Nominated sommelier Rianne Ogink recommends 5 wines that are fantastic and very affordable
Recently, 31-year-old sommelier Rianne Ogink was nominated for the title of Wine Woman of the Year 2022. The ideal person to ask about wines that are both wonderfully delicious and nicely affordable.
Michelin-starred wine restaurant
Rianne has been working for a few years at wine restaurant Zoldering on Utrechtsestraat in Amsterdam, which was awarded a star during the latest Michelin star ceremony. She competed in the Dutch Championships and passed her ASI (international sommelier exam). Now she is ready for the next step; next month, Rianne is moving to Bordeaux—the most traditional wine region in France—to study vineyard and cellar management. Her biggest dream is to eventually become a vineyard manager, anywhere in the world.
Which wines can we confidently bring home, according to Rianne?
1. ROC & LUNE, CARIGNAN (VINOBLESSE, €9.95)
My favorite house wine. Sultry, generous, spicy. Delicious slightly chilled in summer, but also fantastic by the fireplace in winter. Always a pleasure to drink. A crowd pleaser in the best sense of the word.
2. SECATEURS, CHENIN BLANC, ADI BADENHORST (GALL&GALL €9.99—but regularly on offer)
The price-to-quality ratio here is excellent. A rich, round and seductive Chenin Blanc from South Africa. Comfortable would be the word to describe my feeling about this wine. Delicious with salads, creamy fish dishes or poultry. But also excellent to drink on its own.
3. GRÜNER VELTLINER, DOMAINE WACHAU (HEMA, €7.75, temporarily reduced to €6.75)
A unique find at HEMA. This will please everyone. Fresh, crunchy fruit and incredibly juicy at the same time. Perfect to serve at parties; it never disappoints.
4. RIESLING TROCKEN, CLEMENS BUSCH (VINDICT AND OTHER LES GENEREUX LOCATIONS, €14.35)
All-time favorite. Pure, aromatic, with crisp acidity, exciting and thirst-quenching. Everything a Riesling should have for me. A blend of different top parcels on extremely steep slopes in the Mosel. This is sure to impress!
5. CREMANT DU JURA, L’AIGLE À DEUX TÊTES (SMARAGD WIJNEN AT HOME, €16)
Bubbles—I love them! This is the best crémant I’ve had in ages. Just a little riper and nuttier. But at the same time also slightly floral and refreshing. A wine that keeps you intrigued, while also making you want to drink the entire bottle. Preferably all by yourself. Delightful at a friendly price.
Photo: Rianne between Barbara Verbeek (left) and Clarissa Slingerland, initiators of Stichting Wijnvrouw van het Jaar
Also read:
- 6 bizarre things sommeliers experience
- These are top sommeliers’ favorite budget wines
- This is what sommeliers find incredibly irritating about guests
