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Gus Clemens: What to do when the sommelier hands you a wine cork

In wine writer Gus Clemens’ latest Report News column, he helps readers understand once and for all what you’re supposed to do with a cork that a sommelier or server presents to you upon opening the bottle. The uncorking ritual is done so you can verify that the correct bottle is being opened and that it is satisfactory. Unless you would like to save the cork for personal reasons, he explains “the standard response is simple: do not do anything. Don’t smell it, don’t carefully examine it, don’t taste it. Ask the somm to take it away. Finally, something really simple about wine.” He then offers recommendations of wines, including the Guigal Saint-Joseph Rouge 2015, which he playfully mentions comes from the “wine magicians of the northern Rhône.” You can read the full story here.

Related Wines

    E. Guigal

    E. Guigal Saint-Joseph 2015

    Saint-Joseph

    Saint-Joseph today is one of the most exciting appellations in the Rhone Valley, and dare we say all of France. The work by leading producers such as Guigal, energy from young growers, and recognition (really, re-discovery) of sites capable of making wines of extraordinary depth and complexity; of the same family as its famous neighbor in Hermitage, but with a distinct suppleness and elegance.

Related Producers

    E. Guigal

    Rhône Valley, France

    The more you learn about the Guigal family, the more astounding becomes their story.  Their wines are the benchmarks for every Rhône appellation, and over the last thirty years they have become arguably the most lauded producer in the world.  Year after year the Guigal family produces wines of exceptional quality that in all classes offer exceptional value.