How To Order Wine At Restaurants

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You're out to dinner with your friends at a nice restaurant, and all of a
sudden it's time to order the wine. Because your friends know that you have some
knowledge about wine, you feel the anxious gaze of several pairs of eyes upon
you. Have no fear! Using some basic knowledge, and a healthy dose of common
sense, you'll come out looking like a pro
The key to you being succesful "under pressure" is preparedness. First of
all, engage in a conversation with your friends about what kinds of wines they
generallly prefer. Keep your choices simple. For example, do they prefer red or
white wine? Sweet or dry wines?etc.What you'll probably find out is that your
friends will have mixed answers and preferences. That's o.k., you can order two
bottles of wine that most closely correspond to the agregate of your friend's
preferences. Next, ask what entrees your friends are having. While you don't
have to stick to the traditional "rule of thumb" of having white wine with
poultry and fish, and red wine with beef and pork, you'll probably end up
ordering one bottle of white wine and one bottle of red wine to be on the safe
side.
Your wine steward is always a great asset when ordering wine at restaurants.
Because you prepared yourself with your friend's entree choices and general wine
preferences, you can now relay that info to your wine steward. Be sure to also
let your steward know what price range you're interested in paying. When
discussing your wine selections with the steward, try to translate your friend's
preferences into terms that describe wines. Terms such as "semi-sweet", or
"fruity", for example better enable the steward to make suggestions that are
apppropriate for your group. Other terms to use are "dry" or "citrus." You don't
have to know every term in the book, however a few key terms are helpful.
So now you've ordered, but you're not out of the "woods" yet. When the wine
arrives, you'll be expected to sample it and make sure it's ok. When the steward
presents the wine to be sampled, hold your glass at a comfortable level and
swish the wine up the sides of the glass. This helps to release the aromas. Make
sure that the wine isn't "corked." While rare, "corked" wine happens and needs
to be replaced.
Take a small amount of wine and move it over your entire tongue so that all
your taste buds come in contact with it. The trick to tasting wine is to help
the aromas of the wine to enter your nasal passageway at the rear of the throat.

If the wine is satisfactory, nod to the steward approvingly. Your friends
will then be served. At this point, you're sure to be a "hero" with your
friends! Nothing enhances a good meal like an appropriate wine. And remember,
when in doubt ask the steward for advice, they are professionals.







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About The Author, Michael Hutchins
Michael Hutchins is a noted speaker and author on
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