How to read a wine list — an honest guide
A wine list spanning multiple pages with names you do not recognise, in languages you do not speak, from regions you have never visited. For many people it is a source of anxiety. It does not have to be.
A wine list spanning multiple pages with names you do not recognise, in languages you do not speak, from regions you have never visited. For many people it is a source of anxiety. It does not have to be.
How are most wine lists structured?
Most wine lists are organised in one of three ways: by country or region, by grape variety, or by style (light, medium, full-bodied). At Paskamer, the list is arranged by country, with subdivisions by region.
Wine lists typically begin with sparkling wines, followed by white, orange, rosé and red. Sweet wines and digestifs usually appear at the end.
What does a line on a wine list tell you?
A single entry on a wine list typically contains:
- The producer or estate
- The name of the wine or cuvée
- The grape variety (sometimes)
- The country or region of origin
- The vintage year
- The price
An example from our list: "Domaine Pinson, Chablis 1er cru Montée de Tonnerre, 2022 — 87 euros." That tells you: the producer is Domaine Pinson, the wine is a Chablis, it holds a premier cru classification, the specific vineyard is called Montée de Tonnerre, and the vintage is 2022.
What do premier cru, grand cru and reserva mean?
Classifications vary by region and cannot be compared across regions.
In Burgundy, premier cru refers to a specific vineyard of high quality. Grand cru is the highest classification, reserved for a small number of exceptional plots.
In Bordeaux, grand cru classé refers to a classification system from 1855 with five tiers. Premier grand cru classé is the highest.
In Spain, reserva refers to minimum ageing requirements: a Rioja Reserva must age for at least three years, including one year in oak. Gran Reserva requires at least five years.
You do not need to memorise this. But it helps to know that classifications are region-specific.
How do you choose without getting it wrong?
Two simple rules of thumb:
Look at the region, not just the grape variety. A Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre tastes very different from a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. The region tells you more than the grape alone.
Ask the sommelier. This is the most underused option. A good sommelier will ask what you enjoy, what you are eating, and what your budget is, then make a suggestion. That is exactly what they are there for.
At Paskamer, we have more than 50 wines available by the glass. You do not need to commit to a bottle straight away. Start with a glass, tell us what you taste, and we go from there.
What if you want to manage your budget?
The prices are on the wine list. There is no diplomatic way around this: if you have a budget, simply say so. A good sommelier is not there to sell you the most expensive bottle, but to give you the best possible evening within your situation.
Point to a price range on the list if you prefer and ask: "What would you recommend in this range with this dish?" That always works.
Frequently asked questions
How is a wine list typically structured?+
Usually by country or region, sometimes by grape variety or style. The order is typically: sparkling, white, orange, rosé, red, sweet.
What does premier cru mean on a wine list?+
It depends on the region. In Burgundy it refers to a high-quality specific vineyard. In Bordeaux it is part of a different classification system. Classifications are not comparable across regions.
What should I do if I do not understand the wine list?+
Ask the sommelier. That is exactly what they are there for. Tell them what you enjoy, what you are eating, and your budget if relevant.
Do I need to order a bottle, or can I order by the glass?+
At Paskamer, more than 50 wines are available by the glass. You can comfortably order by the glass all evening and change style with each dish.
How do I manage my budget when ordering wine?+
Point to a price range on the list and ask the sommelier what they would recommend within that range for your dish. A good sommelier will give you the best option within your budget.