vino bianco della casa
The English phrase 'house white wine' is translated into Italian as vino bianco della casa.
This phrase refers to the standard white wine offered by a restaurant or bar, which is typically served by the glass. In many traditional Italian trattorias, house wine is often ordered by volume, such as a quarto (quarter liter) or mezzo litro (half liter), rather than just by the glass.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vino (wine), bianco (white) and della casa (of the house).
Which one should you use?
In a casual setting, you can shorten the phrase to bianco della casa when the context of wine is already established.
Did you know?
- While 'house wine' in English implies a specific selection, ordering vino della casa in Italy often means you are opting for the most local, inexpensive option available to that specific village.
- In some rural regions, vino della casa may be served in a fiaschetto, a traditional flask wrapped in a straw basket called a fiasco.
- The word bianco shares its roots with the English word 'blank', as both descend from the concept of something being white or empty.
Examples in context
- Prendo un bicchiere di vino bianco della casa.I'll have a glass of house white wine.
- Il vino bianco della casa è molto fresco.The house white wine is very fresh.
- Volete ordinare il vino bianco della casa?Do you want to order the house white wine?
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are sitting at an outdoor cafe in Italy.
- LorenzoMartina, prendiamo il vino bianco della casa?Martina, shall we have the house white wine?
- MartinaSì, va bene, è sempre una buona idea.Yes, that's fine, it's always a good idea.
- LorenzoOttimo, chiamo subito il cameriere.Great, I'll call the waiter right away.
- MartinaPerfetto, non vedo l'ora di bere qualcosa di fresco.Perfect, I can't wait to drink something refreshing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bianco, casa, della, vino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
