While I have extensive experience drinking red wine, I am the first to admit that I have a lot to learn as far as picking the best ones. So I reached out to the owners of Savi Cucina and Wine Bar in Mt. Pleasant, SC and asked for an interview and some red wine tips. ( Once a reporter, always a reporter) They graciously gave me an hour of time and a wealth of information to share with all of you!
Here are the top 5 red wine tips I learned!
Starting at the beginning, when at a restaurant ordering wine, don’t be afraid to ask for a a taste before ordering. Ty, one of the owners, says that tasting can make a huge difference and most places have a “no risk policy.” He also recommends taking advantage of wine flights, a great way to decide what you really like without ordering a whole glass.
Another tip: Expensive does not always mean better! This may have been the most surprising tip for me! Above are two of the most loved wines at Savi , yet they are both very affordable. (They sell the Daou at Costco too, around $20!) The Primitivo is the house wine that they serve, and it was one of my favorites! He said some house wines are as good as the more expensive alternatives.
The fourth tip is to keep trying. I’m the perfect example of what not to do. I have always been a self proclaimed non cab drinker. When Ty started sampling I thought “Oh Goodness, I don’t like cabs. They are too heavy, I need a steak with it, blah, blah , blah.” Now I am a believer in Ty’s advice! I loved some of the cabs he offered for tasting because I kept an open mind.
Finally, when drinking wine at home–let it breath! Did you know wine should be opened 2 hours before consuming? Says Ty, “The bigger the red, the longer it needs to breath.” Ty’s restaurant uses these double decanters– it lets you pour the wine to decant but then pour back into the bottle before serving so others can see the label. Such a great idea, add it to my cart, Amazon! (Click below picture of you want to purchase)
Behind the Interview
A little about my gracious host, because I love a story! Savi Cucina and Wine Bar is located in Town Center in Mt. Pleasant. It’s named after the owner’s grandmother, and her picture graces the wall in the wine boutique side. They serve wine 5 different ways, with tasting and wine dinners as well. My favorite part: if you like a wine, they sell it right there and at a retail price. Perfect when you find one you like or when you are shopping and need a good bottle for dinner at home. If you are in the Charleston area, give them a try!
More food and bev finds here: https://thecollarfind.com/category/food/. More Collarfinds on insta: https://www.instagram.com/thecollarfind/. Here are some of my favorite wine finds to go with your new knowledge!
