BEST WINES FOR A FIRST DATE

First date wine is its own category. You want something that shows you know what you are doing without being pretentious about it. Something that works whatever the other person drinks. Something that might actually start a conversation.

THE RULES OF FIRST DATE WINE

Do not order the cheapest wine on the menu — it signals you are not paying attention. Do not order the most expensive — it looks like you are trying too hard. Order something interesting in the middle, and be able to say something genuine about why you chose it.

THE SPARKLING OPTION — PROST!

Starting with a glass of our pét-nat is genuinely impressive. When asked what it is, you get to explain pét-nat — which takes about 30 seconds and immediately makes you sound like someone who is interested in the world. It is also delicious, which helps.

THE WHITE OPTION — RIZZLING

If your date drinks white wine, Rizzling is the choice. It is interesting — an Austrian Riesling, biodynamic, from a family that has been farming since the 1640s — but it is also immediately approachable and delicious. The story of the Hoch family alone is worth ten minutes of conversation.

THE ROSÉ OPTION — THIRST TRAP

Thirst Trap is the date wine. Pale pink, strawberry and watermelon, organic, named Thirst Trap. It is practically asking to be ordered on a first date. Available at locowines.co.uk — and worth bringing to a dinner party if the date goes that well.