Essential Etiquette for the Savvy Adult: Simple Wine Manners You Can Use Tomorrow
As wine has become a popular drink in Japan, knowing a few terms and behaviors can make you look like a wine connoisseur in business dinners or dates! Here are some special tips!
◆ Don't know which wine to choose as a gift or for a home party with friends? Useful for restaurants and as a souvenir! What are the 3 questions you should ask the staff!?
Tell them your budget, type, and the occasion to get advice!
There are simply too many types of wine, and without studying, it's hard to imagine the taste from a wine list or label. Even if you're told the price or origin, it's not a deciding factor. In such cases, first, ask the staff for advice. However, if you just say, 'Please recommend a wine,' there's no single 'right' answer, so the staff might be at a loss. When asking for wine recommendations, keep these three points in mind.
① Budget
First, your budget! It's fine to give a rough range, like 3,000 to 5,000 yen, or under 5,000 yen starting from 2,000 yen. No need to show off!
② Type of Wine
If you have a preference, let them know if you're looking for red, white, rosé, or sparkling.
③ Occasion
When, with whom, where, and for what occasion you'll be enjoying the wine is also important information. You can ask for pairing suggestions with your meal at the restaurant. If it's for a gift, they might be able to tell you about the label design or interesting wine trivia!
◆ What should I do when asked to taste after uncorking!?
Tasting at a restaurant isn't about the taste, but checking if it's deteriorated!
When you order a bottle of wine at a fine dining restaurant, the sommelier might ask you to taste it. If you're not used to it, it can be nerve-wracking, and many people probably just give a vague response, right?
This tasting is called 'Host's Tasting,' and it's performed by the host at the table (usually the man on a date). Don't worry, it's not to check your preference! The key is to do it casually, not with excessive flair!
★ 4 Steps of Tasting
① Check the Cork!
Check if the wine has seeped up to the top of the cork and if it's the correct wine you ordered. (If the cork isn't sealed properly, it might be oxidized.)
② Check the Color!
Check for cloudiness or sediment. Some wines are unfiltered, so cloudiness in those cases is not a defect.
③ Check the Aroma!
Check for any unpleasant odors, such as mustiness.
First, smell it as is, then swirl the glass and smell it again.
④ Check the Taste!
Check for any unpleasant tastes. If there are no issues, say 'It's fine.' If you're unsure, honestly consult the sommelier!
◆ Escape vocabulary poverty! Just remember these words to describe delicious wine, and you'll be admired anywhere!
Are you using negative expressions without realizing it? The key is to describe wine positively!
If you're going to drink wine, you'll want to add a thoughtful comment beyond just 'delicious.' Knowing positive expressions will surely make you seem like a wine expert! Let's learn some key phrases.
Transforming Negative Expressions into Positive Ones!
× Sour, Astringent ⇒ ○ Rich acidity / Crisp / Refreshing
× Light color ⇒ ○ Firm tannins / Rich / Structured
× Strong character ⇒ ○ Delicate / Bright
× Easy to gulp down ⇒ ○ Doesn't tire the palate, Smooth
× Too intense ⇒ ○ Pairs well with food
◆ [Wine Trivia] Standard Aroma Expressions for Red and White Wines
White wines have aromas of white fruits and flowers.
- Green apple & Lemon… Found in most white wine varietals.
- White flowers… Use this when you detect a slightly floral aroma.
Red wines have aromas of red or black fruits and flowers.
- Raspberry & Strawberry… Often found in lighter-colored red wines.
- Blackberry & Black cherry… In deeply colored wines, etc.
- Vanilla & Clove…
In wines aged in oak barrels, etc.
When you smell a fruit-like aroma that you can't quite identify
It's safe to say 'spices and herbs.'
Cinnamon / Clove / Black pepper / Anise / Thyme / Oregano, etc.
◆ What's the difference between high-end wine and convenience store wine?
The difference between 'convenience store hamburgers' and 'hamburgers made from brand beef by a Michelin 3-star chef.'
