Hacking the Wine List

When you're at an important business dinner, or on a first date, and the big, intimidating wine list is set in front of you - Are you prepared? Here are a few tips to help you "hack" the wine list and pick a winner.

THE FINGER TRICK - The “finger trick” is a simple (and private) way to let the server or sommelier know how much you’re willing to spend on the bottle of wine. Point to a price on the list, and the server or sommelier will recommend wines in that price range.

WHAT GROWS TOGETHER, GOES TOGETHER - An old adage when it comes to pairing wine with food is “what grows together, goes together.” Classic pairings include wines made to drink with the cuisine of the same region. Some examples: Chianti with pasta dishes, or roast lamb with Bordeaux (Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon blends), or a big fat cheeseburger with a big Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

FOR PAIRING: WEIGHT MATTERS - When considering wines that would pair best with your dinner, you can match the “weight” of the wine (from light white wines to rich red wines) to the meal (light fare to heavy, flavorful dishes). To help you navigate, the wine list is typically arranged in order of light (sparkling, white) to heavier (red, dessert) wines.

PICK A WINE WITH A STORY - Choosing a wine with which you have a personal connection is an excellent conversation starter and a guaranteed way to have an enjoyable wine experience at your dinner. Wine is experiential.

IT'S OK TO BREAK THE RULES... SOMETIMES - You don’t have to take wine and food pairing too seriously, and it’s ok to choose a favorite wine that may not be the ideal match for your dinner. If you want to drink a rich red wine with sushi, just understand that you may need a sip of water to refresh/cleanse your palate and enjoy the meal.

THE RITUAL - The “presentation” of the wine can sometimes be awkward and intimidating. At a fine dining establishment, it’s merely the process to verify that the server brought over the exact bottle you ordered (check the label and vintage/year), and take a sniff to make sure the wine is not defective (indicative by scents of must/cardboard or band-aid or vinegar). If all looks and smells right, give the nod to begin enjoying your wine.

THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT - We use smartphones and apps to help us with everyday tasks, research and entertainment. The subject of wine is well-represented in the app stores, so download apps like Hello Vino to help with your wine selections at the store or restaurant.

More help with wine at http://hellovino.com - @HelloVino