I want to drink wine, but wine seems difficult. For you, we will explain wine etiquette in detail.
The first part is about etiquette when choosing wine.
How to choose wine
When you go to a restaurant, it would be smart to be able to quickly order wine. By knowing a little bit about wine, you will be able to order wine according to the occasion.
In addition to the food menu, most restaurants offer a wine list. If you don't know which wine to choose from the many available wines, please consult a sommelier first. However, sommeliers will be in trouble if they just ask for a recommendation.
First, tell us your budget.
Rather than giving a specific price verbally, point to the price listed on the wine list and tell them your budget by saying, ``around this price.''
Also, the compatibility of wine with food is very important. After deciding what you're going to eat, it's a good idea to discuss wines that go well with it. It is the sommelier's job to recommend the best wine for the dish. Let them know what your wine preferences are. If you tell them your image, such as a ``refreshing white wine'' or ``a strong red wine,'' they will choose the wine that best suits your taste.
Basics to keep in mind when choosing wine
For those of you who don't know what you like, let me explain a little about the basics of wine.
Grape varieties for white and red wine
First, there is the difference between white wine and red wine.
White wine is made by pressing white grapes and fermenting the juice. Red wine, on the other hand, is made by fermenting the skins and seeds of black grapes. Wine's unique astringency (tannins) and red color come from the skins and seeds. Therefore, white wine has no tannins.
Rosé wine can be said to be between white wine and red wine, but it can be thought of as having a taste that is more similar to white wine.
Sparkling wine is an effervescent wine that comes in white, red, and rosé.
Now, let's introduce the typical grape varieties for white wine and red wine.
Chardonnay is the most popular grape variety for white wine. This grape variety originates from France, but is grown widely around the world. This is a highly fragrant wine with a gorgeous taste.
Another thing to keep in mind is Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is characterized by its fresh flavor.
When it comes to red wine, first learn about the Bordeaux and Burgundy types. Bordeaux-type varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most produced grape variety in the world. It has a deep red color and a rich cassis-like aroma. It has a relatively astringent taste when young, but becomes mellow as it matures.
Merlot has a smooth taste with fruity aromas like black cherry and prunes. Most Bordeaux types are made by blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
On the other hand, the Burgundy type grape variety is Pinot Noir. The color is slightly pale, the aroma is strawberry and raspberry, and the taste is delicate and elegant.
In addition, the bottle shape is generally anchor-shaped for Bordeaux types, and sloping shoulders for Burgundy types.
wine region
Once you know the grape varieties, the next thing to consider is the region where the wine is produced.
Wine producing regions are divided into the "Old World" and the "New World." The Old World is centered on European countries where wine has been produced for a long time, such as France, Italy, and Spain.
On the other hand, the New World refers to countries with a short history of winemaking, such as the United States, Chile, and Australia.
Many people probably have the image that when they think of wine, they think of France. There is a general impression that French wine is rich in flavor. Italian wines come in a wide variety of flavors, while Spanish wines are known for their deep red wines. Californian wine has a Bordeaux-type taste, Chilean wine is especially famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, and Australian wine has high quality but can be enjoyed at a reasonable price.
Having an overview of grape varieties and regions will help you choose your favorite wine. Try a variety of drinks and find your favorite.
wine order
There is an order in which wine should be drunk. If you're ordering multiple wines by the glass or bottle, remember the order.
The first thing I want to drink is sparkling wine. The bubbles also have the effect of stimulating your appetite. In addition, the bubbles rising from the bottom of the glass are gorgeous and perfect for toasting.
Then, drink the drinks in order from light to heavy. This is because if you drink a heavy-tasting wine first, you will not be able to perceive the flavors of a lighter wine.
Generally speaking, white wine has a lighter taste than red wine, so drink white wine first before drinking red wine.
Young wines have a lighter flavor than older wines. It is also a good idea to drink vintages in order from the youngest to the oldest.
Also, the more expensive the product, the stronger the flavor. Price isn't everything, but I generally drink in order from cheapest to most expensive.
You might start by drinking a glass of sparkling wine, then ordering a bottle. At that time, try not to say, ``For now, just sparkling wine.''
At an izakaya, you might be fine with a beer, but ``just in case'' has the connotation of ``whatever you want,'' and is also rude to the sommelier.
``First of all, I'd like some sparkling wine before my meal,'' you order. It will be a fun time to choose what to eat and what wine to drink while drinking sparkling wine.
How to read wine labels
You may think that wine labels are difficult to understand because they are all lined up in horizontal letters. Once you know how to read it, you can find out what kind of wine it is.
Wine name...The name of the wine may be the chateau name or brand name, but it is usually written in large letters.
Designation of Origin: A classification based on the Wine Law, which is only given to wines that meet certain standards. France is called AOC and Italy is called DOCG. For French wines, the country of origin is also listed, such as ``Bordeaux.''
Grape harvest year: This is called the vintage, and indicates the year in which the grapes, the raw material, were harvested.
Producer name: Sometimes the wine name is the producer name. Otherwise, it will be written in large letters, just like the wine name.
Country of origin: Country name such as France or Italy.
The alcohol content (e.g. 12%) and volume (e.g. 750ml) are then listed.
If you can read these, you will know most of the information about wine.
The narrower the description of the designation of origin and the place of production, the more limited the place of origin and the higher the rank, but it is OK as long as you gradually memorize it. Also, sometimes a rank is written, such as Riserva. The first thing you should know is that if the area is limited or if there is a class description, it is considered high-class.
summary
Knowing how to choose wine will make choosing wine more interesting and make your time drinking wine even more enjoyable. After choosing your wine, the next step is tasting. Next time, I will talk about tasting etiquette.
