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The Ins and Outs of Wine Tastings
By Taylor Eason
Source: Featurewell.com
Is there anything more annoying than a blowhard? I know every profession has its nemeses, and ours are numbskulls who insist on spewing their wine knowledge, attempting to impress spectators at wine tastings. These lingerers monopolize a pourer's time (especially if it's a celebrity winemaker), elbowing out others who might just want to taste and avoid getting sprayed with narcissism. Besides a kick in the a––, blowhards need a lesson in etiquette, and wine tasting event season is upon us.
Here's a list of etiquette points a la Emily Post that should help you navigate the sea of ascot-wearing wine blowhards.
- Although it ain't pretty, spitting wine helps avoid embarrassing inebriation, lets you taste more without passing out, and reserves your tastebuds for more juice. It really doesn't offend pourers, as long as stray spray doesn't hit their shoes, or worse yet, their face. But the spit bucket isn't for everyone. Before debuting your spurting skills, practice aim at home. Tips: Purse your lips, and roll your tongue to force it out in a steady stream. If practice hasn't made your spittoon technique perfect, grab a glass or cup to serve as your mini crachoir (sounds better in French, non?). If a small vessel isn't available, lift the bucket and discreetly expectorate into it. Keep in mind that aim worsens as you drink.
- Don't block the spit bucket. The best way to get red wine spilled down your pants is to be the roadblock to dumping.
- When approaching a crowded table with a large wine selection, get your wine and get the hell out of the way. Camping around the pourer to wax philosophical only exacerbates everyone's irritation. If the pourer is talking, listen from the outskirts if you can. If you have specific questions, come back later when the crowd isn't as thick.
- Respect the people behind the table. Pourers are there to educate about their wares, so pay some attention. Often, the winery has donated its product and time to introduce selections to the public, and if all you're doing is stepping in front of pourers and saying, "Chardonnay, please," then walking away, their trip from California or Europe is kinda wasted.
- Don't wear cologne or perfume. Your nose is the entryway into taste when drinking, before the wine ever hits your palate. If you sniff a delicate Sauvignon Blanc with someone next to you drowning in Eau de Whatever, your olfactory glands will translate that sweet, rubbing alcohol smell to the taste of the wine.
- Don't wear light-colored clothes. You'll regret it and get really miffed when someone accidentally spills dark red Cabernet on your pressed white pants. Red wine is really hard to remove; you might carry a spray bottle of Wine Away.
Taylor Eason is the wine columnist at Creative Loafing in Atlanta.
Copyright © 2004 Taylor Eason
Source: Featurewell.com
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