Shake it Baby

When drinking wine whether it be with friends at home, in a tasting room at a vineyard, or in a restaurant, there are certain things that should and should not be done. This will really help you, and those you are with, have an enjoyable experience.

Wine Tasting

Wine tasting can be done at a vineyard or at a local wine shop, either way the correct etiquette should be followed.

When tasting wine it is customary to start with the white wines first. White wines are lighter in taste and body than their red counter parts. Red of course is next. These fuller bodied wines are always tried last.

When holding your glass, make sure to grip the stem. If you hold the wine glass by the bowl, your hand will heat the wine. This could change the flavor.

Remember that even the smallest things can change the taste of the wine. Wine tasting is all about tasting and smelling so avoid wearing perfumes or other strong smells.

Eating any heavy foods before a tasting is also frowned upon. So is smoking. Both will limit the flavours you will be able to taste.

Restaurant Etiquette

When ordering wine out at dinner, keep in mind that it should compliment your dish. When asking the server, or better yet the restaurants sommeliers, for a recommendation, be sure to be specific. Ask for what type of wine would compliment your dish and include such things like if you prefer full bodied wine, what regions you prefer and anything else that will help them choose the perfect wine for you.

After a wine is chosen, the bottle will be opened at the table. The host or person choosing the wine will be poured a small amount. The host will then swirl and taste the wine. After the approval is given, wine is poured starting on the right with women having their glasses filled first. The host’s glass is topped off last.

Serving Guests at Home

When serving guests in your own home, some of the same things apply such as the way the glass is held and serving women and older guest first.

Choose a few wines that you feel the guest will enjoy. Just as in a tasting room, start the evening with the lighter bodied white wines. Choose foods that will go well with these wines such as cheese and fruit. Some chesses that go well with white wines are swiss, brie or gouda. If you are serving your guest dinner, a white wine would go well with the salad.

Next are the red wines. Reds have a heavier body then whites. Choose a red that goes well with your main dish if you are having a meal. If you are having a simple party, again, have cheeses that will bring out the flavor of the wine.

End the evening with a sweet dessert wine. A port would be a great choice. Make sure that you pick a dessert that will compliment the port.

Posted by April / Food and Drink