10:38 PM
2008 - Vintage Wine
Another Great Vintage Wine Article
Wine Tasting Ritual De-Mythed: How to Test Wine in a Restaurant
You?re at a restaurant and somehow the job of ordering wine has landed on your plate - literally. You realize that, much to your dismay, not only will you have to order the wine; you?ll also be expected to make sure it?s okay for your table to drink.
You?ve just encountered one of the most intimidating public wine drinking experiences; and, naturally, you?re wondering how to pull it off without looking like a bozo.
First step, relax! This is a simple ? and way overrated -- ritual that has been around for years. And, luckily it?s the same ritual in every restaurant. So learn it once and you?re all set.
This is a three-step process. There really are no time limits; although you could annoy your server to no end if you drag it out too long. And annoying your server needlessly is rarely a good idea.
Step 1: The presentation of the wine bottle
The server is slowly walking up to your table and you swear you hear the theme song from Rocky playing in the background. Take a deep breath and make eye contact.
He or she will execute the presentation-of-the-bottle portion of the ritual. This is simply so you can verify that it?s what you ordered. Hopefully, you can remember.
Take a good look at the label. Is it the correct wine and vintage (year)? If it is, nicely tell the server you are accepting the bottle for the table and to be opened. If it isn?t, nicely point out the mistake to the server. (Hey, no one?s perfect).
As the server is opening the bottle, this is a good time to smile and say something witty to your guests who have been staring at you the entire time. Although not necessary, it makes things a little lighter.
Step 2: ? The opening of the wine bottle
The server opens the bottle and gently places the cork next to your hand. No matter what, fight the urge to smell it! Smelling the cork accomplishes nothing, and will make you look like a dork. Especially if it?s a plastic cork or screw top.
Just feel the cork to make sure the bottom is moistened with wine and that it?s intact. It?s okay if the cork is dry, but it shouldn?t be cracked or falling apart. There?s not much you can learn by feeling a plastic cork or, worse, a screw top.
While you were feeling the cork, the server has poured a small amount of wine into your glass. Simply swirl the wine a tad. No need to go crazy and create a whirlpool in your glass. Just a little, calm swirl. This helps ?open up your wine? or oxygenate it so you can smell and taste the true flavor.
Now, with nose in the glass, take a nice long whiff. Without getting into the complexity of the specific aromas of the grapes, you are simply making sure the wine is not bad. Believe me you will know if it?s bad as the essence of vinegar or mold will be present.
Now taste it. Odds are it will be great. Every now and then a wine will be either ?corked? (the cork has contaminated the wine) or it was damaged by improper storage. If either of those has happened, you will probably taste something like moldy bread or fruit, a wet basement, cork, cardboard, or vinegar. It will be pretty obvious that it should be sent back.
Step 3: Serving the table
If your wine passes steps 1 & 2, then let the server know that the drinking can begin. He or she will pour to your guests first, beginning with the ladies. Your glass will be the last one to be filled. Chances are good you?ll get the bill at the end of the night, too.
Congratulations! You?ve now mastered the ritual that intimidates and scares many people and you didn?t look like an idiot! In fact you undoubtedly looked fabulous.
?2006, Let?s Talk About Wine
Lynne Thomas knows a good glass of wine when she drinks one. She is a founding partner of Let?s Talk About Wine, a wine information resource created to connect people who want to learn about wine the fun, easy way. Visit http://www.letstalkaboutwine.com/ for a few laughs and a lot of info.
A synopsis on Vintage Wine.
Eggnog, Wassail, Hot Wine -- Oh My!
It is a cold winter night outside while inside a group of family and good friends is clustered around a crackling fire, thinking how wonderful the par...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Vintage Wine Products we recommend
Supreme Gourmet
Treat your valued clients, friends, and family to a brimming basketful of gourmet edibles with something for everyone, including a clam dip kit, lobster spread and crackers, premium gourmet caviar, olive spread, Wisconsin cheddar and salami, pina colada smoothie mix, hot cocoa, tazo tea bags, chocolate decadence, rum cake, key lime shortbread cookies, and more! Artfully arranged in a large, oval woven basket. Sure to make a lasting impression! SUP25 SUP25
Price: 169.99 USD
Headlines on Vintage Wine
Wine review - d'Arenberg Fortified Shiraz
Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:33:39 PST
Wine review on Brand: d’Arenberg , Type: 2004 Vintage, Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia, Grape: Shiraz as appearing on All Things Local Community magazine, Derbyshire, UK.
