Do you take the glass and swish the contents around after the Sommelier pours a small amount of wine in your glass, and then set your nose over the glass rim acting as if you know what the heck you are checking for?
If so, the show might look impressive to anyone slightly interested in your actions, but what if someone asks you what your are doing while performing this snobbish ritual? Will you have an answer or just be embarrassed?
In the early 20th century, when formal dining out was in it's hay day, it was or seemed to be chic to check the nose of the wine and test it on your palette. But those days have gone by... And I mean long ago! So for your sake, please don't ever do that when presented a bottle of wine at your table in a restaurant. Even if you are prompted to do so by the Sommelier or even a friendly waiter trying to score points with your party. Do not and I mean do not do this.
If you do accept the challenge, chances are you and the server will end up at the center of an uncomfortable and awkward moment. So for both of you, just tell the wine Sommelier or server that you are sure the wine will be fine and let them pour and be on their way.
If you find yourself in the presence of someone who during dining out, finds it necessary to perform the afore mentioned ritual, know you are experiencing the wine snob. It's not uncommon for self professed wine experts to expose a wine to their palette and gently swallow it. Then springs forth from them, a barrage of flowery language describing a hint of Chocolate....a small slightly detectable taste of Watermelon or maybe even the flower of Blackberry. All quite a bit theatrical unless you are at a wine tasting club.
Quasi wine aficionados are a dime a dozen and very easy to spot. It's truly amazing to watch a wine drinker start spouting off flowery language attempting to describe which most often is just an average wine. And many times less than and average wine it turns out.
Best practice these days require that you select a wine that you like and enjoy. Nothing more and nothing less. It's important to realize that your taste is just as good and important as that of anyone else. After all. isn't the object of drinking wine to enjoy it and be sociable? Do you care what fruity smell it might have or whether some candy can be associated with it. I doubt it.
Here is a great money saving tip for enjoying wine during a dinner out. Call ahead and ask the restaurant manager if their establishment will allow you to bring your own bottle of wine and just add a corkage charge to your bill. Many upscale restaurants are fine with this practice. That way you really do get to drink a wine you like and not have to pay $20 to $30 or more for a bottle of $12 wine.
Regardless of the steps you take to enjoy your nite out or special gathering, do just that....enjoy yourself and let the wine snobs do their thing and look ridiculous. It will be a much more pleasant experience without going through a dog and pony show over the wine being served.
About the Author:
Learn all about Wine at http://thegrapeman.net
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