Had dinner at La Spiga on Thursday and thoroughly enjoyed selecting two fantastic wines: Abbazia di Novacella Kerner and the Scavino Vino Da Tavola Rosso. Wow, reading over those names makes me realize that these are not the easiest of wines to pick from a list and order with confidence if you lack experience (aka lots of drinking). Don’t fear, I am not turning into one of those sommelier types, spouting indecipherable info that will only be recognized by a small elite who treasure their mastery of specialized knowledge. Boo! Never!

Let me say it this way: Two Italian wines. One white, one red. The white is from Alto Adige in northern Italy and the grape is Kerner. It is a pure, dry, ultra-refreshing white. The red is made by one of the top wineries in Piedmont and it’s a kooky blend of four grapes. (Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Cabernet, I believe.) Scavino’s wines touch and exceed triple digits, but this wine is made with the same care and skill and you’ll get change back on your twenty.

If you are intimidated ordering wine at a restaurant, here is my advice: Never be afraid to ask for what you want. Most people working in the wine industry love to select something based on your wishes, whether they be vague or specific. If you encounter resistance, take your business elsewhere.