How to Order Wine in a Restaurant Like a Connoisseur
While most people today can walk into a coffee house and order their coffee just the way they like it, few people know where to start when it comes to ordering wine. The majority of people are more comfortable ordering a mixed drink or a beer than a bottle of wine. However, with just a little know-how you can walk into any restaurant and order wine as if you have been doing it for decades.
The ordering process starts with deciding whether you want a bottle or a glass; bottles are less expensive if several people will be having a glass. Next, match your wine to your meal. In general, white is better with lighter foods such as chicken or salad, and red is good with steak or pasta with red sauce. For anything else you might want a light red or rose; rose goes with just about any type of food. You may also want to match your wine to your meal by region. For example, an Italian wine with Italian food, or a French wine with French food.
Next, consider how much you are willing to pay since the price can range from a few dollars a bottle to thousands of dollars per bottle. Do not be afraid to ask the waiter for a suggestion but, if you do, first tell him your price range so he will know which category of wine to suggest.
The final stage of ordering is inspection and acceptance. When the server brings the wine to the table you will be given the bottle for inspection so your first job is to confirm it is exactly what you ordered. Next, the bottle will be opened and you will be given the cork to make sure is not cracked or defective. You will then receive a small portion of wine in your glass. Smell it briefly to be sure it has a pleasing bouquet then taste it to confirm it does taste good. If everything is in order, a nod to the waiter will indicate your acceptance.