We asked these questions to the experts of our team. Something really interesting emerged. We explain everything in our article.

What is a sommelier napkin?

The sommelier napkin is a technical tool that is part of the “toolbox” of wine professionals. It should not be confused with the classic table napkin.

The sommelier napkin is a specific napkin, smaller than the standard or classic napkins. It is made of fabric or linen and it is usually white or burgundy in color. It is often square in shape, but is also available in a rectangular shape.

The most common sommelier napkin is square in shape, about 30x30 cm in size and it has multiple functions for pouring and serving wine. In particular, the napkin is also designed to handle the cork once it has been removed from the neck of the bottle, avoiding touching it directly with the hand.

Why is the sommelier napkin used?

We have written that the sommelier napkin is made and used to perform specific functions related to the service of wine, especially in formal contexts. Now let's see what they are.

The sommelier napkin is used for:

● Absorbing wine drops

This is the main function of the sommelier napkin. When pouring wine, it can happen that some drops can slide down the neck or fall from the ring or mouth of the bottle as soon as it is returned to the vertical position, after pouring the wine into the glass. The napkin serves precisely to "collect" any drops of wine. It prevents the drops from staining the tablecloth.

● Absorb water drops

The sommelier napkin is also used to dry the bottle from any water drops. It is often used for those bottles that are in the ice bucket.

● Clean the neck of the bottle

This is another important function of the sommelier napkin. In addition to absorbing drops, the napkin should be passed over the neck of the bottle to eliminate any residue of any kind, preventing it from ending up in the glass during pouring. The neck should be cleaned with the napkin both immediately after opening the bottle and between one service and the next.

● Handle the bottle without touching it with the hands

In some situations, such as when you have to grab a fresh bottle, the napkin is wrapped around the bottle to provide a more stable grip during the wine service.

Using the sommelier napkin makes wine service tidy, clean, elegant and efficient.

How to serve wine with a sommelier napkin?

Now let's see how the sommelier napkin should be used when serving wine.

When pouring wine, the napkin should be folded into a rectangle and held with the left hand, while the wine should be served with the right hand. After pouring the wine into the glass, a slight rotation of the bottle should be performed, generally to the right. This movement allows you to "recover" the drops, preventing them from falling onto the tablecloth.

To ensure that no drops fall on the tablecloth and to dry and clean the neck of the bottle, after the rotation, the sommelier napkin should be held up to support the bottle. This is the most common technique for using the napkin when serving wine.

When the bottle to be served is fresh and “slippery”, the sommelier napkin can be wrapped directly around the bottle, making sure that the end of the napkin remains in support of the neck, ready to "collect" any drops.

Finally, after using the napkin, the sommelier can wrap it, like a sort of tie, around the neck of the bottle, ready for the next use. If, however, the napkin is not used only for that bottle, it should be folded and placed on the service table or, ready for use, in the front pocket of the sommelier's uniform or jacket.