Even for the same 'hamburger,' the price and quality vary between convenience stores, family restaurants, local diners, and high-end restaurants, right? First, the price of the wine itself changes due to production costs, including the production process, distribution, sales, and marketing. Also, added value changes depending on the brand's popularity.
For example, for 'Hamburger made from XX beef by Michelin 3-star chef △△,' you can add the added value of a famous chef and brand beef to the cost of the hamburger itself. For wine, this would be a famous winery or a prestigious region. Some of the top wines representing each region can fetch astonishingly high prices, even millions of yen.
For instance, a glass of Romanée-Conti has been valued at 10 million yen, and it's said that the price of Dom Pérignon can jump tenfold when it reaches its third peak. *Reference: 'Expensive Wines' by Junko Watanabe
◆ Are you unknowingly committing faux pas? Direct from a wine instructor with international qualifications!
Manner violations you might be committing and wine knowledge that will bring you peace of mind.
- Don't clink glasses when toasting.
In reality… It's okay depending on the atmosphere. In America, people often clink glasses vigorously.
It's best not to do it in formal settings in Japan. If you're unsure, follow the lead of those around you.
- When being served wine, keep your glass on the table.
Avoid the conditioned reflex of a working adult to pick up the glass and tilt it...
- Don't chug it like a draft beer.
Wine is meant to be enjoyed for its appearance, aroma, taste, aftertaste, and the conversation it accompanies. Some aromas and flavors change over time, so savor it slowly.
- When pouring wine, do not let the bottle touch the rim of the glass.
Wine glasses are fragile, so be careful – that's etiquette!
- Don't overfill the wine glass.
You might feel inclined to serve more, but the key is to pour up to just below the widest part of the glass. This allows the aroma to spread within the glass.
- It's okay to hold the wine glass by the stem or the bowl (cup part).
Holding the bowl transfers the heat from your hand. So, if you want to enjoy a chilled wine, hold the stem. If you want to warm it slightly or prefer a firmer grip, holding the bowl is recommended.
- Swirling the glass isn't just for show!
It's done to release the aromatic compounds. Feel free to swirl with confidence!
Also, when smelling the wine's aroma, instead of sniffing deeply and for a long time, a quick, brief inhale looks more sophisticated.
◆ Introducing Top Wines from America and Australia!
Napa Valley's Oldest Winery: Beringer
Beringer is known as the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley, California. Even during Prohibition, when many wineries were forced to close, they continued to produce wine for religious purposes under a special permit. They have reigned as the most historic winery for 140 years. They were the first in the world to win both Red and White Wine of the Year, showcasing a history and proven technique that defines this wine maker.
Australia's Pinnacle: Penfolds
In Australia, wines made from Shiraz are predominant, and among them, Penfolds 'Grange' is considered the pinnacle. Founded in 1844 by a doctor who emigrated from Britain and began winemaking for medicinal purposes. In 2019, it was awarded the World's Most Admired Wine Brand. The unique wine style, passed down for 175 years, is one reason it continues to captivate wine collectors worldwide.
【Advanced: Wine Trivia】
Among the Penfolds series, 'BIN389,' which follows 'Grange,' is aged in barrels used for making Grange and inherits its style, earning it the nickname 'Baby Grange.'
This wine showcases the exceptional skill of legendary winemaker Max Schubert, balancing fruitiness and oak, with a remarkable body and concentration that transcends vintage. It's a testament to his mastery.
The tannins, infused with oak nuances, linger long, solidifying Penfolds' reputation among wine enthusiasts. It is a masterpiece of multi-blending, a confident creation that has cemented the winery's prestige.
Our advisor for this feature is:
Saori Hashimoto, Wine Instructor at Treasury Wine Estates
She extensively studied the wine business, including grape cultivation, winemaking, and wine marketing, in Napa Valley, California, USA, and also worked at a Napa winery.
With her deep understanding of the wine business and a producer's perspective, she has attended numerous tasting and auction events, and has also been involved in their organization. Currently, at Treasury Wine Estates, she is active as a sales representative and wine instructor, leading many tasting seminars.
Treasury Wine Estates
Tel. 03-5777-0596