Have you ever sat down someplace fabulous and picked up a wine list only to be overwhelmed or confused by the selections? I know I have, and in the spirit of making it to Friday, I thought this might help. Here are 5 steps, I wish I could say they're simple but they are rather in depth, that hopefully help you select the perfect glass of wine to dazzle your taste buds. If you already have your list of tried and true libations, still give this a shot. If you don't then here is what you should do....
1. Decide if you are in the mood for red or white. This is easy, you may have a natural preference. Sometimes it's something as simple as the weather being cold and a glass of red at room temperature sounds perfect, or it may be hot outside and a crisp cold glass of white may sound perfect. If you are still undecided then a simple rule of thumb is, red goes with heavier dishes like pasta with red sauce, steak, pork or lamb. White typically pairs best with fowl, fish and light dishes. This is not always the case but it is a good place to start.
2. Now once you know if you are having red or white the list will typically be categorized by varietals, regions or just plain "Red" and "White". Don't be afraid to ask for help. Unfortunately in this scenario you do get what you pay for, unlike the After Christmas Sale at Neiman Marcus where wine has a set price and that's it. The exceptions are wines being promoted or Happy Hour
Once you've asked for help you may be asked if you would like something "buttery, dry or fruity" if you are inquiring about white. Buttery means fuller bodied and heavier like a Chardonnay. Crisp or fruity is often how Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are described. Bold and fruit forward is usually how a Cabernet is described, this is the "biggest" of the reds while Pinot Noir is the "lightest"...usually. Sometimes the bigger the wine the slower you will drink it but...stranger things have happened.
3. Foreign wines are often best to try if you are experimenting, here's why. In Italy the summer is long and warm, with a nice ocean breeze that still keeps the temperature mild. Grapes like to take their time to mature and thus Italy is the ideal growing region. Argentina is also known for throwing out some pretty fabulous wines too. So if there is a section of foreign wines, I'd definitely ask your sommelier or server for suggestions. Remember they will suggest what they like and it could be different from what you like so be aware of that.
4. Price. This can be confusing. Wine can be all over the board with price. For example, one of my favorite wines is Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay form the 2012 vintage and it isn't expensive. Never feel as though ordering the most expensive glass means you will like it the most or even get the best. Also be aware, you really do get what you pay for when it comes to wine....to an extent. Have you ever had a headache after one glass? Chances are it was too high in sugar and the best quality grapes were not used.
5. Lastly, ask for a taste of the one you are thinking of ordering if you're not sure. You might even ask to try two and compare them. Usually when I do this I'm the most happy with my selection. Often the two will present a sharp contrast when tasted back to back and the decision will be easy.
Finally, remember everyone has different tastes and preferences so there really is no wrong choice.
Cheers! xox
1. Decide if you are in the mood for red or white. This is easy, you may have a natural preference. Sometimes it's something as simple as the weather being cold and a glass of red at room temperature sounds perfect, or it may be hot outside and a crisp cold glass of white may sound perfect. If you are still undecided then a simple rule of thumb is, red goes with heavier dishes like pasta with red sauce, steak, pork or lamb. White typically pairs best with fowl, fish and light dishes. This is not always the case but it is a good place to start.
2. Now once you know if you are having red or white the list will typically be categorized by varietals, regions or just plain "Red" and "White". Don't be afraid to ask for help. Unfortunately in this scenario you do get what you pay for, unlike the After Christmas Sale at Neiman Marcus where wine has a set price and that's it. The exceptions are wines being promoted or Happy Hour
Once you've asked for help you may be asked if you would like something "buttery, dry or fruity" if you are inquiring about white. Buttery means fuller bodied and heavier like a Chardonnay. Crisp or fruity is often how Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are described. Bold and fruit forward is usually how a Cabernet is described, this is the "biggest" of the reds while Pinot Noir is the "lightest"...usually. Sometimes the bigger the wine the slower you will drink it but...stranger things have happened.
3. Foreign wines are often best to try if you are experimenting, here's why. In Italy the summer is long and warm, with a nice ocean breeze that still keeps the temperature mild. Grapes like to take their time to mature and thus Italy is the ideal growing region. Argentina is also known for throwing out some pretty fabulous wines too. So if there is a section of foreign wines, I'd definitely ask your sommelier or server for suggestions. Remember they will suggest what they like and it could be different from what you like so be aware of that.
4. Price. This can be confusing. Wine can be all over the board with price. For example, one of my favorite wines is Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay form the 2012 vintage and it isn't expensive. Never feel as though ordering the most expensive glass means you will like it the most or even get the best. Also be aware, you really do get what you pay for when it comes to wine....to an extent. Have you ever had a headache after one glass? Chances are it was too high in sugar and the best quality grapes were not used.
5. Lastly, ask for a taste of the one you are thinking of ordering if you're not sure. You might even ask to try two and compare them. Usually when I do this I'm the most happy with my selection. Often the two will present a sharp contrast when tasted back to back and the decision will be easy.
Finally, remember everyone has different tastes and preferences so there really is no wrong choice.
Cheers! xox
