I like to think of SYWH readers as a sophisticated, tasteful demographic with an appreciation for the finer things in life: epicureans and sensualists who savor every opportunity to sample from life’s rich palette of flavors. But that would be bullshit, because most of you are actually broke 19 year-old college students, which means you probably have a lot more experience with puking up $3 Red Bull & vodkas than shopping for wine. Fortunately, we are here to help– and who better to turn to for a slightly-douchey wine buyers’ guide than our bro Lars Weiss, successful attorney and guitarist for iconic straightedge bands like JUDGE and ALONE IN A CROWD?? – Sgt D
Not to be confused with Champagne Rose (aka “Rozay”) which is the stuff all the rappers are talking about/ naming themselves after. These days there has also been a huge uptick in the popularity of non-sparkling rose as well, albeit with a completely different class of folks. Rose is supposed to be a “fun” summer wine, not to be taken too seriously (as is the case for those in the know with all other wine). It is also supposed to be reasonably priced (a decent bottle should only set you back $12-$17) so it’s great entry-level purchase. Knowing a bit about wine is always a good thing when it comes to girls and besides its summertime! So read on…Rose is a terrific choice from now to at least Labor Day (and these days with global warming- more like mid/ late September).
Domaines Ott- Master Class
I was turned onto The Otter years ago by a very well respected attorney. Total A-level stuff- but almost didn’t make the list because it violates my rule that rose shouldn’t be expensive (about $40/ bottle retail, twice that in a restaurant). Anyhoo- this stuff is strictly St. Bart’s/ Hampton’s south of the highway and really, really good. Cannot believe that it isn’t shouted out more in “urban” music- funny cause I once drank some with NeYo in the studio when I was an engineer. Prolly cause this is the official rose of the illuminati.
While on topic- I really think someone should put the Domaines Ott label on a pink/ salmon distressed American Apparel t- shirt. Could be the 2010′s equivalent of the Phillies Blunt shirt. (Sarge-you with me?)
Whispering Angel- First Date
I have a feeling that this was the rose that replaced Domaines Ott in many a beach house the summer after the Lehman collapse. Great way to say you know what’s up but I am prudent with my money (about $20/ bottle retail). Expensive-ish for rose, but not ghetto fab/ rich guy expensive the way Domain Ott is and tres refreshing. It is also the house rose at Ms. Lily’s- Serge Becker’s fancy Jamaican restaurant on Houston St. in NYC. This spot has essentially been my “Cheers” since last summer.
Actual waitstaff at Ms. Lily’s (srsly). If this is what the girls who work there look like, you do the math on the chicks who go there …
Any SYWH bro’s want to hang when they are in town- come through any Tuesday- just dress nicely, have some loot, preferable bring a bish (she’ll be impressed and it’ll make it easier to get in), and tell the doorman you’re there to see Liondub (my younger brother Erik, who has a Tuesday night DJ residency). I’m the dude sitting at the bar next to the DJ set up!
Chateau de la Selve- L’Audacieuse- Netflix/ Kicking it at the crib
Just discovered this stuff this summer. Really tasty, classy, and not too bad on price ($17/ bottle). Would be great to serve when you have your girl over for dinner. Half a bottle with dinner- put on a nice reggae playlist or some Usher- finish the rest on the couch and you should be good to go!
Petit Cochon Bronze- Beach House/ Picnic in the park
Every summer I look for a good, cheap rose that is my fall back for an impromptu dinner party or a lazy sunday in Ft. Greene Park. The “Little Tan Pig” is the Summer 2012 edition. Never mind the cutesy pig label and the pink cork this stuff is totally drinkable especially when served ice cold. Buy a bunch of bottles just to have in the fridge at the summer rental and at $11 a pop you won’t mind so much when uninvited guests drink half a case over a boozy brunch/ afternoon hang.
One note: some of these brands maybe sort of hard to find as a lot of winemaking is done by independent vineyards and sold through independent distributors. If you can’t find it at your local wine shop ask them to pick it up- they should be able to find it- or check Zachys.com. Those who get into wine pride themselves about knowing about good but obscure labels, just like record nerds. Being into wine and building/filling a cellar is sort of the equivalent of HC/ indie rock record collecting just with waaaay more money. Extending the analogy further – Serious wine dudes oftentimes buy allotments of cases directly from the vineyards sometimes even before distributors get the wine -like getting pre release limited edition vinyl directly from label. “Yo! I just got my allotment of Kistler” = “Oh yeah, Judge- “Where It Went- The Complete Discography” on colored vinyl? I have a copy on every color and a test pressing. Jordan sent them to me before it came out.”
White Zinfandel- No, No, Never…
Death before dishonor. Totally avoid this type of rose, regardless of label. Too much can go wrong. Often times will be sweet and will give you nasty hangovers. Totally the wine that guys who became rappers drank before they had money. Complete swill. If this is your only option, keep it real and pick up some beers.
