Alex - Here have what I know

We know how much you are partial to a drop of wine. But even though the options and choices are expanding in Singapore, finding a good wine is a hit and miss affair. So back by popular demand is the Expat Wine Club, which takes the unpredictability out of buying. For S$287.50, you get a two bottles each of the New World selection of Chain Of Ponds Novello Blanco, Pikes White Mullet, Te Hira Sauvignon Blanc, Jade River Cabernet Merlot, Taylor Ferguson Cabernet, and a Pyren Broken Quartz Shiraz. A selection that would normally set you back S$552.

For the traditionalist, S$404.45 buys you the Old World selection, which includes two each of Az Agr Mocali Rosso Toscana Fossetti IGT, Enzo Mecella Bianco Vino Vero di Matelica Pagliano, Camillo Montori Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC Montori, Domaine Lalande Chardonnay Sans Etiq, Fildefere Merlot and Pierre Henri Cabernet Sauvignon.

Buying is as simple as logging on to www.theexpat.com. And we’ll do the rest. Cheers!
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Knowing the right cutlery to use is the most basic of restaurant etiquette. We interview dining experts on the little-known behaviour expected to us.

On getting hold of the waiter’s attention in a crowded restaurant
Gavin: No need to flail your arms wildly. Catch the eye of the waiter and call out, “Excuse me”. if he’s on the way to serve another table, give him some time to reach yours.

On constantly asking for water
Gavin: it’s definitely not considered rude. A decent restaurant will refill your glass accompanied with a smile. But if you do drink a lot of water and feel embarrassed asking for refills so frequently, request for a bigger glass of water at the start of the meal.

On canceling your order when it’s being prepared
Gavin: The restaurant would appreciate it if you could inform them when you’re placing your orders that you are in a hurry and would like your orders served fast. At Corduroy & Finch, you can cancel your food without being charged if you really have to rush off.

On shushing up a rowdy table
Aby: Every customer has the right to expect a pleasant dining ambience. If you’re not sure how to go about asking noisy diners to behave, ask a waiter to do it for you. Most reputable restaurants would also take the initiative to ask the table to keep it down if they are too noisy.
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1) Top Italian: it is regarded as one of the top five Italian wines, alongside Brunellos, Barolos, Chianti Classicos and Barbarescos.

2) The Full Name: Amarone delta Valpolicella. This means that it is made in the certified appellation (DOCG) of Valpolicella, in Veneto.

3) The Real Meaning: Amarone actually means ‘big bitter’. in the past, producers only made a sweet red wine, called recioto’ in Valpolicella. During the immediate post World War II period, a producer left the recioto in the barrique for a longer period of time. The sugars in the wine were transformed to alcohol, and this second style of wine stayed on and became popular. A wonderful mistake, no less!
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There is no need to fear burning a hole in your pocket the next time you are presented with a wine list at your dine-out. Restaurants are now introducing wine lists that are interesting, fun and best of all… affordable.

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#1: Don’t be afraid to ask the sommelier. If you are not sure, just let him know your budget, the style of wines you like, and ask for a few recommendations.

#2: When in doubt, or when you don’t want to drink too much, just go for the house wine.

#3: Smell your wine glass before the wine is poured. Sometimes, glasses that have been stored in a cardboard box for too long or have not been cleaned properly tend to have a slightly musky smell, which is a waste as it mars the aromas of a wine. Ask for an immediate change if the glass smells funny.

#4: Afraid of corked wines? Ask for a bottle that comes with a screwcap, and you will be cork-taint-safe.

#5: If you insist on pouring the wines, know that you should always serve the lady first. Should you not be able to finish the bottle, just ask the restaurant to put the unfinished bottle in a bag for you, and as long as you pump the air out and seal the wine, you can enjoy it for a day or two at home.
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