Paris, the city of love and light, is also known for its exquisite wine culture. If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to indulge in some delicious French wine, ordering it in Paris can be a little intimidating. But don’t worry, with a few tips and tricks, you can confidently order wine like a pro.
Understanding the Wine Menu:
The first step to ordering wine in Paris is to understand the wine menu. Most restaurants will have a separate wine menu with an extensive list of wines from different regions of France. The menu will usually display the name of the region where the particular wine was produced along with its vintage year.
Tip: If you’re not familiar with French wines, ask your server for recommendations based on your preferences.
Types of Wine:
French wines are often classified based on their region and grape variety. Here are some common types of wines that you’ll come across while ordering in Paris:
Red Wine:
Red wines are usually served at room temperature and pair well with red meat and cheese. Some popular red wines in Paris include:
- Bordeaux
- Burgundy
- Rhône Valley
- Beaujolais
White Wine:
White wines are usually served chilled and go well with seafood, chicken, and salads. Some popular white wines in Paris include:
- Sancerre
- Muscadet
- Burgundy (Chablis)
- Alsace (Riesling)
Rose Wine:
Rose wine is perfect for summertime and pairs well with light salads, grilled vegetables, and fish dishes. Some popular rose wines in Paris include:
- Provence
- Languedoc-Roussillon
- Côtes du Rhône
Ordering the Wine:
Once you’ve selected your wine, it’s time to order it. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1:
Ask the server for their recommendation or select your wine from the menu.
Step 2:
Indicate how many bottles of wine you want to order. If you’re not sure how much to order, a good rule of thumb is one bottle of wine for every two people.
Step 3:
Wait for the server to bring the wine to your table. The server will usually present the bottle of wine to you and ask if you’d like to taste it.
Step 4:
If you’re satisfied with the taste of the wine, give the server a nod or say “C’est bon” (It’s good). The server will then proceed to pour wine into your glass.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to send back a bottle of wine if it tastes bad or has gone bad.
Cheers! Enjoy Your Wine:
Now that you know how to order wine in Paris, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your glass (or bottle) of delicious French wine.
Remember, ordering and enjoying French wines can be an experience in itself. So take your time and savor every sip!