It’s not often that most people go to an expensive, fancy restaurant. Normally, only they only go on the infrequent special occasions. So when you go to a special resturant, to celebrate that special occasion you order an expensive bottle of wine. The waiter comes to your table, opens the wine and pours just a mouthful into your glass and looks expectantly at you. What’s this? What do you do now?
The waiter is just waiting for you to accept the wine before pouring the rest of the bottle. Why is he doing this? So that you can’t claim later (after the $100 bottle of wine is gone) that there was a problem with it. So what is the proper way to taste the wine? Follow these few steps.
First, make sure the server brought the right wine. He or she should show you the label before they even open it.
Second, make sure the bottle is still sealed when it comes to the table and that the bottle does not have any damage.
Third, check the temperature. This can be done by feeling the bottle. General rule of thumb is that white wine should be served cold and red wine should be served at room temperature.
Fourth, after the bottle has been opened, check the cork. If it is dry and crumbly, it may indicate a problem with the wine.
Fifth, you may swirl and smell the wine if you would like. This is done to admire the color and bouquet of the wine.
Sixth, taste it. If it tastes good to you, tell the server to serve it. If it tastes bad, tell the server to bring you another bottle.
So, now you can taste your wine like a pro the next time you find yourself in a fancy restaurant. Now, if only you could figure out which fork is for what food.