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I have, like many, been sitting in a restaurant pouring over the wine list like I know what I am looking at. I have pondered the question “do I look convincing?”, and the answer is usually and sadly a resounding “no”. This is not a bad thing though, as most people are in the same boat. I have talked about and drank lots of wines – I would esteem over 360 at current count – at major tastings or in small intimate events in cellars and shops; yet, I still stare at that list wondering how you pronounce that French chateaux name and trying not to just spend more in the hope of ordering a better wine.
Even though my choices are becoming more educated, it took me a long time to realise one thing: when in a restaurant I’m asked “would you like to try the wine?”, the answer is always yes – be it a high-end or high street bottle. And whether you are opening a bottle of 2016 Barolo or maybe a 2017 Pinotage from South Africa there are some things that you need to know, more so for your enjoyment.
Always swirl your wine and get your nose deep in that glass: even though you’re checking for a fault in the wine, which is corkage, you want to savour that first drop of any wine so you feel it grow as your drink. If you do, however, smell what can only be described as wet cardboard then just mention it: no one wants those soggy notes in their mouth. I can guarantee it will also taste as it smells, so I wouldn’t sip it if I was you.
I love a more oxidised wine, and red wines such as Barolos and old Riojas are made in such a way to enrich that flavour by adding oxygen in the chemistry of wine making. But like many things, too much can spoil everything, and sipping on a wine with a spicy meaty flavour does not appeal.
As of late there has been a lot of noise about natural wines, and even though I would rather stick to the classics, it can appeal to many; however, because of the fault that has become known as Mouse Taint, it doesn’t fill me with joy or thoughts of even swirling that glass. It has a taste of flat lager mixed with the smell of a hamster cage.
Now head out and stare at that wine list knowing you are getting the wine you want even if you can’t pronounce the name of the Chateaux.
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