As many situations in life- it is the recommendations on the edges that are often the most valuable. Everyone who can afford it should splurge at least once on Domaines Ott, trust me, it’s worth it. White Zinfandel should be avoided at all costs. However, the wines in the middle are just ones that I’ve stumbled across and liked. Any $12- $17 bottle of rose from Provence (or Spain for that matter) is prob gonna be a good call.
One final tip: For those drunky nights at the summer house when find yourself with half a bottle of chardonnay and the dregs of bottle of merlot- Remember this simple equation: white + red never ever equals rose. Believe me, I’ve tried it…
As an adult who has entry-level knowledge of wine, mostly reds, I’d like to say thax brah. Would any SYWH readers want a buyers guide to sake? No weeaboo BS here, I did consulting for a sake distributor/sommelier for awhile and stacked those bottles high.
Do you know anything about soju or makgeoli? <3 u soju
Some of my drunkest nights have been binge drinking Soju in K-town karaoke bars. I didn’t know it was physically possible to throw up black. feelsbadthenextday.ogg :(
Repping 소주 over vodka or sake any day (paired with the right meal, of course).
yes
respect this article, but I’ve been drinking nothing but bubbles lately. my local spot has a raventos de nit that bangs: out http://www.raventos.com/en/press/en_la_finca
also the fish sandwich at Ms. Lily’s is top notch
Yo! the food at Ms. Lily’s is no joke! Having lived in BK for a while now and grown up not to far from White Plains Rd. in the BX, I’ve always really liked west indian food- that being said, when I first started going to Ms. Lily’s I was skeptical of an ‘upscale’ Jamaican spot but the food really is banging. Try the pepper shrimp next time you go…
I will look for that Cava. Funny when I was talking to Sarge about doing this post I said that SYWH readers are a sophisticated bunch and I expected to see some wine recommendations in the comments. Thanks for proving me right!
yea man, my sister warned me that it was very “sceney” but I actually really like the brunch there. I only get to nyc every so often, but I’d go back for that pepper shrimp for sure. Out here we only have a few trucks with jamaican joints, all in the worst neighborhoods.
The cava won’t let you down!
A few years ago I found myself very conflicted because on the one hand STRIFE says ‘there is only one truth,’ while on the other HATEBREED says ‘there is not one truth cast into flames.’
I felt the same torn feeling while reading this– my favorite MILLIONAIRES song is all about chugging white zinfandel bc #yolo, yet at the same time a highly respected member of the NYHC high council denounces it…
wat do???
In situations like this, go with the opinion of whomever has the most money as the people you will be drinking with will be impressed by your srs wine knowledge
lissen to ur hart
This is very relevant to my interests. I think that the market of “srs hardcore/metal nerds who want to hold onto their youthful roots while growing up to become successful, functioning adults” market is quite slow and introductory courses like this are very useful. Much obliged dude!!
It would be cool if you could do an article about how you went from being a huge part NYHC to becoming a successful adult. Im currently in my last year of law school after being a huge dork for years and it would be neat to hear your story.
Bro, it’s a tough line to walk- and still a work in progress. I would by no means consider myself a “successful adult”! I’m a great parent (I have 2 sons, 6 & 8) and I’m totally responsible in that regard, but I’m still in a lot of ways the same HC/punk rock knucklehead that I was when I was 16!
Yes, I would also love such a post. Even if you could talk about how you made such progress, it would be great
u rule (srs)
Damn, I need to come chill with you at Ms. Lily’s next time I’m in town.
You should!
Right now James Pligge is just-fucking-smashing-the-fuck out of the JUDGE tattoo on his bloofy shin.
In Europe, only women and fags drink rose (srs)
brb unable to tell the women and fags apart from regular euros
boom
Just killer.
too true but we have a whole universe of faggot beer brands to show your in the closet homosexuality.
my rule as euro is buy whatever is the cheapest. in all cases. the only stuff that doesnt make you a faggot is entry lvl strong stuff like. (even tho you’re a faggot if you drink bacardi or tequila) but like daniels or cheap vodka
I really want to try rosè now, but the fear of being stigmatized as the filth of ghey prevents me to do it ):
I’ll probably stick to my sangue di giuda forever
This is one of the best wine write up/reviews. Thanks bro, will be sipping rose this weekend.
No Wild Irish Rose?
And yeah you’re right when it comes to wine nerds. When ever someone starts taking about the grapes that went into the wine all I can think of is some guitarbro beating off over his obscure amp.
Yeah man.. I pray to god that the post doesn’t come off at all like that. My intention here is more along the lines of dating advice/ life skills- you don’t have to be a douche, but it is good look to know what to order with dinner when you’re hanging with your girl. There is nothing more annoying that some dude going on and on about tannins and ‘hints of grapefruit.’ A great line that I’ve used in that situation is:
“People who have nothing to talk about talk about the weather, people who REALLY have nothing to talk about talk about wine.”
Usually ends the conversation pretty quickly…
lol it’s not even the grapes it’s the dirt they were grown in where the real IWN shit goes down
As a nineteen year-old college student, my gratitude towards SYWH continues to grow with each post, and this one is no different… Will keep what I’ve learned here in mind next time I hit up the liquor store.
