The Art of Tasting Wine Before Ordering in a Restaurant

Introduction

Wine tasting is more than just a casual sip before ordering a bottle. It's an art that, when done properly, ensures you're making a well-informed decision. Whether you're dining in a restaurant or at home, mastering the steps of tasting wine can improve your experience and satisfaction significantly.

Tasting in a Restaurant

When tasting wine in a restaurant, it's crucial to appreciate the wine as a professional would, without unnecessary exaggeration. Order as listed on the wine list and avoid abbreviations or extra adjectives. When the server or sommelier pours you a taste, do not act like there will be an Oscar nomination. Most wines do not need such embellishment.

Instead of expecting grandeur, tell your server to pour without any fanfare. Many experienced diners follow this practice. Taking a more casual approach allows you to focus on the flavor and character of the wine without feeling pressure to provide a polished review.

Exploring Wine at Home

For a more comprehensive approach to wine tasting, head to a specialty shop and sample the wine directly from the bottle. This practice enables you to engage with the wine in a more intimate setting. By knowing the wine's origin, grape variety, and producer, you can make a more educated guess about whether you might like the wine.

While tasting, sip the wine with a thoughtful expression and nod to the waiter. If you're like me, you might not know if it's truly 'good' wine, but holding out for perfection might mean missing out on the meal.
The true art of ordering wine lies in patience and fidelity to your senses.

Professional Wine Tasting Techniques

For a deeper dive into wine tasting, attending wine tasting events is highly recommended. These events should be conducted by wine experts and not just wine company representatives. Here are some key steps to follow:

Examining the Cork: Open the bottle and inspect the cork for signs of detrimental changes such as mold or disintegration. Swirling the Wine: Swirl the wine in your glass to observe the legs, which can provide clues about the wine's alcohol content and other characteristics. Sniffing the Wine: Smell the wine to gather information about its bouquet and detect any faults. A Small Taster: Take a small taste to assess the wine's flavor profile and balance.

When the server brings the bottle you ordered, confirm both the bottle and the correct vintage. When the bottle is opened, request to inspect the cork. If you would like to take the wine home, ask to recork the bottle immediately.

Swirling and sniffing the wine are essential for detecting any defects, while tasting should be reserved for final confirmation. Initially, trust your nose. If you detect an off-odor, have the server smell the wine to verify. Remember, smelling is generally more reliable than tasting, especially for detecting subtle flaws.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of tasting wine elevates your dining experience, ensuring both enjoyment and satisfaction. From casual restaurant tastings to expert-led wine events, your ability to appreciate the nuances of wine will undoubtedly enhance your gastronomic journey. So, whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine enthusiast, embrace the art of tasting to make the most of your wine adventures.