Dear Readers,
Have you ever planned a party or invited friends over and suddenly weren’t sure what type of wine would fit the occasion?
You don’t need to be a trained sommelier to master the basics of wine etiquette to highlight any venue.
In today’s newsletter, I am listing top 3 tips (+ a bonus tip) for a delightful fine wine experience at home that will be a success and not a flop.
Tip no. 1: MASTER THE TEMPERATURE
The right temperature enhances a wine's flavour and aroma. It is an often overlooked yet very important detail as the taste of wine changes depending on the temperature. If you wish to elevate your wine serving skills to an advanced level, investing in a wine fridge might seem like a splurge but will ensure the bottles are chilled at the perfect temperature, ready for serving.
White Wine: Serve at 7–13°C (45–55°F). Lighter whites like Sauvignon Blanc prefer cooler temperatures, while fuller whites like Chardonnay shine around 10–13°C (50–55°F).
Red Wine: Serve slightly below room temperature, around 15–20°C (59–68°F). Lighter reds like Pinot Noir favour the lower range, while bolder reds like Cabernet Sauvignon prefer the upper range.
Sparkling Wine (including champagne, prosecco or cava): Serve at 4–7°C (39–45°F) to maintain its refreshing crispness.
Tip no. 2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT GLASSWARE
Using the correct glass not only looks refined but also enhances the tasting experience as the flavours develop differently depending on the width and curvature of the glass. Please note, wine should always be served in a stemmed glass, not a tumbler.
Red Wine: Opt for a glass with a larger, rounder bowl to allow oxygenation, which brings out the flavours.
White Wine: Use a smaller glass with a narrow rim to maintain cooler temperatures and concentrate aromas.
Sparkling Wine: Serve in flutes to preserve the bubbles and delicate aromas.
Tip no. 3: PERFECT THE FOOD PAIRING
To some, pairing wine with the right food might seem unnecessary, until you taste a light meal combined with a heavy wine where the flavours don’t match a bit.
White Wine: Pair with fish, poultry, or creamy pasta dishes.
Red Wine: Match with red meats, hearty stews, or rich tomato-based dishes.
Sparkling Wine: Pair with light appetizers, salty snacks, or desserts like fruit tarts.
Bonus Tip: STORE WINE LIKE A PRO
If you’re keeping wine at home, store bottles on their side in a cool, dark place with minimal temperature fluctuations (10–15°C / 50–59°F). This keeps the cork moist and prevents spoilage.
Recreating a fine wine experience at home is becoming a delightful trend - and I am a strong believer that with the right know-how, you can do it elegantly too.
Cheers to enjoying wine the right way! 🥂
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
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