Serving Wine
While it might seem trivial, serving wine is undoubtedly as important as choosing the right wine, storing it etc as it adds tremendously to the enjoyment out of every bottle of wine. Here are some things you should take into consideration when serving wine:
1. Wine Glasses There are many different types of wine glasses, of varying styles and quality for you to choose from if you are a wine enthusiast. However, lets remember that the simpler and plainer the better. Avoid a wine glass made out of coloured glass as it will not let you appreciate the wine's beautiful colour. Ideally, but not necessarily, use a plain, colourless, tulip shaped wine glass with a stem and a thin lip. A long stem allows you to swirl the wine and the glass shape will concentrate and deliver the aromas. Holding the glass by the stem minimises temperature change. Finally keep in mind that just before serving, rinse the wine glasses well under hot running water in order to avoid any musty cupboard aromas and dish soap. These smells can really deteriorate the aromas of the wine.
Serving Temperature The temperature at whitch the wine is served has a tremendous effect on its taste and enjoyment. Each type of wine has it's own proper serving temperature. - White wines should ideally be served between 8 °C and 12°C - Sweet and sparkling wines between 6°C and 9°C - Light, fruity reds between 12°C and 16°C - Full-bodied reds between 16°C and 18°C 3. Decanting Decanting is the process of transferring the wine from the wine bottle to another glass container. Decanting has a two fold effect. First, decanting the wine (slowly and carefully) allows for the seperation of the clear wine from the sediment created by the aging process. This affects mainly older wines. Second, the process of decanting introduces air into the wine, releasing the aromas and enhancing flavours. This is particularly useful for young wines. Just remember that although aerating wine is particularly useful and recommended to young wines, to older wines is also recommended but should be done immediately before serving. 4. Pouring Wine When pouring wine, fill the glass no more than half. This allows the wine to breathe in the glass and for the recipient to swirl the wine and enjoy the aromas. As a general rule serve white wines before red, young before old, soft before full boded and dry before sweet.
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