Swirling and smelling wine

One of my visitors asked whether or not it is pretentious to swirl and smell wine in your glass? Well I think that is a really good question and I think this is something that many people, when coming to learn more about wine, often struggle with.

In my opinion, the answer really depends on two things: Obviously your intention.  In other words, if you’re showing off then yes I’d say this is pretentious; however, if you’re sincere in wanting to really sample the red wine then I’d say no. 

This really leads me to my next point: Context.  Depending on the context, regardless of your intention, (whether to show off or not), it might come across as pretentious. 

For example, if you’re in a middle-of-the-road restaurant (you really need to use your judgment here) and you simply order a single glass of wine to go with dinner, or you simply order a table wine, then this might come across as pretentious (one, however, can always be somewhat subtle and still adequately sample the wine), but if you’re in a restaurant where you deem this to be appropriate (you really need to use your own judgment here), then this would not be pretentious.

Ultimately, in my opinion, sniffing or swirling wine in your glass is not done because you feel superior to anyone else, it’s because you have knowledge and an interest in red wine and are simply being passionate about it. It is about appreciating and identifying the quality of red wine. It is taking time out of this fast paced, stressful world, to stop and savour anything that can add to your quality of life!

However, as mentioned, sampling wine is indeed one area that many approach with trepidation.  Many people feel that they have to have this perfectly timed ritual down pat.  The good news is that this is easily remedied. 

You see, one thing I would highly recommend is a guide called “Fool Proof Wine Values.”  It goes into detail on how one can properly taste and enjoy wine, how to select and sample wine at restaurants, and the best news is that isn’t even the main part of the book.  The main part of the book actually goes into detail on wines that:

• Taste like wines priced in the $20 to $50 range
• Cost $10 or less
• Deliver consistent quality year after year

Over the years, Ed Gandia, the author, has compiled a comprehensive list of 44 select producers and the 147 wines they make which meet the above strict criteria, and he shares this with you in “Fool-Proof Wine Values.”

His book comes with a ton of bonus material and includes tips on things such as to how to decant wine, what you can do with leftover wine, what glasses to use with what wine, wine and food pairing, and so much more!