Good wine: Getting the most out of grocery store wine tastings

If you're a wine drinker who says, “I don't know much about wine, but I know what I like,” then now is the time to increase those likes by attending retail wine tastings.

Once the province of elite, candlelit cellars, wine tastings now take place in boutique shops and neon-bright liquor stores accessible to all.

Don't take these opportunities for granted. Many states and even some Illinois municipalities outlaw public wine sampling and other practices like quantity discounts and wine sold in grocery stores. The later is especially unfortunate, because wine sampling in grocery stores is the latest trend that gives wine power to the people. While you won't need crystal stemware or cork dork certification to try an Argenitine Malbec while standing next to the freezer full of turkeys, there is etiquette to encourage enjoyment for all.

To begin, step up to a tasting table and ask for a rundown of what's on offer. Expect tasters to provide wine name, brief description and bottle cost. If any or all wines are of interest, ask for a cup. Tasters will pour about 1 ounce of each selection.

Tastings are complimentary unless cost is clearly advertised. Free, however, doesn't mean all-you-can-drink. Consumption is monitored to control cost of sample bottles and especially to safeguard sobriety. (The human body processes about 6 ounces of wine per hour, even if those ounces are poured from plastic cups.) If you need to re-taste to make a decision, ask; but don't be insulted if told politely “no.”

A rundown of basic production techniques may be forthcoming, maybe not. Tasters range from disinterested freelancers to bona fide enthusiasts and even seasoned wine pros part-timing to pad their holiday accounts. Gauge questions by your taster's comfort level, as well as the number of other folks waiting for a sip.

Your feedback such as, “out of my price range” or “too dry,” is documented and passed along to sponsoring producers. Reserve in-depth commentary such as, “I get this cheaper elsewhere,” “I only buy swill for my mother-in-law who drinks like a racehorse,” or “I've never heard of Bordeaux but it shouldn't taste like this,” as well as down-turned facial expression and “Yuck!” Your taster didn't make the wine and has as much influence over policies as the TSA employee that confiscates your toothpaste.

If you decide to purchase, take the bottle(s) from the tasting table; pourers sometimes are compensated on sales. No worry if you decide “to think about it;” tasters also are compensated on the number of customers contacted.

Even the most casual wine drinker should record preferred labels for future purchase with some system, including wine tasting app, pictures stored on a cellphone and the time-tested tasting notebook. Those who rely on remembering a label with a dog on it, the red (or was it white?) enjoyed in Seattle or other cues so remarkable at the time of consumption, are shopping for disappointment.

If you look younger than 40, have your picture I.D. available.

Tasting prime time is generally 4 to 7 p.m. during the week; 1 to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Food may be offered to complement wine but not — again — as an all-you-can-eat. Help yourself to a reasonable portion. Please, chew and swallow before continuing any discussion.

Finally, save your cup! The environmental impact of 1,000 of plastic cups in one weekend is needless and daunting.

In other states, the re-use of tasting implements is verboten, but throughout most of the suburbs and Chicago, we the people can support local economies and the environment while increasing wine appreciation during in-store wine tastings.

• Write to Advanced Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator Mary Ross at food@dailyherald.com.

Ross' choice

Brut Souverain

Henriot

Champagne, France

Non-vintage

• Suggested retail and availability: Less than $50 at wine and spirit shops and specialty grocers (distributed by Southern Wines and Spirits of Illinois)

In December, when battles for retail presence are lost or won, winery representatives march to the front lines to sample their finest wares in-store. During one such tasting, Henriot Brut Souverain was bracing — even from a plastic cup — with alluring toasted brioche and mineral aromas, satisfying flavors and a palate of grip and vitality. Perfect for relaxing after the holi-daze or for inspiration to get through them. In the words of Napolean Bonaparte (1769-1821): “In victory you deserve Champagne, in defeat, you need it.”