Winestein’s Theories

Far from his San Francisco home, award-winning sommelier Kerry Damskey is currently nosing around the Sula Vineyards in Nashik. bpb quizzes him on the best wine pairings for any situation:

You’re a Wine Virgin: Play the fruit

Not even a sip? Ever? Seriously? And you call yourself a bpb subscriber! Wine virgins, peg your grape expectations on Château de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Made from soft tannins, this light red comes loaded with fruit and is immediately likeable.

You Get Fired: Call on Your Sherry

Stop whining and grab a bottle of La Ina, a Spanish sherry and instant pick-me-up: it’s boozy enough to get you cheery, but won’t reduce you into a puddle of teary drunkenness.

You Want to Score: Hit the Sweet Spot

Armed with a bottle of Chateau d'Yquem, a French Sauternes, anyone can get lucky. It’s full bodied, with a voluptuously complex bouquet and deep, velvety flavour… Are you turned on yet?

Pre-drinking With Friends: Draw a Blanc

Sweet, lively and a lot of fun, Sula Chenin Blanc should be a permanent fixture in your friend circle. Say cheers!

You’re Flying Solo: Dry Again

A dry white like Sula Sauvignon Banc makes for a perfect companion. It doesn’t demand much from you, and is sweet without being cloying. So go ahead, pop open a bottle for yourself. What? Like you haven’t done that before!

Best Secret Work Stash: The Marlborough Man

Keep a bottle of Cloudy Bay - Marlborough from New Zealand in your desk drawer. A glass (or three) of this burly vino is a guaranteed stress-buster.

For a Wretched Morning After: Hide and Creek

Skip over coffee and bananas and head straight for the bottle (just like you did last night). Bill's Block Maple Vineyard Zinfadel from Dutcher Crossing Winery is the best cure for a throbbing hangover. Trust us; we got this straight from the experts!

Getting there: Good bets are Sante, Shop No. 53, 60/62 Woodhouse Road, Colaba; and Jude Wines, Lourdes Haven, 10/A, Pali Junction, Bandra (W).