Hello, and welcome to the Modern Manners Guy’s Quick and Dirty Tips for a More Polite Life.
Today’s topic is ordering wine when you dine.
Several listeners have written in with questions about ordering wine at a restaurant, so here are some suggestions.
How to Select a Wine
First, let’s talk about selecting a wine. You should always feel comfortable asking for assistance when selecting a wine. Fancier restaurants will have a sommelier or wine steward, who will be able to offer you very detailed guidance on selecting a wine that will complement your meal, suit your tastes and fit your budget.
If the restaurant doesn’t have a sommelier, then your server should be knowledgeable about the wines on the list. You may also ask your guests for suggestions, especially if there is a wine aficionado at your table. If you are a guest at the table and asked to help choose a wine, then give your host a few suggestions in different (but reasonable) price ranges, and let your host make the final selection. You should never feel pressured to order a very expensive bottle of wine. Remember that the restaurant has selected all of the wines on the wine list to be enjoyable accompaniments to your meal, including any house wine served by the carafe. If you don’t think the restaurant is very sophisticated in terms of wine, then you may want to pick more carefully.
Many restaurants will also allow you to bring your own bottle of wine, and charge you a corkage fee to open the bottle. It is a good idea to call in advance to be sure that the restaurant will allow you to bring your own wine.
How to Taste Wine
Now let’s address tasting the wine when it comes to your table. If you have ordered the wine, the bottle will be brought to you for inspection, so that you can confirm that it is the bottle you actually ordered. Indicate your approval to the sommelier or server, and indicate if you would like someone other than yourself to do the tasting. The cork will be removed (sometimes this is done away from the table) and brought to you for inspection. You should look at it to be certain that it is intact and not dried out, but it is not necessary to smell it. A small amount of wine will be poured into your glass. Give the wine a quick swirl and visual inspection, sniff the bouquet and most importantly taste the wine.
If the wine meets your approval, the other guests will have their glasses filled first, and your glass last. If the wine tastes like it is off, tell the sommelier or server (you may want to invite him to confirm your opinion). Don’t feel awkward about questioning a wine or sending it back—the purpose of tasting the wine is to be certain that it is good to drink. If the wine is to your liking, then raise your glass to your dining companions, look them in the eyes, and enjoy your meal.
Thank you for listening to quick and dirty tips for a more polite life.
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