Is it OK to return a bottle of wine?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you ordered a bottle of wine at a restaurant, and you weren’t pleased with what the water brought back?

The answer lies in two key questions we should ask ourselves in these kind of situations. The first question is this – are you such a good wine connoisseur that you can pick up on the faults in the wine presented to you? And is it acceptable to return an open bottle simply because you don’t like it?
We’ll add another question into the mix. Are you ready to provide arguments and stick to your opinion?
Maybe we’re asking one question too many. Let’s start answering them instead.

Picture this. You’re at a restaurant. The sommelier brings a wine bottle of your choice to the table. He opens it, gracefully pours you a glass of wine, and lets you taste it. If you don’t like the wine, try one more time. Don’t let the first impression trick you. If you still feel the same way, quietly decline. You have the right to do so.
But bear in mind that just like you might think a certain dish is too spicy, and someone else might think it’s great, it’s the same with wine – some will like it, others won’t. Of course, there are exceptions that have nothing to do with your personal taste. Wine faults are flaws, and as such grant you the right to ask for another bottle. The most common wine faults are cork taint and oxidation.

In any case, no matter what you think, don’t forget to provide well-thought-out arguments, and remember, you might be in the wrong after all.

Find out more at: www.vinoteka-viola.com / www.wineshop.hr

P. Mimica, MS in Agricultural Engineering