‘GQ for tumblrbros and socially awkward musicfags’
sounds about right
Someone needs to do a whiskey one, the only type of alc I know stuff about (excluding beer, which everyone has a dif opinion on) via drinking some weekly with my dad.
Awesome post.
Been trying to get into wine to up my sophisticated bish portfolio but just kinda buy whatever $15 cote du rhone or cabarnet sauvignon from france/spain/australia catches my eye.
Further recs appreciated.
Doesn’t come in a box? Not real wine.
Protip: tear off the box and you are left with a much more convenient BAG of wine!
That doubles as a pillow for when you pass out on the floor!
Bitches from around where I live are all about that space bag lol.
Also, Lars, since you mentioned lovers is the reggae that you like, do you hate dancehall?
Nah…Lovers/ Culture is just better for chilling at the house. Some of the newer singers I like are Romain Virgo, Chris Martin, Jah Cure, Pressure, Tarrus Riley.
I’m really feeling dancehall as well these days- Vybz Kartel (of course), Demarco, Mavado, Popcaan.
Right now, this is my joint! (song doesn’t start til 2 min in, but the intro is hysterical/ awesome)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ai3BDU1FZs
You should totally write a post about ignorant-ass dancehall.
First time I got drunk was on yellow tail rose. Got me from point A to point Drunk without giving me a hang over later and didn’t taste too bad, so it’s good in my book. Is it passe to rep yellow tail?
yes.
I like to drink Mint Juleps for summer time.
I will pick up a bottle of Rose for pool time tomorrow. will float on raft and drink it.
Another reason to stay away from White Zin is the fact that EVERY middle aged, middle class white bish in the Midwest slams the stuff like prohibition is about to happen again. You don’t want to be percieved as a middle aged midwesterner, do you?
This. Your drink for sure tells a lot about you. It’s difficult to find a happy-medium between knowing what to drink and what you like vs. not looking like a beardo cocktail nerdario.
U mean a beardo-emo-faggario-nerdario-frootario.
I don’t drink, but I read this thinking it would at least be funny/entertaining. Not the case. I also hate electronic music, but I actually enjoyed Lars’ primer for drum n’ bass/jungle/bro step.
I just realized something: Lars lives in NYC, drinks rosé, and listens to techno . . . hmmm. Not that there’s anything wrong with that!
I am confuse… r u making joke that I am filth of ghey?
fuck I hate to do this but drum n bass/dubstep/brostep does not = techno. Techno is that 4 on the floor bullshit from the 90′s. boom boom boom boom. That’s like if you told me your favorite band was meshuggah and I said oh i’m sorry I don’t like hard rock music.
I like referring to all of electronic music as techno because it pisses off people who can actually tell the difference between sub-genres of electronic music. It NEVER fails.
Lars is still da man.
Someone should do a post about obscure sodas, because that’s what looserz in their 30s who are still edge are into (the ones who don’t care about watching their weight that is).
Ace post. Would love to see a whiskey post. Is scotch cooler than bourbon? Not ready to start buying single malts until I know a thing or two.
Bourbons and Scotches are equal awesome in my opinion.
However, you can still shell out quite a bit for a good bourbon, and there are some very good single malts for reasonable prices as well. Fall is whiskey season for me, so I am going to be stocking up on both bourbons and single malts.
Backed on potential whiskey post, or really any alcoholic drink that’s not wine.
Flavored malt-beverage post in-the-making (taste-testing NOW), current consensus is: gr8 in concept, awful in reality.
I have friends who still enjoy “icing” people. They tried to ice me with Smirnoff wilde grape, and it was awesome and tasted like grape soda. Would totally drink and then have a terrible hangover/sugar coma the following day.
I’m sure this is totally biased due to some of the people I’ve had the misfortune of being around, but whenever I hear about people extolling the merits of scotch or whiskey (especially the latter), I immediately think of some guy with a beard wearing a cowboy hat, who sings songs about the trials of blue-collar workers over his electric/acoustic guitar, and lists Johnny Cash and The Misfits as two of his main inspirations on his Facebook band profile. I’ll be the first to admit this is probably a personal problem :(
These people don’t have enough money for decent whisky, u may be thinking of beer snobs?? There is a fancy liquor store where I live and almost all of their “actually good” whisky is like $80 a bottle at the cheapest, with most of the easier to find and award winning stuff being around $100-$150 a bottle and the really fancy short run aged stuff can get upwards of $500 a bottle. Although these are New Zealand prices so its a little more expensive here.
I also would like this.
Dat franzia
I’ve had some really, really high-class white wine but never rosé and certainly rarely for an amount that could be maintainable, mite checkum out, wine that doesn’t taste too good is far too common doe
May I request a buyer’s guide for Riesling? (srs)
backed hard on the Domaines Ott. That stuff is S Rank. Glad I’m not the only one amazed at the food at Miss Lily’s too. Though I haven’t had a decent night out downtown in a while. Excellent article, thick solid tight.
RJG, please do a buyer’s guide on sake. My man and I have been into it for about 15 years, but are always looming to learn more.