How to Order Wine Like a Connoisseur

Ordering wine at a restaurant can be an anxiety-inducing moment. What if you order something expensive and gross? Or worse, what if you look like you don’t know what you’re doing? That’s where we come in. Here’s a quick guide to how to order wine without sounding like a total newbie.

 

How to Pronounce the Different Types of Wine

First, let’s make it sound like you know what you’re doing. Here’s how to pronounce the most popular types of wine.

  • Bordeaux (red)- bored-oh
  • Chardonnay (white)- shar-don-ay
  • Malbec (red) - mall-beck
  • Pinot Noir (red) - pee-no no-war
  • Pinot Grigio (white) - pee-no gree-zee-o
  • Prosecco (blush) - pro-seck-ko
  • Riesling (white) - ree-sling
  • Rose´ (blush) - rose-ay
  • Sauvignon Blanc (white) - saw-veeg-non blank

Also, though not a wine, you’ll sometimes encounter what’s known as a Sommelier (some-mall-lee-ay.) This is a person whose sole job is to know everything there is about the wines offered. They’ll have an almost sixth sense of flavor notes, pairings, history, and price.

Having a person whose job it is to know wine there to wait on you can feel intimidating. But they're there to enrich your experience. Be sure to seek out their vast knowledge so that you may enjoy the most full experience possible. And, perhaps, learn a thing or two along the way.

 

Learn the Basic Wine Pairings

Next, it’s time to narrow down which kind of wine you should order with your meal. These rules aren’t set in stone, of course, so order whichever most appeals to you. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations. As they’ll have experience knowing which wines work for a particular dish. That said, here’s a general idea of which section of the wine list you should be paying attention to. Once narrowing down what you plan to eat, that is.

  • Red - red meat, red sauce pasta dishes, dark soups, and stews. If it’s a hearty sort of meal, red wine will give it a little extra oomph.

  • White - white sauce pasta dishes, fish, chicken. White wine is lighter and goes great with “healthier” meats and cream-based sauces.

  • Blush or Rose´- Cheese, shellfish, spicy foods. Blush wines aren’t usually ordered with dinner and are suitable for apps and aperitifs. True blush wine enthusiasts swear by it as a good counter for hot and spicy dishes. Give it a try and look like a wine rockstar who doesn’t play by the rules.

  • Sparkling Wine - Fruits, al fresco dining. Since it’s so effervescent. Sparkling wine and champagne are rarely used for main course pairings. Try sparkling wine with light finger food dishes or with dessert.

 

The Wine Ritual at a Restaurant

What’s up with the whole show behind ordering a bottle of wine? Let’s break it down.

  • The bottle is presented to you. Your server or sommelier is verifying they’ve picked the wine you ordered.
  • The bottle is uncorked, and the server pours a little bit into your wine glass. Unless you specify otherwise, the server will do this for the person who ordered the wine. The little pour is meant for you to give the wine a taste and make sure it’s to your satisfaction. This is also your opportunity to make sure the wine doesn’t taste “off.”
  • Your server then shows you the cork and sets it on the table. This isn’t as popular as it used to be, but if you encounter your server doing this, it’s due to an old tradition. Back in the 19th century, wine labels weren’t as sturdy as they are now and would often wear down or peel off. Since customers were often confused about which bottle they were receiving. Winemakers began to brand their corks as another way to verify the correct bottle was opened. Your server showing the cork is just a continuation of this, though it’s now a nicety and less a requirement.

 

What to Do Once The Wine is Poured?

  • Swirl your glass a little - You don’t need to create a vortex, just give it a couple of swirls. This lets the wine “breathe” and reactivates aromas that were mentioned in your wine list. Breathing is always recommended for older wines that have sat stagnant in a bottle for a long time.
  • Sniff - Give a quick whiff to make sure the wine doesn’t smell mildewy or like the cork was faulty. If you have no idea what a mildewy wine smells like, it’s fine to skip this part.
  • Sip - Of all the steps, this is the one you shouldn’t skip. Compare the way it tastes to how it was described and see if it matches. This can be hard to do if you weren’t really paying attention, so just make sure it doesn’t taste off.
  • Approve or send it back. - Only send it back if there’s a flaw, not if the wine isn’t as tasty as you imagined.

 

Why Doesn’t the Server Fill My Wine Glass?

If you’re wondering why your wine glass is only 1/3rd full, there are a few reasons. First, the server wants to ensure that everyone who wants wine at the table receives some. Secondly, having that space in your wine glass allows air to circulate through the glass. enhancing the flavor profile, so you may experience the full range of your wine.

 

How Much Should I Spend on a Bottle of Wine? 

Is it worth it to blow your monthly income on a fancy bottle of wine? Probably not. Remember that wine is meant to be enjoyed by everyone at the table, and mentally calculating what each sip costs you won’t add anything to the experience.

The price of wine is determined by a few variables:

  • Age
  • Complexity of qualities
  • Market demand
  • Origins
  • History of the maker

Unless one of these things is particularly important to you, such as an important year. It’s better to avoid the really expensive bottles. Once you start to notice the individual notes each wine offers then you can move up. For now, don’t feel like you need to max your credit card by going for the priciest bottle on the list. Like any hobby, start with what you can and upgrade as you go.

If you’re celebrating an event or looking to impress but aren’t experienced ordering wine, stick with the $40 - $60 range. You’ll find great wines in this range that will be fancy enough to impress and taste great.

 

Final Thoughts

Now that you have an overview of how to order wine. You’re on your way to becoming the go-to connoisseur of your social circle. Keep this guide handy, and don’t be afraid to ask your sommelier for recommendations or clarification if something seems off.

 

Got a wine tip we missed? Leave a comment and let us know!