Going out to dinner with family and friends is always great. But when the wine list comes out, problems can start to arise. There’s so much more to choosing your wine than simply opting for a red or white. You must narrow down the grape type, wine region, price point and make sure it goes with the food you’re ordering – all of which is a big undertaking! Even the most seasoned oenophiles and wine connoisseurs can struggle.
Whether you’re ordering a glass for yourself or a bottle for the whole table, Ideal Wine Company have several fail-safe rules for mastering the wine list. You’ll be well prepared to impress your companions with these useful tips, so let’s get started…
What grows together goes together
When it comes to deciding what region your wine should be from, there is a simple trick you should be following. This is done by looking at what type of food you are eating. For example, if you’re eating in an Italian restaurant, an Italian wine should work well with this. The rule ‘what grows together goes together’ rarely fails. The type of cuisine you’re eating will help guide your decision.
Obviously, there are some exceptions to this rule. You may be hard pushed to find a good wine for every type of food. However, if you can find a match, it’s usually a safe bet.
Consider the climate
Knowing where the wine is from will tell you all you need to know. The climate that the grapes are grown in makes a huge difference, so is what you should be focusing on. Cooler climates tend to produce fresh and crisp wines, while warmer spots make for bolder and rounder wines.
For example, if you’re ordering Pinot Grigio from a relatively cool area in northern Italy, the wine is likely to be crisp and refreshing. If you know what type of wine you’re after, climates can provide a great guide!
Ask the sommelier
There’s no better way to find the best wine than asking an expert. If a restaurant has a sommelier, don’t be afraid to ask them what their choice would be to pair with your meal. You can even give them an idea of what you look for in your wine or similar varieties you like to guide them. These sommeliers know the food and wine of the restaurant very well, so use their knowledge.
If the restaurant doesn’t have a sommelier or a waiter who can help, the menu can provide a guide. On this, you can usually identify the most popular regions on the menu. These are usually highlighted as they’re the areas the director feels strongly about, either because it goes well with the food or offers great value. Taking suggestions from the experts can give you the best possible choice for you.
Check for spoilage
When the wine is brought to the table, you’ll be asked to taste the bottle. This is your opportunity to look for any flaws in the wine or the bottle. When the label is shown to you, make sure you’re carefully reading it to see it is the bottle and vintage you ordered.
With the tasting, there are several factors you should be looking for. These include cork taint, volatile acidity and Brettanomyces – a type of yeast that indicates spoilage. There are several tell-tale signs your wine has been affected by these, so check for unpleasant smells, brown colouring in the wine, a vinegar or chemical taste, or even a bland taste. Trust your sommelier – they can notice mistakes you might miss.
Make the most of your budget
Just because a wine is expensive, it doesn’t mean it’s good. While some people may use the price of a wine as a guide for quality, it isn’t the best method. You should be using other tips on this list over cost. Your palette – and your purse or wallet – will thank you.
With these tips, you’ll be able to conquer the wine list. If you know what to look out for, you can be assured your ordering the perfect glass for your meal and setting every time!
Ideal Wine Company 