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Seasonal drinking
The French choose their drinks according to the time of year. The harvest season in France begins in September, when ripe fruits are harvested and used for winemaking. Just over two months later, fine red wines are ready to be served. Beaujolais Nouveau is the most popular, and can be enjoyed from the first Thursday of November onwards.
The French associate winter with red wine. White and rosé wines are only enjoyed when the weather is warmer. So, don't bring rosé wine to a winter party unless you want to be ridiculed.
Knowing how to pair wine with food.
In many countries, wine is chosen according to the dishes on the menu. The French place particular importance on this. Wine is rarely served as an aperitif; white wine is typically served with seafood and fish, while red wine accompanies red meats and dishes cooked with tomatoes. Desserts also require a specific wine rather than a single wine being used throughout the meal.
Only drink French wine.
The French may praise Argentinian red wines or compliment white wines from around the world in casual conversations, but at the dinner table, they only serve wines produced in their homeland. Remember not to bring California rosé wine or any other foreign wine to French parties. To avoid losing points, always bring French wine.
How to open a bottle of wine correctly
The small blade at the end of the corkscrew isn't just for decoration; it serves a specific purpose. Before removing the cork, the French trim the edge of the cork. And remember not to peel off all the foil around the neck of the wine bottle – this is considered impolite by the French. However, remember to peel just enough so that when pouring, the wine doesn't come into contact with the foil and lose its flavor.
Do not pour wine more than halfway through the glass.
Although the French are fond of wine, they don't drink excessively. Overfilling your glass is considered impolite. While drinking heavily and getting drunk is perfectly acceptable in England, it's not considered refined in the eyes of the French. Drink moderately to maintain an elegant image. Don't worry if you feel you haven't had enough; the French will always refill your glass when they see it's empty. If you want to stop, leave a little wine in your glass to signal to the host.
You shouldn't continue drinking alcohol after a meal.
Unless you're with close friends, you should stop drinking when everyone else has finished their drinks. If you want to continue drinking, you should switch to a post-meal wine (Cognac is a good option). Wine is considered a main course and is usually not served before the meal. However, in France there are five meals a day, so don't worry if you crave a fine French wine.
