Wine Snobs…Got A Clue?
Do you take the glass and swish the contents around after the Sommelier pours a small amount of wine in your glass, and then set your nose over the glass rim acting as if you know what the heck you are checking for?
That was a mouthful I know, and a bit embarrassing from an English grammarian view point, but not as embarrassing as it will be if some one dares asks you, if you know what you’re doing when you’re performing this snobbish ritual.
In the early 20th century, when formal dining out was in it’s hay day, it was or seemed to be chic to check the nose of the wine and test it on your palette. But those days have gone by… And I mean long ago! So for your sake, please don’t ever do that when presented a bottle of wine at your table in a restaurant. Even if you are prompted to do so by the Sommelier or even a friendly waiter trying to score points with your party. Do not and I mean do not do this.
If you find yourself unable to resist the behavior, just understand you are likely to expose the wine server and yourself to an embarrassing and awkward moment in time. So just fight the urge and let the server pour the wine and then slip off to more important duties.
A popular trend presently with wine aficionados is to sip some wine, expose it to their palette and then gently swallow it. And then come forth with some extremely flowery language describing how it has a satin finish, or hint of Blackberry and Chocolate or some other crazy sounding mixture. When you hear someone do this, you know you are most likely in the presence of some overly self important wine snob. Unless you happen to be at a tasting held by a wine club.
It’s utterly amazing to watch someone who knows as much about wine as you do, spout off with these grandiose labels and attributes for an average wine. Many times for even less than an average wine. I can guarantee you there is no shortage of these quasi wine aficionados.
Present day rules, if such a thing exists, state that it’s best to just select a wine you like and leave it at that. It’s all about the wine drinking experience and enjoying it and time with your friends and family. Realize that your taste is just as well healed as anyone else you are most likely to hang out with or dine alongside. Do you really care if the wine has a hint of Rose’ or some other crazy mixture? Probably not.
A money saving tip: When dining out, call the restaurant ahead of time and ask if you can bring your own wine and if the restaurant can just charge corkage. This is a policy that a lot of restaurants have or are familiar with and are willing to provide you. It can mean the difference between buying a $12 bottle at a store and paying $25 to $40 for the same wine at the restaurant.
Regardless of the steps you take to enjoy your nite out or special gathering, do just that….enjoy yourself and let the wine snobs do their thing and look ridiculous. It will be a much more pleasant experience without going through a dog and pony show over the wine being served.
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