Tasting Wine

As I started doing better financially I started to go out to nicer restaurants. When I was with friends it seemed that they always deferred to me to pick the wine for a table because of my background as a restaurant manager. I suppose this was natural but, at first, it was very intimidating. It felt like I was in the spotlight and could not make a mistake. After a couple of weak attempts at choosing and tasting wine I decided to learn the exact way to do it. Here I tell you the steps in looking like a pro when selecting wine for a group at a restaurant...

When your fellow diners ask you to select the wine ask them what they prefer (red or white, dry, sweet, etc.). It would be good to select a different wine for each course but I will get into that at a different time. In this case lets say your friends suggest a red. Don't be afraid to pick one you like yourself. They've left it to you. If you love merlot, then go with it! Inform your server of your selection by giving them the bin number (if printed) and the selection. Don't assume that the server will know its a merlot if you simply state "we'll have the Buena Vista". There may be several wines from that winery on their list.

1. When the server arrives with the wine they will "present" it to you. The server should hold the bottle with two hands with the label facing you. This is where you verify that he/she has brought the wine you selected. You check for: a) the correct winery, b) the correct vintage (year) and c) the correct varietal (chardonnay, cabernet, etc.).
2. Nod or say your approval. (If they got the wrong one, don't be a snob and act offended. They were probably dazzled by your amazing eyes and didn't hear you!). The server will pour a small portion for you to taste. After they pour the server should again hold the bottle facing you while you taste so you can refer to it throughout the process.
3. LOOK. This is the first step. Swirl the glass on the table. Use your elbow and shoulder to swirl. Don't try to use your wrist. Same goes for swirling if you are standing up. This swirling infuses oxygen into the wine so that the flavors and aromas will come out. What you are looking for is age, complexity, sugar content and fullness. Always look at the wine with a light background behind it (white table cloth, marble floor, tan wall) so you can see the wine clearly. To look more professional pick up the glass after swirling and check out the wine.
4. SMELL. The second step is to smell what you are about to taste. People get very confused about a wine and whether it has gone bad. There is a very large difference between it being bad and you not liking it. It's not okay to send a wine back because you don't like it. If it's bad you will know IMMEDIATELY! It will smell like horrible bad feet or vomit! There is no in-between as far as I am concerned. If you don't want to immediately run for the bathroom, then continue on:
Is there a hint of pepper? Rosemary? Tobacco? Peach? Flowers? This is the first step in deciding if its a good choice. Every wine has a different bouquet. Whites usually are more floral and citrus. Reds will have more berry flavors, earth and wood.
5. TASTE. This step is crucial. Swirl the wine again and take a large sip, not a gulp. Roll the wine around your mouth so it hits every area of your tongue. As you get more practice you can keep the wine on your tongue and "roll" or suck air into your mouth to awaken the flavors more. How is the tempurature? Is it too cold, too warm? What are you tasting? Is it chalky? Acidic? Do you taste berries? The cherries? The lavender? The pineapple? What are you tasting? It's okay to take two sips before you accept it. The first will cleanse your palette. The second will let you taste the real McCoy by getting rid of the taste of the gum that was in your mouth two seconds ago.
6. ACCEPT. After tasting and swallowing, nod to the server and thank them, then tell your guests what you tasted. Tell them if there is a long "finish" (after taste), what was your perception "it is a little dry but the berries are very pronounced". Or "pretty good chardonnay with a nice oak finish". Keep comment simple and don't try to impress them too much with your new found knowledge. Notice how when you say I can taste rosemary that everyone at the table will agree. Sometimes it's hard to put a name to something unless someone else states it. Ask your guests if they like the choice. If they don't ask them why and let them inform you what they look for in their tastes. It will help you next time you are out with them and the choice falls to you.

I hope this helps you look like an expert on your next date or gathering! Cheers!