How to order wine - an interview with Jenna Briscoe, Café Medina’s wine director

Café Medina’s wine director and This is Wine School’s co-owner, Jenna Briscoe, has offered up some of her insights regarding wine menu deliberations. She was kind enough to answer two questions.  

How would you recommend a person go through a wine list when sitting at a restaurant?

I would say it's not so much about navigating each individual list but coming in prepared. The best information you can come armed with is — how much do you want to spend? What is a wine you have had before that you like? I do also believe in trusting service staff and asking for recommendations if you're open to trying new things or if the entire list feels like it's written in a foreign language (and it so often is).

Choosing wine is very similar to food so, if you can communicate what you're craving or what you enjoy it is easy for a sommelier to make a recommendation. Of course we want guests to try new things, but if you tell me you don't like raw fish, then not even the best cut and seasoned crudo will be for you.

Assuming they have limited wine knowledge, what should they look for?

This may not exactly answer this question but knowing what you like and what you want are far more valuable to be able to communicate to a sommelier than trying to navigate a list on your own. It can be as simple as "I had a Cabernet Sauvignon from "X" producer, and I really liked it and would like something similar." We are professionals so it is very likely we are familiar with the wine and will be able to make more detailed recommendations.

I personally don't know much about fashion, but I know straight leg and skinny jeans don't suit me so I would be asking a sales associate for recommendations for my short legs and long torso that aren't those things. This gives them some parameters in which to work but still gives them room to make suggestions.

Jamie’s view

I couldn’t agree more with everything she said. Having an idea of what you want or have tasted before will help give you a baseline idea of what it is you may be seeking. 

However, I always lean towards being bold in this area. Remaining adventurous can often lead to rewarding outcomes, especially if a recommendation from a trusted wine professional is given. Ask questions and don’t always stray towards what’s most expensive. Deals are had on every list, you just have to know where to go.

A prime example are big California cabernets which are often expensive. Similar quality and taste profiles can be had from Washington State, Margaret River in Australia and in southern France for often a fraction of the price. 

Regions to look for:

• Loire Valley, France

• Ribera del Duero, Spain

• Jura, France

• Yarra Valley, Australia

• Central Otago, New Zealand