WSET Wine Service Series - Serving a Decanted Wine

Summary

This video script details the meticulous process of serving decanted wine, emphasizing the importance of precision and presentation. It begins with verifying the host's wine order and properly decanting the chosen bottle to ensure minimal disturbance to the sediment. The waiter is instructed to handle the bottle carefully, present it elegantly, and serve the wine in high-quality glassware. Throughout the meal, attention is given to top-ups, balancing frequency to enhance the dining experience without irritation. Overall, the script highlights the art of wine service as a vital component of fine dining.

Takeaways

• 🍷 Begin by confirming the wine order with the host to prevent mistakes.
• 🧊 Ensure the chosen wine is decanted in the cellar before serving.
• 🔍 Double-check the wine bottle to ensure it’s the correct selection.
• 🛏️ Handle the wine bottle carefully in a cradle, keeping it as still as possible.
• 🎤 Present the bottle to the host, making sure the label is visible.
• 🕯️ Light a candle to assist in pouring and inspecting the wine.
• 🔧 Use a waiter's friend to remove the foil and cork from the bottle.
• 👃 Check the cork for faults by sniffing it after removal.
• 🍷 Pour a taster for the host, ensuring your sample is fault-free.
• 🧪 Stop pouring the wine when sediment reaches the neck of the bottle.
• 🥂 Serve guests first, then the host, using high-quality glassware.
• 🔄 Be mindful of top-ups during the meal, refilling guests' glasses before the host's.

Q & A

What is the first step when serving decanted wine?

The first step is to take the order from the host and repeat it back to them to avoid any mistakes.

Why is it important to keep the wine bottle as still as possible?

Keeping the wine bottle still helps prevent sediment from mixing back into the wine, which can affect its taste and clarity.

What should you do after selecting the wine?

Double-check to ensure it is the correct bottle before placing it carefully in a cradle.

How should the wine bottle be positioned in the cradle?

The wine bottle should be kept as close to a horizontal position as possible.

What is the purpose of lighting a candle during the wine service?

The candle is used to see when sediment starts to form in the neck of the bottle as you pour the wine into the decanter.

What should you do after removing the cork from the wine bottle?

Quickly sniff the cork to check for faults and wipe around the inside of the bottle before pouring a taster.

What is the proper way to pour the wine into the decanter?

Pour slowly and steadily, stopping when the sediment reaches the neck of the bottle, ideally leaving a fraction of the wine in the bottle.

How should the glasses be filled after decanting the wine?

Fill the guests' glasses first before refilling the host's glass.

What is a common mistake to avoid when topping up guests' glasses?

Do not top up too frequently, as this can irritate customers.

What should you do with the decanter and bottle after serving?

Place the decanted wine on a coaster and put the bottle on a separate coaster next to the decanter before taking the garrard on with you as you leave.