This guide was put together by Tony, a member of our staff with 16 years of experience in the alcohol beverage industry. With the holidays bringing new recipes, special meals, and a few unfamiliar wine questions, Tony shares some straightforward guidance to help you choose the right bottle with confidence.
Cooking Wines (Sherry & Marsala)
Cooking wines are wines with added salt, which makes them non-drinkable but useful for cooking. At our stores, you’ll find Reese Cooking Sherry and Cooking Marsala stocked near the vinegars. These are meant strictly for recipes, not for sipping, and because they’re sold as food, there’s no age restriction to purchase them.
You may also spot mirin, a sweetened sake commonly used in cooking, especially in Asian-inspired dishes. Like cooking wines, mirin is found in the vinegar section and is intended for cooking only.
Fortified Wines: Sherry, Marsala, Madeira & Vermouth
These wines have added alcohol, which helps preserve them and deepen their flavor. Vermouth is also infused with herbs for added aroma.
- Sherry, Marsala, and Madeira are available at both stores.
- Marsala and Madeira are medium-sweet.
- Taylor Sherry is dry (not sweet).
At West, you’ll also find Fairbanks Sherry, which is also dry.
- Vermouth
- Noilly Prat (dry) is available at West.
- Dolin vermouth is available at both stores.
- Dolin Blanc (white) is dry.
- Dolin Rouge (red) is sweet.
These wines are often used in sauces, sautés, and classic recipes, but some people also enjoy them in cocktails.
Sauternes and Sweet Dessert Wines
Sauternes is a rich, sweet wine from France that occasionally appears in recipes. Because it’s typically sold in half bottles priced over $20, many shoppers prefer a more affordable substitute when a recipe calls for a sweet dessert-style wine. Our wine staff is always happy to help you find an alternative that fits your budget.
Choosing a Wine for Cooking
White Wine
If a recipe calls for white wine and you’re not matching a specific region or cuisine, Pinot Grigio is a safe and reliable choice. It’s usually dry, affordable, and mild enough to blend well with most ingredients.
Red Wine
For dishes like Boeuf Bourguignon, recipes often call for Pinot Noir or Burgundy. French Pinot Noir can be pricey, and lower-cost versions can be hit or miss. A great, dependable alternative is Luzón Verde, a Spanish Monastrell (also known as Mourvèdre). It’s organic, budget-friendly, and a favorite among Oryana wine shoppers for cooking.
Sparkling Wine vs. Champagne
All Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne.
- Champagne must come from the Champagne region of France and follow strict production rules, which is why bottles often start around $40.
- If you’re looking for something more affordable:
- Cava (from Spain) is typically high quality and budget-friendly.
- Prosecco (from Italy) can vary more in style and quality but offers many approachable options.
If a recipe or celebration calls for bubbles, there are great alternatives beyond Champagne.
Understanding Sweetness: From Sweet to Dry
Wine labels use specific terms to describe sweetness. Here’s a general guide, from sweetest to driest:
Doux / Dulce / Sweet → Semi-Sweet → Off-Dry → Dry (Sec / Secco / Brut) → Brut Nature → Ultra Brut
(“Brut” terms are used for sparkling wines only.)
If you ever feel unsure, our wine staff is always happy to help you find the right bottle for your recipe, your table, or your celebration.
