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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best serving temperature for wine?
- What are the proper conditions for storing wine for long periods of time?
- What wines are the best for aging for many years?
- Does the wine glass really make a difference?
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What is the best serving temperature for wine?
Light, white wines like Pinot Grigio or Riesling, are best served between 45 and 50 degrees F. Fuller-bodied white wines such as Chardonnay and Viognier, from 55 to 65. Rose wines can be within the whole range from 45-55 degrees, depending on the weather. Light red wines lacking in tannin like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir are best served at 55-65 degrees. Full-bodied reds such as Syrah and Cabernet at or slightly below room temperature. If the room temperature exceeds 75 degrees, then slight cooling of these wines is also required to retain the fruit character.
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What are the proper conditions for storing wine for long periods of time?
Long term storage requires a stable environment. You need to avoid, direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations. Sorry, kitchen designers, but the kitchen is the worst place in the house to store wine. Temperatures of 57 degrees are perfect. Relative humidity should be between 50 and 70%. That is why many people buy self-contained storage units to avoid that much humidity in their house. If you do buy a wine cabinet, make sure you can control the humidity as well as the temperature.
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What wines are the best for aging for many years?
Though many wines can improve after some cellaring, only a small portion of worldwide wine production is made for long-term aging. However, wines with sufficient balance of tannin, acid, and fruit can age for decades, if properly stored. (See above) The classic wines choices to put away are great Bordeaux vintages, California Cabernets, Vintage Ports, and dessert wines.
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Does the wine glass really make a difference?
Yes, and you can prove it to yourself. This is a simple experiment with one glass of wine and several different glasses. Take a wine, any wine, and pour it into a a plastic glass. Smell it, and taste it. Then pour the remaining wine into a juice glass. Repeat the tasting. Follow with an ordinary restaurant type wine glass, taste. End with a proper crystal wine glass. We are positive that you will report that the same wine did not smell the same or taste the same.
Small volume glasses with narrow openings do not permit the wine to open up. Simply put, the wine will show better when the size and shape of the bowl allow the wine to express its character. . That is why Sutler's recommends the Riedel crystal stemware from Austria. They produce high quality stemware that is focused on showing the best of that grape variety.