The cork is popped, now what?

April 25, 2007

 
The cork is popped, now what?

If you're just getting acquainted with wine, here are some pointers for making the most of your wine bar experience:

 

  • If possible, know what kinds of wines you prefer. Red or white? Dry, off-dry (a bit sweet) or sweet? Light and crisp or big and full-bodied? Knowing those basics will help your waiter guide you toward wines you're likely to enjoy.

     

  • You can't send back a wine simply because you don't like it. Start by ordering tastes or half pours if possible.

     

  • A typical pour for both red and white wines is 5 ounces, says master sommelier and restaurant consultant Claudia Tyagi. (For comparison, 4 ounces is one-half cup.) Guests can track their consumption because a pour is one-fifth of a standard 250-milliliter bottle.

     

  • Wine is best enjoyed with food. Tyagi says she looks for a starch, preferably "a tasty type of bread" and cheese as an accompaniment. Mediterranean and Italian cuisines pair well with wine, as do not-too-spicy cured meats and pates.

    By Sylvia Rector

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