That's actually a more difficult question than you would think.
I don't have just one favorite.
For me, it's very mood driven.
When I give that answer, sometimes I'm met with a look that's a bit puzzled - as if to say "you don't have one style that you stick to?". It's actually not a surprising reaction, because as a retailer I often find that most people find a favorite and then drink it until they're bored of it - and move on to something different.
I've just never been that way.
Actually, I don't pair my wine with food so much as you might think; I go for what I'm in the mood to enjoy. It doesn't often conflict with my meal choice, and if it does - then I'll indulge a bit before dinner, set my glass to the side - and finish after my meal.
That's typically the advice I try to give to people when they're shopping. If you're going to dinner at a friend's and want to bring a wine for dinner - absolutely, let's pair it up as best we can. If you're cooking a specific meal to enjoy with a wine and want it to be perfectly aligned, sure we can do that as well.
But I try to encourage people when they are indulging without being food specific - to try different things; shake it up a bit. So that they too can be mood driven for what they will enjoy in the glass.
Sometimes in the dead of summer, I'll still crave a big California Cab - such as Stag's Leap Artemis. Other times it may be a lighter Viognier. Or in the winter, sitting by the fire - I still might just want the crisp acidity of a Vouvray. It's just how the mood hits me.
So the next time you're shopping and you're looking to try something new - let us help you think out of the box - and out of your comfort zone. You just might find something perfect to fall in love with.