Wines of FreshDirect: Shiraz for the Holidays
Mon, 07 Jan 2008 10:06:15 PST
Reviewing the wines available on FreshDirect reveals this well balanced and delightful to drink Shiraz. At $15 bottle, it is a great find.
Wine Week 54: The best inexpensive shiraz ever?
Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:12:51 PST
This week we look at a wine which has been called by one reviewer 'the best inexpensive shiraz I've ever tasted' and see if it lives up to the hype. As well we look at a riesling with a story behind the name. There's also another shiraz which used to be hard to find down under.
Tips for Buying Wine for Less than 10 Bucks
Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:01:00 PST
Nice quick list of recommendations for buying wine on a budget - including Australian Shiraz, Any S. African Blend, Argentinian Malbec, and Any Italian White Wine
Wine Week 58: A bottle aged trophy winner for under $15!
Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:06:14 PST
It's a wine that's widely regarded as one of Australia's best semillons and has more than half a decade of bottle age already, but it costs less than $15. As well we also check out a Barossa shiraz with great cellaring potential and a red blend that comes in so cheap you'll never need by bulk wine again.
The Vino Vixen Twenty for Twenty at Jackson Twenty
Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:21:10 PST
The Vino Vixen(tm), Mari Stull, checks out the fabulous wine list at the Monaco's Jackson 20 in Alexandria Virginia. Reviews of Evil Cab Sauvignon, Gruet Sparkling, Hare's Chase Shiraz and Salmon Harbor Chardonnay. 20 Wines for 20 bucks - can't beat it!
Italian Wine
Wine Source
Wine Storage
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Wine Tasting Ritual De-Mythed: How to Test Wine in a Restaurant
You?re at a restaurant and somehow the job of ordering wine has landed on your plate - literally. You realize that, much to your dismay, not only will you have to order the wine; you?ll also be expected to make sure it?s okay for your table to drink.
You?ve just encountered one of the most intimidating public wine drinking experiences; and, naturally, you?re wondering how to pull it off without looking like a bozo.
First step, relax! This is a simple ? and way overrated -- ritual that has been around for years. And, luckily it?s the same ritual in every restaurant. So learn it once and you?re all set.
This is a three-step process. There really are no time limits; although you could annoy your server to no end if you drag it out too long. And annoying your server needlessly is rarely a good idea.
Step 1: The presentation of the wine bottle
The server is slowly walking up to your table and you swear you hear the theme song from Rocky playing in the background. Take a deep breath and make eye contact.
He or she will execute the presentation-of-the-bottle portion of the ritual. This is simply so you can verify that it?s what you ordered. Hopefully, you can remember.
Take a good look at the label. Is it the correct wine and vintage (year)? If it is, nicely tell the server you are accepting the bottle for the table and to be opened. If it isn?t, nicely point out the mistake to the server. (Hey, no one?s perfect).
As the server is opening the bottle, this is a good time to smile and say something witty to your guests who have been staring at you the entire time. Although not necessary, it makes things a little lighter.
Step 2: ? The opening of the wine bottle
The server opens the bottle and gently places the cork next to your hand. No matter what, fight the urge to smell it! Smelling the cork accomplishes nothing, and will make you look like a dork. Especially if it?s a plastic cork or screw top.
Just feel the cork to make sure the bottom is moistened with wine and that it?s intact. It?s okay if the cork is dry, but it shouldn?t be cracked or falling apart. There?s not much you can learn by feeling a plastic cork or, worse, a screw top.
