(som-MAL-ee-ay): The knowledgeable person at better restaurants who can give you advice and answer questions about wine. It is French for wine waiter or server. A specialized wine person who is able to assist with food and wine pairing, wine suggestions or ensure correct wine service.To increase your odds of getting a great wine in a restaurant, tell your sommelier which kinds of wines you've enjoyed lately. Are they red or white, light or full-bodied? Do you like wines from a particular region or grape? Some other questions to ask your sommelier:1. What are your favorite red and white wines?2. What's the newest wine on the list and why have you added it?3. Can describe the texture and taste of the wine you suggest?4. What's your favorite food and wine pairing on the menu? 5. Which wine offers the best value for money on the list?
If you have a craving for a specific food item or type of wine, don't be shy to ask.
Sommeliers are trained to understand the history of wine, grapes used to make the wine and where the wine comes from.
Since there is no practical limit on how much you can spend on wine, it is always good to hint or even specify your budget. For example, you could say, “I’d like white wine to go with our appetizers, something on the drier side, under $40. What do you recommend?”
Their primary role is to serve you. Confidently approaching this exchange will make for a better dining experience. The expert will open the bottle for you and pour a taste, which you are encouraged to swirl, smell and sample. Do not smell the cork!
Remember, know what you like and be mindful of your budget. The sommelier will do the rest.
Until next time, cheers!
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