Follow some basic rituals before serving wine. Here are some rules.
How should I hold the glass?
Traditionally, always from the base or the stem so that the warmth of your hand doesn't affect the temperature of the wine. This norm however has been broken by Riedel, who have recently come out with stemless glasses which look similar to whiskey tumblers.
What does a good vintage mean?
A vintage where wine is concerned means production in one particular year and usually bottled in a single batch so that each bottle has a similar taste. Climate affects wine-producing areas enormously, to the extent that occasionally wines are not made in certain areas if the producer feels that the vintage won't be good. Wine from a good vintage can fetch much higher prices than the same wine, from the same area, or even the same producer for that matter.
What should I serve wine in?
Glass for sure. It is odorless, taking nothing away from the aroma of the wine. Glass also being clear, allows us to see the color of the wine. Most wine glasses require a stem and a decent-sized glass so that you can twirl the wine. The twirling movement opens up its bouquet. At the moment, Riedel is considered to have the best glasses in the world.
What type of glasses should I serve different wines in?
Generally, bigger glasses for reds, and tulips (standard wine glasses) for whites. Champagnes can be served in flutes (tall, long, thin wine glasses) so that the bubbles don't escape, or in tulips. Never serve champagne in champagne saucers. This is completely outdated and does nothing for the champagne. Cut glass and cut crystal are not for serious wine drinkers.
How much wine shall I buy for the party?
Depending on how long the meal is and the capacity of your guests, a safe guide is half a bottle for each person, graduating to 2 bottles for 3, 3 for 4, 4 for 5 and so on for more regular imbibers, be it a sit-down dinner or a pot-luck get-together.
When shall I serve the wine?
Starting a dinner (or lunch) with bubbles always ensures a sparkling mood. Then it's white wine before red and lighter before fuller-bodied.
How should I hold the glass?
Traditionally, always from the base or the stem so that the warmth of your hand doesn't affect the temperature of the wine. This norm however has been broken by Riedel, who have recently come out with stemless glasses which look similar to whiskey tumblers.
What does a good vintage mean?
A vintage where wine is concerned means production in one particular year and usually bottled in a single batch so that each bottle has a similar taste. Climate affects wine-producing areas enormously, to the extent that occasionally wines are not made in certain areas if the producer feels that the vintage won't be good. Wine from a good vintage can fetch much higher prices than the same wine, from the same area, or even the same producer for that matter.
What should I serve wine in?
Glass for sure. It is odorless, taking nothing away from the aroma of the wine. Glass also being clear, allows us to see the color of the wine. Most wine glasses require a stem and a decent-sized glass so that you can twirl the wine. The twirling movement opens up its bouquet. At the moment, Riedel is considered to have the best glasses in the world.
What type of glasses should I serve different wines in?
Generally, bigger glasses for reds, and tulips (standard wine glasses) for whites. Champagnes can be served in flutes (tall, long, thin wine glasses) so that the bubbles don't escape, or in tulips. Never serve champagne in champagne saucers. This is completely outdated and does nothing for the champagne. Cut glass and cut crystal are not for serious wine drinkers.
How much wine shall I buy for the party?
Depending on how long the meal is and the capacity of your guests, a safe guide is half a bottle for each person, graduating to 2 bottles for 3, 3 for 4, 4 for 5 and so on for more regular imbibers, be it a sit-down dinner or a pot-luck get-together.
When shall I serve the wine?
Starting a dinner (or lunch) with bubbles always ensures a sparkling mood. Then it's white wine before red and lighter before fuller-bodied.
No comments:
Post a Comment