I'm not a wino Ignorance is bliss for me as I order the 'house' whatever. BUT - I have an upcoming shop where I need to know a bit about wine. It's a FD assignment with a wine element involved. I'd like a few quips that will sound genuine. Nothing that a real expert would say. If engaged, I couldn't pull that off. Nothing about white zinfandel, as that's not allowed.

What are some things that a semi-literate might ask/say?

Some "Wine for Dummies" tips:

[www.dummies.com]

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/10/2010 11:33AM by nicelytwicely.

I had to laugh at the "nothing about white zinfadel as that is not allowed" comment. Poor white zin...

Can you just ask them for a recommendation of something that you would enjoy? If so, what kind of wine do you like? We can craft a good description for you...

For example, "Can you recommend a medium bodied red wine that is dry, earthy, with a touch of spice and medium acid?" (okay, so that is tailored to my own personal prefences, but tell me what you like in your wine and we can come up with something).

Do you like red or white? New world or old? Sweet or dry? Fruit-forward or earthy? etc.

Okay, so maybe I am over-shooting (I re-read your original question). My husband (who is NOT a wine connisour) always says, "I enjoy Austrialan style Shiraz, what do you have? If you prefer white, say "I enjoy most Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, what do you have..."

I don't like too dry or too sweet. I wouldn't know about earthiness as my palate is not that talented. I'm afraid if I told them what I enjoy, they would laugh. But, I like Chardonnay and can pronounce it without stammering.

Mert, I only drink Pinor Noir , but, Chardonnay (not too dry) these are a medium good white wine. Mentioning it by name is a bit impressive for a newie. Wine usually puts me to sleep, but have been happy with this wine through the years. Merlot is too common and everyday...happy sipping.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/11/2010 12:44AM by Irene_L.A..

Do you like the richer style of Chardonnay? Usually from California and heavily oaked (creates a butterscotch type flavor) or a fruitier Chardonnay, which usually has more fruit (apple, pineapple) and less butterscotch? You could say, I would like a lightly oaked Chardonnay (sort of an 'in-between option'). That would be a reasonable request. They might ask if you prefer a French style (that would probably be from Burgandy) or new world/American style (most likely California, or they might describe it by the specific region - like a Russian River Chardonnay - Russian River being the area in Napa that the grapes are grown).

I have an idea - can you look at the restaurant's wine list online ahead of time? That would be helpful so you can guide what you will order or say based on what they have. I would be happy to take a look at the wine list if you want and see if I can be of more specific help, I love all things wines.

I usually am very straight forward about it. I usually suggest what I am likely to order and ask for recommendations for a glass of wine to go with it. The results are often comical and when they only seem to be able to recommend $15+ a glass stuff, I sort of excuse myself indicating my palate is not so sophisticated to truly savor that, so perhaps just a glass of the house Chardonnay/Pinot Noir/Merlot, depending on what I am ordering. I hate to blow the meal budget on a glass of wine.

Mert,is this shop a restaurant, winery or the beverage shops that sell wine, and have a bar tasting in the back...those are not that sophiscated, you can get away with almost anything. I always prefer wine from Napa Valley, as that is where I'm from, and they do have great wines, not too expensive (if you are buying a bottle). I went to school with a guy whose family owns Krug winery in Napa Valley, it is medium priced and o.k. Getting off subject, but, Which are you doing?

Do you have to order a bottle Mert or just a glass?

They won't laugh at you - I promise. Or at least they shouldn't. If they are doing their job, they should take pleasure in helping you choose a great wine to compliment your meal and possibly introducing your palette to something new. Wine service, recommendation, preperating, etc. is an opportunity for the restaurant to truly shine, or to fall dismally short.

I went back and read this is a fine dining....no bottle to order, just a glass. I asked for a recommendation once and paid the price. I stick to the house wine because glasses of wine do get pricey.

"Gimme the stuff with the highest alcolol content. I had a terrible day."

Lovely and appreciated responses

We order wine at the bar before dinner, to see if they transfer the tab and carry our glasses to the table. Then, again in the dining room with dinner. Not from the reserve menu, but from the regular menu. To complicate a bit, in making the reservation, I am to say it's a special occasion whereupon we will be presented with a complimentary split of the wine of our choice. The fee is separated for alcohol and food, which is nice.

I'm thinking it would be nice if I could take at least some of the wine home in a doggy bag.

Sounds like a great shop Mert!

Hey Mert,


I'm an oenophile, so I'm totally jealous, but happy to live vicariously.

While I'm a red lover, I do have a few favorite producers who do a wonderful white-- The best IMHO is Cakebread..everything by them is freakin' amazing; not cheap, but so worth it. Even my Corona, Stella Artois on special occasion drinking husband said Yum to Cakebread.


