We all know that dating is hard; the awkward silences, the nerves of the first kiss, the fear of flatulence during an intimate moment. Yes, dating is hard on so many fronts including knowing what wine to order on the very first date. Perhaps you're at a nice restaurant and, hoping to stay away from the best vintages, affect an air of not being too rich of taste. Perhaps you're having a date over for dinner and want a bottle that is flavorful but not too expensive. Perhaps you're out for just a drink and don't want to ruin your chances of next time going out for a dinner by getting too loopy from a wine with a high alcohol content. If you fall into any of the above categories, keep reading; this buzz is for you.
Best Wines to Order for Dinner
Glasses of wine at restaurants can range from five or six dollars, to eleven or twelve dollars or more. On the first date, you may simply look at the prices when ordering and let that dictate your decision, choosing a glass in the lower range. However, you don't want to order a wine you won't enjoy drinking -- that defeats the purpose of ordering wine.
Instead, order a wine that you think you'll like, but one that is not at the top of the price range. If you are enjoying a steak or a red sauce pasta, try ordering a decently priced Italian Cabernet Franc or a Pinot Noir from Oregon or California. If you are enjoying chicken or a white-sauced pasta, try ordering a moderately priced German Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Don't start off just yet ordering the 1995 Chateau Margaux to go with your lobster. You see, we build to that.
Best Bottles to Buy
When inviting your date over for dinner, there are essentials you need to purchase: candles, a bottle of wine, and a vacuum cleaner (if you don't already have one). As far as the bottle of wine is concerned, you don't want to go too overboard and present a 200 dollar bottle of Champagne, nor do you want to purchase a bottle that may be too much of an acquired taste, such as Sake. You also don't want to purchase a really full-bodied wine that might be hard on your date's palate or a dessert wine that is sweeter than, well, your own lovin'.
Article comments