Wines everyone likes, according to top sommeliers
Dinner, drinks, party, dilemma. Which wine should you have at home that both your friends and family will enjoy? We asked top sommeliers which wines are true crowd-pleasers. Here they are:
Isabel van Bueren, former 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 are also wines 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 oak-aged, with soft, saline tones from the sea and often pleasantly fresh acidity. Prefer red? Then go for a Primitivo. Thanks to the refined climate and many hours of sunshine, you get round wines with little bitterness that are easy to drink.”
Nabil Touires, sommelier Graham’s Kitchen
“Wines from the French Languedoc-Roussillon region and Chilean Chardonnay.”
Dennis Blaaser, sommelier Le Hollandais
“White: Sauvignon Blanc, both from the Loire and the more tropical varieties, from places such as Marlborough in New Zealand. Red: try a Sicilian red. It’s especially delicious thanks to the combination of a warm climate and volcanic soil. For example, Riofavarra San Basilio.”
Julian Cleton, sommelier Wijnbar VinVin
“Verdejo makes pretty much everyone happy, perhaps because of its summery character. You can also pour Blaufränkisch for absolutely anyone. Serve it chilled in summer, but definitely not at other times.”
Laurence Reintjens, freelance sommelier
“Austrian Zweigelt; incredibly smooth with soft tannins. It’s delicious with a wide variety of dishes.”
Ruth Engels, sommelier INK Hotel Amsterdam
“Wines that generally always go down well are Pinot Grigio or a classic Côte du Rhône, although the latter is a little old-fashioned.”
Maaike Kauffman, sommelier Héroine
“For birthdays and parties, I usually choose a Verdejo, a wine in which everyone can find something delicious.”
Bram Faber, sommelier Wijncafé Lefebvre
“Grüner Veltliner! It 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, former sommelier Aan de Poel
“Amarone/Valpolicella.”
Sabas Joosten, sommelier De Librije
“Weissburgunder and Grauburgunder.”
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