What I do:
I give the sommelier three producers to use as a yardstick; one high, medium, lower price to give an idea of your taste. For example, tell the sommelier you like Cakebread, Stags Leaps, and perhaps Rutherford, then ask him/her to suggest wines, and make sure you ask if they have a captain's list and/or 2nd label list. You may find an excellent wine at an excellent value.


Also, if you're not a wine drinker but need vino to do the shop, think Prosecco (sparking Italian wine) or my new favorite Sparking Italian Red -- Wow, is that good stuff.

My best suggestion, is not to get hung up on the grape, which can be tongue twisting and hard to remember, and to use the sommelier. It's his job to find a wine that you'll like and that's within your price range.

Lastly, I have a subscription to various wine magazines, which have online tools. If you're that concerned, I'll give you the code, and you can see what Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast has to say about the available wines-- go online and view menu, then wine list.

PM me if you need me, and PM me after the shop !!

Have fun !!

DaScubaLady - when you say sparkling Italian red - might you be speaking of Rosa Regale?

Mert - if that is one the list, I would ask for that for your comp. split. That is a great special occassion wine. I hate sweeter wines - but Rosa Regale always makes me think of a party.

Mickey,
I never had a Rosa Regale -- Is it sweet???

I like dry, complex wines in the bubbly and non bubbly form.

The Red Sparkling wines that I'm a fan of are from the Italian vineyards in the Piedmont region who produce Spumanti's for the European market. ( Asti is good too, but far too sweet for me) They change the name for the US market -- I think they may call it Frizzante, but I'm not 100% -- I'm only starting to see them in the US.

I'm not sure why they're not imported here on a wider scale, but I have a feeling a company called Martini and Rossi ruined the words Asti and Spumanti in this country and it's taking more than 30 years to recover.

I'm pretty sure the good ones ( dry, full body, lots of fruit) are Valapocellas (sp) with bubbles. It's not blanc de noirs or rose champagne /sparking wine -- which can be very yummy too, and no, rose is not white zinfandel ( a made up name; there's no such grape as white zinfandel, which is made similar to a hot dog; they take the left over crap; skin and pits from the pinot noir grape and make a liquid out of the pulp -- yuck)

Well, that's the end of Wino 101.

Mert, I'm dying to know -- how did the shop go????

What a wine snob you are I like zinfandel and you call it crap. And, you mean we've celebrated memorable and momentous occasions, with Martini and Rossi, who have been the ruination of Asti? I have to go do some serious thinking.

Fortunately, the wine steward was so smooth, leading us to believe we were snobs, too! The Rosa Regale was my choice of the complimentary split. It did a pretty decent job of washing down the hot dogs.

You do know which famous brothers taught the world to fly, right? That would be Ernest and Julio.

Mert,
I'm glad you had a great experience - and yes, Ernest and Julio were pretty cool dudes and got bad ( and perhaps unfair) press back in Caesar Chavez days. His grand-daughters have a private label wine which wins yearly awards, while keeping up E&J jug wines philosophy of a cheep "drinkable" wine.

As far as wine snob....I embrace that title proudly. I drank my share of 2 buck chuck and can happily say I can now afford to enjoy a good bottle of wine when I invibe -- we all have a vice, and now you know mine.

Re White Zin crack:
GF,
If you want to drink the pulp of pits and skins.....party on, skoal, La' Chaim, cheers !!!

Re: Martini and Rossi crack -- I stand by comments --- That stuff is just wrong, and calling it Asti Spumante is taking poetic license way too far; the bathroom stills in my college days produced better swill !!!
But I do understand how it can be part of your family's celebrations....you're hitting the side of your boats with it ----

On a serious note -- I have never heard of Rosa Regale -- MickyB made it seem like a sweet wine....Learn me, what exactly is it?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/16/2010 07:24PM by DaScubaLady.

It is a sweeter wine yes. It is made by Banfi and it has its own website where you can learn all about it. Honestly, it is not really to my personal taste (atlhough I wouldn't refuse a glass that is for sure), but I thought it might be a good option for the situation Mert was describing.

It often appeals to people who like sweeter wines. It is not cloying or heavy though. It is balanced and more complex and... in the right setting... can be enjoyed by those who usually like drier wines.

It is a great example of a sweeter wine done RIGHT - and not at a astronomically high price either. While not two buck chuck or $5.99 Sutter Home White Zin, it is affordable (under $20 in the store).

DaScubaLady - you live in Washington State yes? You going to Taste Washington this year?

Mickey,
I don't live in Wash. State, but if you have a spare room, I have plenty of miles.
Just Kidding.
I live in two states who produce horrible wines -- and no, I'm not saying which states. I'm sure there's one person out there who think these wines have some value.

BTW, All you Cali people -- I'm so jealous; you can walk into the local 7-11 and buy vintage wines at 1:00 AM. We can't even buy wine in a grocery store, and in my landlocked state, BYOB is prohibited. The good news is that we can now buy booze on Sunday --(after 12:00pm in one state, not after 5:00 PM in the other state)
State Liquor laws are crazy -- right PA people.