Have you ever wondered why servers and sommeliers at restaurants ask you to taste your wine before pouring the whole bottle? We’re going to dive into why and how to taste wine when it is served to you.
Why Taste Wine Before it is Served?
One of the main reasons to taste wine is to make sure it tastes right and does not have any flaws. No guest wants to be left paying for a nice bottle of wine if it does not taste perfect. As you taste the wine, make sure it does not smell or taste off. Look to see if your bottle of wine has a cork or a screwtop. With more and more wines moving to the screwtop, the less likely you’ll end up with a wine infected with cork taint.
How To Taste The Wine Being Served
1. Check the Label
Always check the label when you are presented with a bottle of wine. Look for the producer, year, and style of wine to make sure it is the correct one you ordered.
2. Swirl the Wine
Let the wine breathe! No matter what type of wine you order this will help you have the best-tasting experience. Keep your glass on the table, and circle the glass once or twice, gently, avoiding spills.
3. Sniff the Wine
Put your nose over the glass and see if you like the smell! You will most likely identify if there are any problems such as brett or cork taint before you take a sip.
“Brett” short for Brettanomyces, is a yeast that is most commonly associated with wine spoilage. Brett can occur in white wines, but it’s mostly an issue for red wines. If you smell barnyard, metallic, or band-aid aromas, your wine might be brett.
4. Sip the Wine
Finally, it’s time to taste the wine. Once you take a sip, think to see if the description of the wine is the way the menu describes. It takes two sips to really evaluate the wine.
5. Give Your Response
Be honest! Your server or sommelier wants you to have a great experience.
Now that you are an expert at tasting wine, join us for a glass or bottle of wine! We offer an extensive wine menu, focused on Italian estate vineyards including reds, whites, Lambruscos, sparkling, and roses! We have the perfect wine to pair with your mood or your dinner.
Source: Tanglewood Premium Wine Accessories
