Had dinner at the Novotel in Venice Mestre 2 nights ago and while far
from a memorable meal, I got a great wine story out of it relating to
corked wine.

I ordered the valpolicella, a nice enough though not inspired offering
the night before and as we were having a light dinner ordered it again.
The waiter brought the bottle, pulled the cork, poured a little, I did
the swill sniff and sip thing and even with my lingering vestige of a
head cold could taste the cork, my wife verified the phenomenon and I
rejected the bottle. The waiter explained that Valpolicella is a wine
that needs to breathe in order to be appreciated. I replied, "The wine
is corked, it will never be good." I got a grimace but he did come back
with a fresh bottle and all was well at our table.

About 10 minutes later I noticed a couple sitting behind me (glass
windows are great mirrors) appearantly she had ordered a glass of the
house wine (not the aforementioned Valpo according to the menu) Waiter
brought over what looked like the same bottle (and I would sear that it
was as the label was the same) poured her a generous glass and left.
Though I felt like walking over and advising her, I refrained (not that
much of a wine snob!) She drank the wine, I would have loved to know
what she thought. So I now know2 what happens in B restaurants when wine
is returned! Caveat emptor!



--
Joseph Coulter
Cruises and Vacations
http://www.josephcoulter.com/