The chilled guide to choosing wine
Avoid the tongue twisters and possible bout of embarrassment when you order your wine with these five tips
Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon – it is all umm French to most of us mere mortals, yet you pretend to look at the wine list, nodding and grumbling as you choose a wine you cannot pronounce nor afford.
Avoid the tongue twisters and possible bout of embarrassment when you order your wine with these five tips from wine lover and author Erica Platter:
1. Relax
“Don’t be so uptight about wine – it is just a drink, so don’t be intimidated.”
2. Forget pairing
“If you are not a wine connoisseur, it’s best to just choose a wine you want to drink, the food will take care of itself.”
As a general rule of thumb, red wine complements red meat, while white wine is better with fish or chicken.
“Bubbles are beautiful with a seafood or chicken curry, but again, it depends on what you like. I for one will stick to my Chenin Blanc with steak.”
3. Enjoy wine your way
“I add ice and water in all my wine usually. If you feel you need some ice or water be it because it is a hot day or because your wine is high in alcohol, do so.”
She said you should read the wine descriptions, but don’t feel you have to taste what they said you should, as no ones taste buds are the same and your opinion matters in the end.
4. Be adventurous
“It is quite fun to try new wines. If you are worried about ordering a whole bottle, order by the glass if possible. If you have to order by the bottle and the wine is horrendous, pass it on to someone else and try again!”
5. Look for what you know
If you recognise any of the wines on the list and you know you liked them, either stick to it or try something in the same category.
>> Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.
>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
