From wine newbies to seasoned professionals, we can all learn something new. Here are few quick tips and tricks to help on your wine journey.
Wine Diamonds: Don't worry about those little crystals found on the cork or bottom of the bottle, they’re harmless. They crystals are tartaric acid found in the grapes and thus naturally occurring in all wines, and can be caused when wine is quickly chilled.
Perfume Alert!: Do not wear perfume or cologne when going wine tasting, it interferes with others’ ability to fully smell the aromas in the wine. (I’ve made this mistake before and was scolded by a good friend!)
Brushing those Pearly Whites: Don’t brush your teeth immediately after drinking wine, as this can damage your enamel, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and exposure to cavities. Better to wait between 30-60min before brushing.
The Art of Decanting: A well-respected winemaker once told me that 20 – 30-year-old wines need to be decanted due to sediment, but don’t need to sit for airing. Older wines can be drunk as soon as you pop open that bottle, since you want to drink it when its fresh.
Holding your Glass: Your wine stays cooler for longer if you hold your wine glass by the stem, since your hand will warm up the wine if you’re holding it by the bowl.
Temperature Just Right: White wine should not be served too cold, because that can mask some of the flavors. If you drink it a little warmer, you'll see more of the fruit and other characters shine through.
When in Doubt: Serve Bubbles. Champagne and sparkling wines work with a remarkable range of foods. This solves the problem when at a restaurant and ordering a bottle that pairs well with meat, fish, chicken and vegetables.
Opening Champagne: Slightly loosen the cage, but do not remove from the cork, hold the cork and cage steady in one hand, grip bottom of bottle with other hand holding bottle at a 45-degree angle, and rotate the base of the bottle while holding the cork and cage firmly.
Dishwasher Safe: Put your wine and champagne glasses in the dishwasher, since most breakages occur due to accidental mishandling, like in the kitchen sink.
Hydrate: Having a glass of water between glasses of wine can help in more ways than one! It can help avoid headaches, and hang-overs, as well as helps with wine-stained teeth.
Swirl your Glass: Place your glass on a flat surface and swirl it in tight circles before your first sip. Swirling aerates the wine slightly, releasing aromas resting in the glass as you raise it to your nose.