What Wines to Order at Dame

Dame is a small British spot near Bleecker and MacDougal that specializes in fish and chips, and organizes its wine menu by “What Austin Powers Is Drinking” and “What James Bond Is Drinking.” On paper, it sounds like a place you’d go after leaving a high-end restaurant with far more room in your stomach than your wallet. However, trying to use Dame in that way is bound to leave you disappointed. For one, you can’t just walk in, as it’s currently one of the toughest reservations in NYC. And second, once you do have a meal here, you’ll realize it should’ve been your first choice all along. Whether you’re in the mood for a Pét-Nat from the Austin Powers section, or a vintage Champagne from the James Bond one, you can’t go wrong using these wine recommendations at Dame.

Menu

What Bottles to Order When…

The best wine under $60 that will work with almost any dish:

Sybille Kuntz, Qualitätswein Trocken, Mosel, Riesling 2019 

Wines with really high acidity tend to be easy to pair with food, and few wines in the world have as much acidity as riesling from the Mosel region in Germany. If you don’t want to commit to a full bottle, this one is offered by the glass as well.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Vollenweider, 'Wolfer Riesling Trocken' Mosel 2019

You’re looking to ball out:

JF Ganevat, Arces, Arbois, Chardonnay 2018 

Raphael & Vincent Bereche, Vallee - 66 Mois de Cave, Brut NV

Marquis D’Angerville, 1er Cru Les Fremiets, Volnay, Pinot Noir 2011

These recommendations touch on two principles to keep in mind whenever you’re looking to ball out with wine. First, bubbles are always a good idea, and second, top-class Red Burgundy is simply as good as wine gets.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Domaine Tissot, 'Les Graviers' Chardonnay Arbois 2018

The best wine for a first(ish) date:

La Porte Saint Jean, La Perlée, VDF (Loire), Chenin Blanc 2015 

If you want to be impressive without spending a ton of money, chenin blanc from the Loire Valley tends to be a good option. It has complexity and layers of flavors - especially this one with six years of age on it - but it still has enough acidity to be both refreshing and great with food.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Bois-Brinçon, 'Les Saules de Montbenault' Anjou 2015

The best wine under $75 for a 10th date: 

Benedicte & Stephane Tissot, Patchwork, Jura, Chardonnay 2018 

You both love White Burgundy, but you’re not celebrating anything specific tonight (besides each other’s company). This chardonnay from one of Jura’s best producers is an excellent, affordable alternative.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Chanterêves, Bourgogne Chardonnay 2019

You want the perfect pairing with fish & chips:

Chartogne-Taillet, Cuvee Sainte Anne, Brut NV 

When you go to Dame, you have to get their signature dish. So if you want to do food and wine pairing right, that means when you also have to get Champagne. Bummer.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Bérêche & Fils, 'Beaux Regards' 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs 2016

You love natural wine / you want something off the beaten path:

Meinklang, Prosa Rosé, Burgenland, Pinot Noir 

As you’d imagine, most wines from the Austin Powers section of the menu would technically work here, but this one gives you the opportunity to say, “I’m drinking a biodynamic pet-nat made from pinot noir grapes that are grown alongside cattle in an Austrian national park.”

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Alfredo Maestro, Perdigon Pét Nat Rosé Método Ancestral 2019

Red wine with fish?

Arnot-Roberts, North Coast (California), Trousseau 2019

Dame is a seafood restaurant. Red wine is inferior to white wine with all seafood. But if you insist on red wine, then this tart, easy-drinking Trousseau from California is your best bet.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Domaine du Pélican, 'Cuvée Trois Cépages' Arbois 2019