Wine list help

[buddy&wooz]

We're going out with friends tomorrow night to a nice local restaurant. I found their website and thought I'd take a look through the wine list- it's 24 pages long (pdf file)!

The first thing I'll do is narrow it down by price- a quick scroll shows at least 5 bottles over $500! We'll try to stay under $100. That still leaves a lot of choices.

I know what dh and I like- not sure about our friends but we plan on being there awhile so we're likely to buy two bottles, anyway.

Does anyone have any hints on how to choose from such a huge list?

 

[Jimbo]

I would think that any place that has a 24 page wine list would also have a good wine steward, or sommelier. You said that you know what you like, and how much you'd like to spend. Then once you have an idea what you'll be eating, ask for the wine steward and discuss all of this with him or her. That person should be able to select something right for you.

BTW - there's no reason to be intimitated by the steward. Their whole reason for existing is to help you navigate the wine list, and the ones I've talked to have always been eager to help.

 

[offwegotoneverland]

well you can also use regions to narrow it down...instead of finding out from your guest what wine they prefer find out if they have a fave region or country (some people love Aussie wines some don't etc).

Then you can focus in on those and select for your meals and for your budget.

Also review the menu to see if they offer wine pairing suggestions or a wine flight which can often be very fun and relaxed as you get glasses of different wines to go with the different courses.

 

[Cplofdisneynutz]

With a list that large, I have a couple of suggestions for you:

1- figure out what each of you is going to be eating and start there. If it is an italian restaurant, a red may suit whatever dish any of you may have. Seafood usually is better with white. Most people suggest white with chicken, but if you have a heavier or spicier sauce on the dish, a red may be better.

2- ask your server for suggestions too. With a wine list that extensive, the restaurant is sure to have given their staff some training on what they carry and what wines go well with what dishes.

3- if you have a favorite type of wine, never feel bad going for that "old faithful." It is better to have good wine that you enjoy than to drink wine you don't care for just because somebody else says it goes well with what you are eating. Remember, it isn't going to go well if you don't like the taste!!!

My favorites:
Riesling with seafood. Light and crisp. Slight fruit flavor

Shiraz/Syrah with meaty red sauce on pasta or "spicy" dishes. Smooth red.


Most of all - ENJOY!!!

 

[buddy&wooz]

I didn't even think about the sommelier, I'm sure they have one, or at least trained staff who can help .

They specialize in seafood with Italian style- the list is heavily Italian, so I guess I'll stick with one of those since they seem to know what they're doing with them!