While you were feeling the cork, the server has poured a small amount of wine into your glass. Simply swirl the wine a tad. No need to go crazy and create a whirlpool in your glass. Just a little, calm swirl. This helps ?open up your wine? or oxygenate it so you can smell and taste the true flavor.
Now, with nose in the glass, take a nice long whiff. Without getting into the complexity of the specific aromas of the grapes, you are simply making sure the wine is not bad. Believe me you will know if it?s bad as the essence of vinegar or mold will be present.
Now taste it. Odds are it will be great. Every now and then a wine will be either ?corked? (the cork has contaminated the wine) or it was damaged by improper storage. If either of those has happened, you will probably taste something like moldy bread or fruit, a wet basement, cork, cardboard, or vinegar. It will be pretty obvious that it should be sent back.
Step 3: Serving the table
If your wine passes steps 1 & 2, then let the server know that the drinking can begin. He or she will pour to your guests first, beginning with the ladies. Your glass will be the last one to be filled. Chances are good you?ll get the bill at the end of the night, too.
Congratulations! You?ve now mastered the ritual that intimidates and scares many people and you didn?t look like an idiot! In fact you undoubtedly looked fabulous.
?2006, Let?s Talk About Wine
Lynne Thomas knows a good glass of wine when she drinks one. She is a founding partner of Let?s Talk About Wine, a wine information resource created to connect people who want to learn about wine the fun, easy way. Visit http://www.letstalkaboutwine.com/ for a few laughs and a lot of info.
A synopsis on Vintage Wine.
Eggnog, Wassail, Hot Wine -- Oh My!
It is a cold winter night outside while inside a group of family and good friends is clustered around a crackling fire, thinking how wonderful the par...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Vintage Wine Products we recommend
Supreme Gourmet
Treat your valued clients, friends, and family to a brimming basketful of gourmet edibles with something for everyone, including a clam dip kit, lobster spread and crackers, premium gourmet caviar, olive spread, Wisconsin cheddar and salami, pina colada smoothie mix, hot cocoa, tazo tea bags, chocolate decadence, rum cake, key lime shortbread cookies, and more! Artfully arranged in a large, oval woven basket. Sure to make a lasting impression! SUP25 SUP25
Price: 169.99 USD
Headlines on Vintage Wine
Wine review - d'Arenberg Fortified Shiraz
Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:33:39 PST
Wine review on Brand: d’Arenberg , Type: 2004 Vintage, Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia, Grape: Shiraz as appearing on All Things Local Community magazine, Derbyshire, UK.
Wines of FreshDirect: Shiraz for the Holidays
Mon, 07 Jan 2008 10:06:15 PST
Reviewing the wines available on FreshDirect reveals this well balanced and delightful to drink Shiraz. At $15 bottle, it is a great find.
Wine Week 54: The best inexpensive shiraz ever?
Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:12:51 PST
This week we look at a wine which has been called by one reviewer 'the best inexpensive shiraz I've ever tasted' and see if it lives up to the hype. As well we look at a riesling with a story behind the name. There's also another shiraz which used to be hard to find down under.
Tips for Buying Wine for Less than 10 Bucks
Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:01:00 PST
Nice quick list of recommendations for buying wine on a budget - including Australian Shiraz, Any S. African Blend, Argentinian Malbec, and Any Italian White Wine
Wine Week 58: A bottle aged trophy winner for under $15!
Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:06:14 PST
It's a wine that's widely regarded as one of Australia's best semillons and has more than half a decade of bottle age already, but it costs less than $15. As well we also check out a Barossa shiraz with great cellaring potential and a red blend that comes in so cheap you'll never need by bulk wine again.
The Vino Vixen Twenty for Twenty at Jackson Twenty
Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:21:10 PST
The Vino Vixen(tm), Mari Stull, checks out the fabulous wine list at the Monaco's Jackson 20 in Alexandria Virginia. Reviews of Evil Cab Sauvignon, Gruet Sparkling, Hare's Chase Shiraz and Salmon Harbor Chardonnay. 20 Wines for 20 bucks - can't beat it!
Italian Wine
Wine Source
Wine Storage
Labels: Winery | Wines
