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.
There’s very little that entertains me in a restaurant more than seeing a pompous ass putting on the dog and pony show when confirming the quality of the wine selected. It’s even more enjoyable if I happen to know the wine he is sampling at the moment and it is an average wine at best. Or even better if it is considered to be less than average.
What is acceptable now a days, is to just select a wine type that you like. Regardless of the situation or even the food that is being served. It’s all about enjoying the experience of drinking wine. Your taste is just as good as anybody else’s and your opinion just as valid. After all, do you really care if there is a hint of Watermelon or the delicate scent of Rose emanating from your wine glass.
A great tip for your next dinner party at a restaurant which will save you a ton of money, is to call ahead and ask the manager if you can bring your own wine and just pay a corkage charge. Most nice eateries will have this policy or at least know about it, If for some reason they don’t, then no harm no foul. But if they do, then you can take your favorite wine and save your self $20 to $40 or more for a normal 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.