I'm fresh off a weekend chuck-full of wine tasting events at various venues. Even though the locations changed, there was a noticeable common thread... the people.
I will always be the first to say drink what you like, however that does not apply to tastings. In a restaurant; buying a bottle at Costco; pulling a cork with dinner; sure. But at a tasting that defeats the whole point. The point is in fact to drink what you don't know.
Tastings give us a wonderful and rare opportunity to try before we commit to buying a bottle and hopefully give us insight into wines we have never had, and maybe didn't even know existed. This seems like a logical enough concept, but it never fails... people go right for what they know. Now, don't get me wrong, I'll taste well known wines too. Things change. Winemakers move around, vintages progress, techniques improve (we hope). The difference is I yearn to taste the unknown, so I taste everything from everywhere.
This segues nicely into my next quandary. The folks who tell me they don't drink _____________. The blank is usually Chardonnay, but I've heard just about all popular varietals filled in here. My response is generally this: "Really, you don't drink ___________? From anywhere? In the whole world? I can't blame people for making sweeping generalizations (especially because I make them all the time) regarding personal preferences and their experiences. What I want to convey is that they make wine all over the world, in many, many different styles. That's why there are so many different wines out there. There's something for everyone. Say for example you don't like Chardonnay from California. I'm willing to bet it's because you've had a big, buttery, cloying example that grabs hold of your taste buds and puts them in a sleeper hold. I assure you, not all Chardonnay tastes like that. In fact, I'm willing to say that stylistically, those are probably in the minority. But you'd never know it if you refused to taste a beautiful, clean, crisp Chablis ( from France, not the Gallo jug stuff) because you "don't like Chardonnay".
As a pourer at these events, it's my job to try and educate the attendees not only about the wines, but how to make the most of the tasting. I see so many people trying to exemplify proper wine tasting etiquette and going about it all wrong. Because that's not the most comfortable environment to start asking, with the fear that your peers at the Country Club will snicker and point, I've decided to list some common misnomers and tasting faux pas to set you ahead of the curve. It should be mentioned that those of us in the industry who pour at these things LOVE inquiring minds and gracious guests. Trust me on this and you'll end up with more than that piddly 2 ounce pour in your glass.
1. Do Not Rinse Your Glass Between Tastes.
There is a very logical reason for this. You are watering down your wine. The water that is put out for rinsing should only be used if you are going from a sweet, dessert style wine, back to a drier wine. OR you are going from red wine, back to white. This rule is especially important to adhere to if you are at a formal tasting with one line up of wines. The Sommelier or wine steward has selected the order in which you'll taste these for a reason. They will go from lighter to heavier, each one cancelling out the prior in you glass. You'll never know there was a Pinot Noir in your glass once the Malbec hits it. Trust me.
2. Please Taste In Order.
Just like in my explanation above, the worker bees pouring at an event have lined the wines up for a reason. It is not arbitrary. It doesn't do you, or your palate, any favors by starting with the 16% alcohol Zinfandel, then moving on to the Sauvignon Blanc. If you want to taste everything, table hop, starting with the whites. Then make your way around again for the reds.
3. Please Keep Your Negative Opinions Mum.
I joke around all the time with this one. I'll tell people that I'm not the winemaker, so it doesn't hurt my feelings if you don't like it. But the truth is, it's kinda rude. If you were going to a museum, would you tell the curator that the art in there sucked? It's the same idea. No, I didn't make the wine, but I am there representing it. And any negative comment you make, might affect the person standing next to you that just said how much they liked it. The better (and more productive) conversation to have would be: "This wine is different than what I'm used to. Tell me about it/what makes it unique?"
4. This Is Not A Buffet.
Do not help yourself to a hearty pour. If we are told there will be 50 guests at the tasting, we bring enough wine for 50 people have a taste. Remember folks... this is a "tasting", not a "I'm gonna get falling down drunk off of free wine".
5.Open Minds Enjoy More Wines.
The most important rule. If there is a Gruner Veltliner open, try it. If you see a wine from Slovenia, try it. Had a bad experience with a Pinotage when you were 17? Try it again. No, you're not going to like everything. But you are going to surprise yourself. The point is, these are great opportunities to nurture your sense of adventure and walk on the wild side. Albarino?... yes please!
Wine is about exploration and discovery. Get out of your rut and get tasting!
Cheers! Here's to your health.
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