Some useful
tips and things you should know about wine.
Storage
Wine Glasses
Champagne
Look, Smell, Taste
Serving Guidelines
Wine should be stored in a cool dry place away from
direct sunlight and heat. Bottles with corks should always be stored on there side to keep
the cork moist and fully expanded to avoid air spoilage.
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Wine should be served in glasses with a stem. This is
to avoid warming chilled wines with the hand. The glasses should hold about 8-9 ounces and
be filled to half full when serving.
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Champagne comes from the champagne region of France
which is know for its sparkling or bubbling wines. It is best suited for special occasions
to be served before or after dinner and for toasting. Brut indicates a dry champagne and
sec indicates sweet varieties. Always serve well chilled. Be careful when opening.
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Look, Smell, Taste
The proper sequence for judging a wine is to look,
smell and taste. The cork should come out clean and be moist on the end indicating proper
storage. Pour a small amount in a clear wine glass. Hold it up to the light, it should be
clear and bright, never cloudy. Next, capture the aroma by smelling the wine. It should
smell good and clean never musty or vinegary. If you have not already done so cleanse the
palate with a piece of bread or cracker. Then taste the wine swirling it around in your
mouth. Swallow, then breathe through your mouth. The wine should have a clean crisp taste.
If there is any hint of mustiness or vinegar it is bad and should be discarded.
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Whether serving your everyday house wine or something
special always serve in clear stemmed glasses filling them only half full. Serve white
wines chilled. 2-3 hours in the refrigerator or 30 minutes in an ice bucket before serving
will do. Serve red wine at room temperature opening 30 minutes prior to serving and
pouring 10 minutes before serving. This allows the wine to breathe capturing its full
aroma and flavor. Serve Rose's slightly chilled.
Dry wines are best suited for serving with meals. Sweet
wines are best with certain deserts and aftermeals.
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