Wine enthusiasts might be confused by conflicting advice offered by the most esteemed connoisseurs. As wines change with the times so do tips on how to best enjoy a bottle of your favorite wine. Choosing the right type of packaging, the proper wine for your dinner and knowing how long you can store opened bottles can greatly enhance your wine tasting experience.
Pick the Right Packaging
Purists might laugh at the notion but bottles with screw caps remain more pure than corked bottles. Since the bark is cork is subject to many imperfections it can leak freely. Screw caps seal in the full flavor of wine. Choose a capped bottle for a better tasting experience.
Pairings Have Changed Over the Years
The popular notion that only white wines go well with fish and red wines go well with meat is inaccurate. A light red wine complements seafood well and stronger whites can accompany heavier meats just fine. Since reds were historically much heavier and whites lighter the idea behind matching each with an appropriate meal carried weight but over time wines have changed.
Choose the Proper Temperature
Chill red wines to between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit for the best tasting experience. Whites taste sensational between 41 and 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Take chilled white wines out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to properly chill. Place red wines in an ice-bucket for 10 minutes before serving to hit the temperature just right. Check your thermometer because every degree matters. Finding the right temperature range can tickle your taste buds and create an intense, pleasurable experience.
Let Wine Breathe
If you believe that individuals who let wine breathe are wasting valuable drinking time think again. Allowing a wine to breathe effectively increases oxygen levels in the drink. Much like a runner who can loosen up and perform effectively if properly oxygenated a wine tastes better if allowed to breathe after you remove the screw cap and pour into a glass, decanter or carafe. Let sit for approximately 15 minutes. Complex wines see the most benefit from breathing. By letting wine sit in a glass for a bit you can mellow out the waste and enjoy your drink.
Pay Less Attention to Years
Since most everyday wines originate from dry, warm, year-round climates the quality of grapes changes little from year to year. If you select a rarer wine you might notice a difference in taste if the grapes grow in a less temperate climate. Dramatic changes in growing conditions can heavily influence taste. Varying climates can also create stronger vines and a distinctly different flavor in wine.
Save Wine for a Repeat Experience
Sealing your wine and refrigerating can help to keep your drink fresh for a full 24 hours. Use a vacuum sealer and place your wine bottle in the fridge to preserve for three to seven days. Bacteria degrade an exposed wine quickly so sealing and cooling makes a bottle palatable for a respectable amount of time. Light reds and most whites should be consumed within an hour after uncorking the bottle. Stronger tasting young red wines might last a bit longer.
About the Author:Ryan Biddulph likes to share tips for picking the right wine. He suggests that you buy wine at citywinecellar.com.