Wine is a universally popular beverage, loved both for its delicious flavor and its possible health benefits. It lends a festive air to any occasion. Whether you drink Two-Buck Chuck or Chateau Petrus, serving your wine correctly will help it taste its best.
Types
Wine falls into two basic categories--red and white, each of which is served a little differently. Within those categories, there are limitless varieties. A third variety, rose or blush wines, straddle the fence between red and white wines but are usually treated and served like white wines.
Types
Red wines are generally served at room temperature or a few degrees cooler than room temperature (around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit). They are best served in bowl shaped glasses, which creates greater surface exposure of the wine and allows it to breathe better. There are many different styles of red wine glasses, each created for a specific type of red wine. A differently shaped bowl or lip can direct the wine to a different spot on in a drinker's mouth.
Types
White wines and rose wines are most often served chilled, straight from the refrigerator at about 35 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this is not actually the best temperature for them. Most white wines should be served between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with lower temperatures for ice wines and sparkling wines. A white wine served cold will often taste acidic and thin--it must come up to the correct temperature for the flavor to bloom. Remove white wines from the refrigerator at least 10-20 minutes before serving to bring them to the correct serving temperature. When drinking white wine, hold your glass by the stem to keep the heat of your hands from warming the wine. White wine glasses are tulip-shaped and have straight sides, to better preserve the temperature of the wine.
Considerations
All wines, whether they are served cold or at room temperature, need to have the opportunity to breathe. Simply uncorking the bottle may not allow enough air to reach the wine to fully aerate it, so decanting wine is always a good idea. Pour the wine directly into a decanter and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. If no decanter is available, be sure to swirl the wine in your glass for a moment before drinking to allow it to breathe. Red wines require more aeration than whites. This process also allows you to eliminate sediment from your wine.
Considerations
Never fill a wineglass more than half full. A serving of wine is five ounces, and most wine glasses hold seven to eight ounces or more if filled to the brim. Filling the glass only halfway leaves room for the wine to be swirled in the glass so that its full aroma may be released.
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