Uncorking the Secrets of Wine – Ask a Wine Expert

Are you looking to take your appreciation of wine to the next level? Whether you’re a novice or an experienced wine connoisseur, there’s so much to learn about serving, storing, and selecting wines. To help answer your questions, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions the experts get asked into this blog post. Keep reading as we uncork the secrets of wine!

What Is the Best Temperature to Serve Wine At?

This really depends on the type of wine you’re serving. Generally speaking, it’s best to serve white wines and Rosé chilled between 50-60°F and red wines at room temperature or slightly cooler, at 60-70°F. Sparkling wines should be served extra cold, around 40-50°F.

Is It Necessary to Decant Wine?

Decanting is the process of pouring a wine from its bottle into a glass or decanter. It can be used to aerate the wine, which helps bring out subtle flavors and aromas. Decanting isn’t always necessary for every type of wine – younger wines don’t need to be decanted since their sediments are still settling in the bottle. However, it is recommended for mature, full-bodied wines that should be aerated before consumption.

How Long Does Open Wine Last Before Going Bad?

Once you open a bottle of wine, the clock begins to tick until it spoils. This is because oxygen interacts with the wine, causing it to oxidize and degrade over time. Factors such as temperature can also affect how quickly this happens.

In general, white wines that have been opened should be consumed within three days of opening; reds can last up to four days. If you don’t think you can consume an open bottle within this time frame, consider transferring the remaining wine into a smaller container and storing it in the refrigerator. This will help reduce oxidation and extend the shelf life.

What Is the Best Way to Store Wine?

If you’re looking for the best way to store wine, then you’re in luck! We have an entire blog post about this, “Storing Wine: Tips for Keeping Your Wine Collection in Perfect Condition“

What Are the Differences Between New World and Old World Wines?

New World wines come from outside the traditional winegrowing areas of Europe and the Middle East such as the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and South Africa. These wines typically show more intense flavor characteristics and carry a higher alcohol content. Old World wines are from European countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. They tend to be more balanced in their acidity and tannin levels and have a lower alcohol content.

What Is the Difference Between a Varietal and a Blend?

A varietal is a wine made from only one variety of grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. A blend is when two or more varieties of grapes are blended together to create a unique flavor profile. Blends can be both red and white wines, and there’s no limit to the number of varieties that can be blended together.

What Is the Difference Between Dry and Sweet Wine?

The sweetness or dryness of a wine is determined by its residual sugar level left after fermentation. It is measured in grams per liter (g/L). Wines with up to 17 g/L are considered dry, while those with 17-35 g/L are considered off-dry. Wines with 35-120 g/L are considered off-dry. Anything over 120 g/L is considered sweet.

What is a Sulfite-Free Wine?

Sulfites are a naturally occurring compound found in grapes that acts as a preservative. Some wines contain added sulfites to prevent oxidation and extend the shelf life of the wine. A sulfite-free wine is made without any added sulfur dioxide, so it has a shorter shelf life and needs to be consumed sooner than other wines.

How Much Wine Should I Pour?

Pour smaller glasses to about one-third of their capacity – never exceeding half – and fill bigger glasses to around a quarter. This method allows the aromas to fully develop and provides ample space in the glass for swirling. When using tumblers, pour as much as you prefer. If you prefer stemless glassware, treat them in the same way as stemmed glasses.

What Is the Indentation on the Bottom of the Bottle?

The indentation, or punt, on the bottom of a wine bottle, is said to serve multiple purposes. For one, it strengthens the structure of the bottle and makes it able to withstand high pressure. Two, it makes it easier to hold a wine bottle. And three, it prevents sediment from collecting at the bottom of the bottle. This is because the angle of a punt lets sediment collect in a tight area near the base, stopping the sediment from blending back into the wine as it’s being poured.

What Is the Proper Etiquette of Bringing Your Own Bottle to a Restaurant?

We have a whole blog post on this, “The Dos and Don’ts of Bringing Your Own Wine to a Restaurant.”

There’s Always More to Learn in the World of Wine

We hope this post answered some of your questions about wine. As you can see, there’s so much to learn and discover about this delicious beverage. From the basics of temperature and decanting to more advanced topics like residual sugars, we hope that these FAQs have given you a greater understanding of the world of wine.

Did you find this blog useful? Share it with your fellow wine lovers so that they can learn more, too! And if you have any other questions about wines, feel free to contact our experts anytime. We’re here to help.