Utah Wine Notes · Old World · American wines
Wine with Michael
Old World at heart. American wines at the table. Deliberately under $100 a bottle.
Michael prefers Old World wines, while making room for wines from across the United States, including California, Oregon, and Washington. The focus here is intentional: look for wines under $100 per bottle, without treating a higher price as the goal. A $25 find belongs in the conversation just as much as a special-occasion choice that still fits the budget.
Read the journal: Utah Wine Notes ↗ is Michael Kooyman’s dedicated journal for original wine writing, food pairings, and wine education from Utah. You can still ask a private question using the form on this page.
Start with the people and the meal. What is on the table? What styles do your guests enjoy? What feels comfortable to spend? Those questions offer a more useful starting point than a famous label.
Old World starting points
Three directions for the dinner table
A fresh first course: Try Loire Sauvignon Blanc, such as Quincy, with a goat’s cheese salad. It is a simple starting point for an Old World white. Pairing reference ↗
Tomato-sauce pasta: Consider a Sangiovese-based Tuscan red, such as Chianti Classico. Its acidity can complement the tomatoes. Pairing reference ↗ Regional reference ↗
A seafood supper: Explore Petit Chablis with clams cooked with garlic, tomatoes, and white wine. Let the dish guide the choice rather than assuming every seafood meal needs the same bottle. Pairing reference ↗
Room for American wines
A place alongside the Old World
An Old World preference does not have to close the door on American wines. California, Oregon, and Washington all belong in this conversation. For roast chicken with herbs and root vegetables, California Pinot Noir is an approachable red-wine option. Pairing reference ↗
Keep the conversation open: choose the style that suits the dinner and the guests, not simply one side of the map.
An intentional budget
Under $100 is the ceiling, not the target.
There is room here for a $25 bottle and for spending more when the occasion calls for it. The aim is to stay under $100 per bottle and make the choice about enjoyment, food, and value, rather than price alone.
These are regions and styles to explore, not specific bottle recommendations or promises of price and availability. Check the actual bottle price locally before buying.
A private conversation
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More on making wine feel approachable at the table.
Read the wine-service guide