bueren, sommelier The White Room by Jacob Jan Boerma
“Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre by Domaine Daniel Crochet, Verdejo from Rueda, such as Erminta Veracruz (Spain) and Pinot Bianco is also a wine that many people enjoy.”
Ivar Roerink, sommelier Wijnbar Nic & ik
“A crowd-pleasing wine should be smooth, round, and pleasant. Like a South African Chenin Blanc. Lightly oaked, soft salty tones from the sea, and often with pleasant acidity. Prefer red? Then go for a Primitivo. Due to the refined climate and many hours of sunshine, you get round wines with little bitterness, easy to drink.”
Nabil Touires, sommelier Graham’s Kitchen
“Wines from the French region of Languedoc-Roussillon and Chilean Chardonnay.”
Dennis Blaaser, sommelier Le Hollandais
“White: Sauvignon Blanc, both from the Loire and the more tropical varieties, from Marlborough in New Zealand, for example. Red: try Sicilian red. Very nice due to the combination of warm climate and volcanic soil. For example, Riofavarra San Basilio.”
Julian Cleton, sommelier Wijnbar VinVin
“Verdejo makes everyone happy, perhaps due to its summery character. Blaufränkisch can also be poured for everyone. Chilled in summer, definitely not outside of that.”
Laurence Reintjens, freelance sommelier
“Austrian Zweigelt; super smooth with soft tannins. Goes down wonderfully with many different dishes.”
Ruth Engels, sommelier INK Hotel Amsterdam
“Wines that generally always appeal are a Pinot Grigio or a classic Côte du Rhône, although the latter is a bit old-fashioned.”
Maaike Kauffman, sommelier Héroine
“For birthdays and parties, I usually choose a Verdejo, a wine in which everyone finds something tasty.”
Bram Faber, sommelier Wijncafé Lefebvre
“Grüner Veltliner! Comes in all shapes and sizes. Name a style you like and Grüner is your friend!”
Imil Ayoub, sommelier The Harbour Club
“Pinot Grigio from Venice.”
Erica Verweijen, sommelier Aan de Poel
“Amarone/Valpolicella.”
Sabas Joosten, sommelier De Librije
“Weiss- and Grauburgunder.”
Text: FavorFlav
