What's your favorite wine?
This is the most frequently asked question I hear, but what can I answer? To me, asking to choose a favorite wine is like asking who in the world I love the most - and I could never answer that!
So I try to avoid answering the question by referring to the fact that it all comes down to where you are, who you are with, what you eat, what's the mood, and how's the weather?
Now, I can say with certainty that the wines that are the most enjoyable to me have a good balance, plenty of individual character and are of good quality. That being said, it does not have to be an expensive bottle, it just has to be well done.
Still, if I'm really squeezed my answer would probably be Champagne, as it's the only wine that I can drink at any time of the day or evening. Champagne is a wine full of life, history, invention, and enjoyment. There are so many styles to explore and I always get excited over its diversity.
Recently I actually had a wonderful experience; I had lunch in Hautvillers, the home of Dom Perignon - the monk that is said to have invented the formula of producing Champagne. Over lunch, we enjoyed tasting a 2006 P1 and P2, a 1998 P2, and a 1996 and 1983 P3. We ended the meal with a marvelous chocolate soufflé paired with a Dom Perignon Rose 2003 Vintage. It was stunning and something I'll always cherish. At that moment, I would for for sure have said that champagne is, and will always be, my favorite wine. :)
What is your favorite wine?
The best way of finding your favorite wine and learning the characteristics of different wine styles, grapes, and regions is to taste a lot and to pay attention to what it is you're drinking. If you're new to wines, start by looking and understanding the different bits on the label - what kind of grape is this? What kind of style? Who is the producer? And most importantly - is this a wine that you'd like to try again?
If you're in a restaurant, you can ask the sommelier for a recommendation and ask them to explain what it is you're drinking and why he recommended it. Sommeliers are generally well-educated in their field and love to share their knowledge about the wine list and its bottles. They also know the menu, so they can help you choose the perfect pairing to your meal.
Most importantly - take note of all you learn. It'll help formalize your thoughts around your taste, so the next time someone asks what wine you like, you have a clear understanding of the basics.