Your daydreams this afternoon have focused on that delicious bottle of wine that you’ll enjoy at dinner. As you sit down at the table, the first sips of a satisfying vintage are so close, yet so far. Instead of the immediate gratification you wanted, you are faced with a voluminous wine list that might take hours to get through.
Here are suggestions for fast-tracking from wine-craving to wine-consuming in no time:
-Take a peek at the restaurants wine list online in advance.
-Decide whether you want to order wine by the glass or the bottle, and immediately move to that section of the wine list.
-Give a quick look through the wine list to determine how it is organized; some are by region or varietal, others by style from lightest to fullest. Then, look for wine producers or wine types that you are familiar with to orient yourself with this long list and also to find a place to start looking for something you may like.
-Order what you like. Don’t feel pressured by accepted norms.
-Think about the seasons. It is fun to change your wine just like your wardrobe. Enjoy something light and flirty during the summer months and save big, heavy reds for the cooler months.
-Consult the sommelier. These highly trained, wine professionals can assist you in any questions you might have on the wine list, complimentary food and wine pairings, and wine in general. The sommelier will have expert knowledge of the restaurant’s food menu as well; knowing the central flavors of each dish, the sommelier can tailor their wine advice to your grape and food tastes.
- Admit your price range to yourself. Quality wines flow in all prices so you don’t have to feel hindered by your budget.
Source: Cork Savvy
