I have created this wine page to talk
about the wines I own and have tasted. I try and take a picture of the label.
I love Red Wine and it has become a big hobby
of mine. Every day I am learning something new. Some basic things to know about
Red Wine are:
- red wine needs to be served at temperatures between 65º-70º degrees,
depending on the wine.
Generally speaking, most red wines should be served at 65º. However, I know a lot of wine experts who don't
subscribe to a certain temperature. They do agree if a wine is too warm, it is
not going to taste as nice or if too cold. Most whites should be served at 55º.
This is my preference. It may not be yours. I have found I enjoy meaning wines
that are slightly warmer. However, when the wines gets to be real "room"
temperature, 75º and above, that just aren't that good.
- I have noticed most restaurants serve red wines at room temperature, which is
around 76 degrees. If the wine taste "hot", you tasting to much alcohol because
of the "heat". Ask for a bucket of ice water, not ice, to help cool it off. If
too cold (which is doubtful in a restaurant), just cup the glass for awhile
- your hand will warm the wine up. Always hold the wine glass by it's stem, not
the bowl, unless you want to warm the wine.
- I have also noticed if you decant a wine, pour it into a serving pitcher
(called a decanter), and let sit from 30-60 minutes (lots of people think this
not necessary too). Many people will let wine sit open for 2 hours before
serving. There are different philosophies to all this. I recommend experimenting
and see what you enjoy. I usually put the wine into
the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to cool down to 65 degrees. This aerating
of the wine really seems to help bring to wine to life after it has been sealed up.
Generally, the older the wine, the longer you let it sit open to the air. Others
may have different experiences. Remember, these are my experiences plus
articles and books I have read. I do not claim to be a connoisseur. I am only a
wine enthusiast.
- Another very important item is your glass. Believe it or not, the shape
of the glass "does" make a difference. So buy some good wines glasses.
Don't be cheap.
- there are of course many other things, smelling, tasting, swirling, etc,
but the important thing is to enjoy; and if possible, with good friends. That
will always make any wine taste great.
BE SURE TO SWIRL
"My idea of good company, Mr. Elliot, is the
company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation;
that is what I call good company" -- Anne Elliot, in Jane Austen's Persuasion.
