Today is National Wine Day, and we figured this is the perfect time to brush up on your wine skills. Whether you're a neophyte or an oenophile, a fine wine connoisseur or a thoughtful hostess, we've compiled a few protocols that are often expected with these flavorful goods. POSH provided the background for this tantalizing feast for the senses with a treat for the eyes with our barware, Blue and White China, and Exotic Bird China collections.
Tips
- Serving wines at proper temperature is dire for optimal tasting. White wines are served best at 48 - 54 degrees F., while reds are served best at 57 - 68 degrees F. (Note: Chilling takes about ten minutes.)
- Uncork red a hour beforehand to begin the oxidation process, which will give you the full flavor and aroma of the red.
- For presentation purposes, pour on the right side of the guest so they can see the label, never touch the bottle to glass, and master the twist of the wrist to avoid dripping.
- Decant red; the chemical reaction releases a whole new dimension within the wine.
- If the wine has bubbles (hello, champagne), pour slowly down the side of the glass. Otherwise, pour in the middle of the glass, and never more than 1/2 to 3/4 of the glass.
- Serve reds in wide rimmed glasses (like decanting, it serves the purpose of letting the wine breathe). Serve whites in more narrow, smaller rimmed glasses.
- Always hold wine by the stem. Wine temperature is important, and you don't want to change the wine's temperature with your own.
