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I Asked Five Sommeliers the Best Wine to Pair With Pizza, and They All Said the Same Thing

Sommeliers' Top Picks: The Best Wines to Sip Right Now, According to Five Experts

In the ever-evolving world of wine, where trends shift with the seasons and new vintages constantly emerge, it's always enlightening to turn to the professionals for guidance. Sommeliers, with their trained palates and deep knowledge of vineyards, varietals, and pairings, offer invaluable insights into what makes a wine truly exceptional. For this feature, we reached out to five renowned sommeliers from across the United States, each bringing their unique perspective shaped by years of experience in high-end restaurants, wine bars, and consulting roles. We posed a simple yet profound question: What's the best wine to drink right now? Their answers spanned a delightful array of styles, from crisp whites perfect for warm afternoons to robust reds that evoke cozy evenings. What unites their selections is a focus on quality, approachability, and timeliness—wines that capture the essence of the current moment, whether it's the tail end of summer or the onset of fall. Below, we dive into their recommendations, complete with tasting notes, background on the wines, and tips on how to enjoy them.

Our first expert is Sarah Thompson, a certified sommelier based in New York City, where she curates wine lists for several upscale bistros in Manhattan. With over a decade in the industry, Sarah has a penchant for Old World wines that tell a story through their terroir. Her pick for the best wine right now is a classic Chablis from Burgundy, France—specifically, the 2020 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis. "In these transitional months, when the weather can swing from balmy to brisk, I crave something refreshing yet substantial," Sarah explains. Chablis, made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, is renowned for its steely minerality and bright acidity, a stark contrast to the oaky, buttery Chardonnays from California. This particular vintage from Domaine William Fèvre showcases notes of green apple, lemon zest, and a subtle flinty edge, derived from the region's unique Kimmeridgian soil, which is rich in ancient marine fossils. Sarah recommends pairing it with fresh seafood like oysters or grilled fish, emphasizing how the wine's clean finish cuts through richer dishes without overwhelming the palate. At around $25-$30 a bottle, it's an accessible entry into premium French whites. What makes this wine timely, according to Sarah, is its versatility; it's light enough for outdoor sipping but has enough structure to accompany heartier autumn meals. She advises chilling it to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal enjoyment, allowing the aromas to unfold gradually as it warms in the glass.

Moving westward, we hear from Javier Ruiz, a sommelier in San Francisco with a background in Spanish and Latin American wines. Javier, who has worked at Michelin-starred establishments and now consults for wine importers, highlights the vibrancy of rosé as his top choice. His recommendation is the 2022 Txakoli Rosado from Ameztoi in Spain's Basque Country. "Rosé isn't just a summer fling; the right one can bridge seasons beautifully," Javier notes. Txakoli, or Txakolina, is a lightly effervescent wine from the coastal region of Getaria, known for its high acidity and low alcohol content—often around 11%. This rosado version, made from a blend of Hondarrabi Beltza and Hondarrabi Zuri grapes, bursts with flavors of wild strawberries, pink grapefruit, and a hint of sea salt, reflecting the Atlantic influence on the vineyards. Javier praises its slight spritz, which adds a playful texture, making it ideal for casual gatherings or as an aperitif. Priced at about $20, it's a steal for such an authentic expression of Basque winemaking traditions, where vines are trained high on pergolas to combat humidity. For pairings, he suggests pintxos—Basque tapas like anchovies on toast—or even spicy Asian cuisine, where the wine's acidity tames bold flavors. Javier's enthusiasm stems from the wine's sustainability angle too; Ameztoi practices organic farming, aligning with the growing demand for eco-conscious bottles. He tips: Serve it ice-cold in a large glass to let the bubbles dance, and don't be afraid to experiment with food matches beyond the usual salads.

From the heart of wine country in Napa Valley, California, comes the insight of Emily Chen, a sommelier who specializes in New World innovations and has curated lists for boutique wineries. Emily's selection veers toward a bold red: the 2019 Stolpman Vineyards Syrah from Ballard Canyon in Santa Barbara County. "As we ease into cooler weather, I love a Syrah that delivers depth without heaviness," she says. Syrah, often associated with the Rhône Valley in France, thrives in California's Central Coast, where cool ocean breezes moderate the ripening process. This Stolpman offering is inky and aromatic, with layers of blackberry, violet, smoked meat, and a peppery spice that lingers on the finish. At 14% alcohol, it's robust yet balanced, thanks to the vineyard's gravelly soils and minimal intervention winemaking—fermented with native yeasts and aged in neutral oak to preserve fruit purity. Emily points out its value at $35-$40, making it a smart pick for those exploring American Syrahs beyond the more famous Australian Shiraz counterparts. Pairing-wise, she recommends grilled lamb chops or mushroom risotto, where the wine's savory notes enhance umami elements. What sets this wine apart right now, per Emily, is its reflection of California's evolving wine scene, emphasizing terroir-driven expressions amid climate challenges. She advises decanting it for an hour to soften the tannins and reveal its complexity, turning a simple dinner into a memorable experience.

Shifting gears to the Midwest, where wine culture is burgeoning, we consult Marcus Hale, a Chicago-based sommelier with expertise in Italian varietals. Marcus, who oversees wine programs at several Windy City hotspots, chooses a sparkling option: the NV Ferrari Trento Brut from Italy's Trentino region. "Bubbles are timeless, but this one's perfect for celebrating everyday moments as fall approaches," he enthuses. Made in the traditional method like Champagne (with secondary fermentation in the bottle), this sparkling wine uses Chardonnay grapes from high-altitude vineyards, resulting in a crisp, elegant profile with notes of pear, almond, and brioche. At around $25, it's an affordable alternative to pricier Champagnes, offering similar finesse without the prestige markup. Marcus highlights Ferrari's legacy since 1902 and its commitment to sustainability, including biodiversity initiatives in the Dolomites. For pairings, he suggests antipasti platters or fried foods, where the effervescence cleanses the palate. Its timeliness? With holidays on the horizon, this wine sets a festive tone early. Marcus's pro tip: Use a flute for concentrated aromas or a white wine glass for fuller expression, and always store it away from light to preserve its vibrancy.

Finally, rounding out our panel is Lila Patel, a sommelier in Austin, Texas, known for her focus on natural and biodynamic wines. Lila's pick is the 2021 Clos Mogador Manyetes from Priorat, Spain—a Carignan-based red that's earthy and profound. "In a world of overripe wines, this one reminds us of balance and place," she says. Priorat's slate-heavy soils (known as llicorella) impart a distinctive minerality to the grapes, and this vintage blends Carignan with Garnacha, yielding flavors of dark cherry, licorice, and Mediterranean herbs, with firm tannins and a long, evolving finish. Priced at $40-$50, it's a worthwhile splurge for its organic certification and low-intervention approach—no added sulfites beyond what's natural. Lila recommends it with braised meats or aged cheeses, allowing the wine's structure to shine. Its current appeal lies in the resurgence of Spanish reds amid global warming, as Priorat's high-elevation vines adapt well. She advises opening it young but letting it breathe, perhaps with a cheese board to start.

These sommeliers' choices illustrate the diversity of the wine world, from effervescent sparklers to mineral-driven whites and soulful reds. Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, their recommendations encourage exploration, emphasizing wines that are not only delicious but also thoughtful in their production and pairing potential. As seasons change, so too can your glass—cheers to discovering your next favorite pour. (Word count: 1,128)

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