The scariest order
Regardless of age, experience or even where we are on our wine journey there is one request that can scare any of us. Whether it be a large party at a business dinner or a more intimate gathering with family and friends, or even just a night out with our spouse you get passed the wine list and asked to pick a good one, uh oh the pressure is on. If it’s at a restaurant featuring a primarily European list the task becomes even more daunting.
We know the challenges, we want to pick something all will enjoy, it would be nice too if it is a bottle that is less predictable, and we want to impress. So where to start? Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your guests. There are a number of ways to ask the question without specifically saying what do you want to drink. Asking “what are your favorites?” or “what are we in the mood for?” gets us to the same spot with a more subtle approach.
Another great question to ask those you are dining with is, “Is there anything you really don’t like to drink?” No point in ordering a nice buttery and rich California Chardonnay to have with appetizers if one of your guests dislikes the category.
Every good restaurant wine list has wines that range from affordable to expensive, if we are controlling the finances for the evening it is straightforward to stay in our own budget parameters, we know the number of guests, how much wine they are likely to drink and we can zero in on the most appropriate price point. If someone else is paying the tab though it is best to ask for some guidance on budget. The simplest way is to ask straightforwardly, “can you give me some guidance on price?” If they choose not to or if you simply are not comfortable doing so or don’t have the opportunity I would steer my choices to a mid price point.
Now the scary part, picking varietal and vintage that will get you a bottle that will impress. I always like to stay away from the predictable choices on varietal and region. While Cabernet and Chardonnay remain the two most requested and sold varietals, there are safe choices that are more creative. Both are full bodied rich varietals, so if your guests are requesting them and you want to be a bit more creative go with a Merlot, Syrah Malbec or Cabernet Franc as a Cabernet alternative, they are all equally as full bodied but less predictable. Instead of the reliable but predictable Chardonnay try a Viognier or other white Rhone varietal like Marsanne, Rousanne or Grenache Blanc.
For vintages just a bit of knowledge on recent years will help you narrow choices. In the US 2010 and 2011 were challenging, while 2012 through 2016 were either great or very good. For Europe the great to very good years were 2010, 2011 and 2015, other recent years were less reliable. If you are dealing with a European wine list remember that most of Europe labels their wines by region not grape varietal, so you will need to know what grape grows where to identify what you are ordering. Bordeaux is Cabernet or Merlot based depending on which side of the Bordeaux River the wine comes from, while white Bordeaux is either Sauvignon Blanc or Semillon. The Rhone Valley grows primarily Grenache and Syrah for reds Viognier Rousanne and Marsanne for the whites. Burgundy grows only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
If the list has mainly Italian wine the task is more challenging as many different varietals grow in Italy and can be known by different names depending on where they are grown. Tuscany typically grows Sangiovese, although other red varietals include Cabernet Merlot and Syrah. Tuscan whites most times are Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. In Piedmont they bottle Nebbiolo but also is identified as Barolo or Barbaresco. Barbera and Dolcetto are other red grapes grown there, while whites are typically Gavi.
Confused? It’s not surprising, that is why this next piece of advice is vital. Ask for help. There is no shame in asking the help of the sommelier or wine steward. They assembled the list and know it better than anyone. Be specific, tell them what the table likes and doesn’t, your target price, and let them know what you typically enjoy, they are there to help. It is their job.
We will write more about this subject in the future. We are planning a wine education tasting in the fall to help wine consumers be more comfortable ordering the wine. Stop by the shop with your more urgent questions on this scary topic and we will help you learn how to pick just the right bottle.
If there is a topic you would like to read about or if you have questions on wine, you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com, or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d’Alene Press.
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George Balling is co-owner (with his wife Mary Lancaster) of the dinner party, a wine and table top décor shop located by Costco in Coeur d’Alene. George worked as a judge in many wine competitions, and his articles are published around the country. You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. Be sure and check out our weekly blog at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com/home/blog-2. You can get all of these articles as well as other great wine tips by friending us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.