Finer Points of Serving Wine

A great collection is a start, but true enjoyment begins with a pour.  A ritual best practiced in the company of friends, serving wine properly helps develop appreciation.

Temperature

Serving wine at the right temperature is crucial.  Here is a simple chart for a perfect chill:

Champagne:  Serve chilled between 35 and 40 F.

White wines:  A cool 40 to 45 F is ideal.

Red wines:  Around 55 F is perfect.

To chill wine to the proper temperature, place it in the refrigerator.  Every ten minutes reduces the bottle's temperature by 4 F.  A room temperature bottle of red would need about 20 minutes to cool down.  Some wines also have natural sediments.  Standing bottles upright will let these particles settle to the bottom.

Keep champagne on ice during service, though red and white wines should be allowed to warm up a little.  Experts in serving wine believe warming releases delicate flavors.

Wine glasses

Serving wine in the right glass is another consideration.  Tall, slender glasses are best for champagne and sparkling wines.  White wines use a tulip-shaped glass that concentrates delicate aromas.  Red wine glasses have large bowls that encourage reaction with air to enhance flavors.

For the beginner, all-purpose wine glasses are excellent choices.  As skills in serving wine improve, your stemware collection will grow.  These glasses feature characteristics for serving wines both read and white.

Serving wine

The part everybody loves!  Fill glasses to about two-thirds full, leaving plenty of room for swirling wine to release pleasing aromas.  Pour reds and whites into the center of the glass, but sparking wines should flow down the sides to keep the carbonation.  As you lift the bottle at the end of your pour, give it a slight twist to prevent dripping.

There are many techniques to serving wine, and perfection comes only with practice.  Whatever your ability, rest assured that everyone will appreciate your consideration when expertly serving wine.

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