Originally they were the least-expensive wines bought in bulk and poured by-the-glass at a hefty profit margin in restaurants. Many house wines nowadays reflect pride of the chef, sommelier, or restaurateur and a commitment to quality. These wines say something about the establishment.
Do you have a “house wine” at your home? A wine on-hand, chilled and ready to pour when friends drop by. Your go-to wine? A wine of good value, reasonably priced yet still somewhat unique, special. A wine that isn’t on every supermarket shelf, but still handily available. An enjoyable wine that is equally suitable on the patio or at the dinner table paired with classic foods…
Our Current House Wine
Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc Belleruche 2009 M. Chapoutier
Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc is made predominantly from Grenache Blanc with its herbaceous, apple and pear aromas. Smaller amounts of Clairette and Bourboulenc balance the wine. The Bourboulenc grape gives Belleruche Blanc its sprightly acidity, which pairs wonderfully with salads dressed with vinaigrette and lemony seafood dishes. Grilled fish and goat cheese with sliced pears are also stellar pairings. $10.79/bottle after the 10% off on 6-bottle discount.
Braille embossed on the labels.
Established in 1808 in France’s Rhone region, Maison Chapoutier has been passed from father to son to grandson. All of their wine labels have been embossed in Braille since 1996.
Maurice de la Sizeranne (1857 – 1917) President of the Association of the Blind in France and owner of the famous La Sizeranne vineyard in Hermitage, was blind since age 9. He was the inventor of the first version of abbreviated Braille. M. Chapoutier’s trademark pays tribute to this man while making sure their wines are accessible to people who are blind. The Braille label provides the following information: M. Chapoutier, Appellation, Name of the Wine, Vintage, Color.
Wines with Signature, the expression of M. Chapoutier taste. A will to avoid developing a “typical taste” or set style. One the contrary, a permanent objective to work on differences in tastes, to bring out the specific tastes provided by each local terrior and wine. This is how we cold sum up the Chapoutier Estate quest, which has been present on the Rhone Valley since 1808.
Discover more from Taste With The Eyes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I’m so impressed with braille labels.
While I enjoy white wine, I prefer red…specifically, Malbecs from Argentina. I find them smooth, medium weight and balanced. My current favorite, Portillo Malbec, is a steal at $5.99 at a local market (though it’s at lease twice that elsewhere). I don’t know how they do it, but every time I go in, I’m sure to grab a few bottles.
I love the photos, and the concept that we all have our own “house wine”
To be honest, the Menage a Trois brand of wines have been my go-to! They are always a crowd pleaser!
My house wines seem to be seasonal and fickle, very much determined by my whims. But I do tend to buy a case of the same wine when I find one I like at a great price and turn to that wine often… Which I guess is exactly what you mean here. GREG
LOVE this post! Your pictures are incredible and I love the fact that your wine has a braille label! My go-to wine is actually a local wine, which is rare in Florida. It’s from San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine, FL and it’s called Vintners Red. It’s made from muscadine grapes and has a lovely cherry flavor….especially when paired with Midnight Moon cheese!
Very nice posting. Also very informative. I would have to say, at our maison, any Columbia Crest Grand Estates would be considered our house wine. We drink it frequently with ordinary meals and just for sipping with company. I am anxious to read some of your other commentators. Susan