How to Serve Wine
Tips to Serve Wine
Confused about how to serve wine properly? Here are some tips to serve wine.
It is important to serve wine at the right temperature. Most whites will benefit from 20-30 minutes outside the refrigerator. Serve wine directly from a 55° cellar if it’s red, but give room temperature reds a few minutes in the refrigerator. Some prefer to serve wine chilled, which can be a refreshing way to serve wine in warm weather.
To serve wine, cut foil away from the top and uncork the bottle. Do not penetrate the cork completely or it may fall into the wine.
Before you serve wine, check its integrity. Today’s wines are rarely unsound, but if you serve wine that is older you should pour a sample for examination.
Before you serve wine, look for tartrate crystal deposits, especially on the wet end of the cork on white wines. You can still decant and serve wine with tartrates, but check to make sure the deposits have not precipitated into the wine. If tartrates are found in sparkling wines it is a serious flaw; do not serve wine with sparkle if tartrates are present. If you want to serve wine containing visible solid particulates, it should be decanted. All other wine defects are easily detected in the aroma. If it smells good, it is good.
Serve wine in proper glasses. Wine is expressed in its aroma, so serve wine in a glass of generous size, inward-curving at the top. Serve wines that are expressive reds in larger glasses, 24 ounces or more. Serve wines that are less aromatic whites in glasses of 12 ounces or more. Serve wines with carbonation in flutes to enhance aromatics.
Serve wine with sweetness, most dessert wines, in smaller glasses. Notable exceptions are Sauternes, Tokay Aszu, and vintage Port. Serve wines like these in white wine glasses.
Serve wine in the correct amount. Except for sparking wines, to serve wine by filling glasses no more than 20%-30%. Leave “head space” in the glass for swirling to serve wine with maximum flavor.
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