As Sarasota’s wine expert and a wine aficionado people constantly ask me questions to help make their wine experience better. For sure, wine can be a bit complicated and most people have neither the time nor inclination to read books or take classes. Still, they are quite eager to maximize the return on their wine investment.
To that end I have put together a Top Ten Tips to help make your everyday experience more satisfying. These are some simple rules that, if followed, will make wine taste better without increasing your expense.
HERE WE GO:
10. Temperature – Always follow the 15 minute rule: 1. Store you white in the fridge and take white wine out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving. 2. Put red wine into the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving. Remove and serve. Ideal temps: Red = 66 degrees White = 47 degrees
9. Invest in some decent wine glasses. One glass shape for both red and white. Not necessarily expensive – but make sure that the bowl will hold at least 16 ounces (20+ is preferred) and is shaped like a tulip (not a big round bowl). It should have at least a 4 inch stem. Hint: The thinner the glass the better the wine will taste. Avoid fancy cut glass crystal. Remember a glass is a tool – not a decoration for your dining room hutch. My recommendation is the workhorse: Riedel Ouverture Magnum Glasses, Set of 4 on Amazon around $50.
8. Purchase a proper wine opener. A Waiter’s Friend with knife and corkscrew is best. Learn how to use it properly. Practice makes perfect. Remember this is a tool – not a fashion accessory.
7. Purchase a container of nitrogen gas at your favorite wine store. Just a quick spray will suffice into a bottle will keep your wine fresh for weeks. Store open wine bottles in the refrigerator after you apply gas. Beats the heck out of the old fashioned pump and saves you money from spoiled wine.
6. Always swirl the wine in your glass to enjoy its bouquet. About 70% of what you think you perceive as flavor comes from the Olfactory System (smell). It will enhance the flavor. I promise.
5. Pay close attention to the body of the wine. How something “feels” in your mouth greatly determines how much you like it. Imagine a mouthful of milk. Now change that to a mouthful of iced tea. Feel the difference. Once you determine what body you like you can find out what other wines share a similar character which may lead you to others that you will enjoy.
4. NEVER, NEVER buy wine with a cute animal on the label! Producers use cute labels to move cheap, tasteless, over-managed wines. There are better and healthier wines available at good prices.
3. Get out of your comfort zone! Experiment with imported versions of your favorite varietals. Inexpensive French Pinot Noir (Burgundy) is much better and less expensive than most California products. The most cost effective wines in the world come from Spain. Try a Spanish red like Garnacha, Monastrell or a bold Tempranillo. Great white varietals include Albarinō, Torrentés or a sweet Malvasía.
2. Try to shop at retail stores that specialize in wine. Supermarkets do a fairly good job with domestic wines, but pale in their selection compared to wine retailers. Wine stores usually offer better pricing and a knowledgeable professional to help you find new fun vintages.
1. By all means make wine fun! Wine is not a competition (mine is better than yours) and there is never anyone to impress but yourself. Remember the old saying, “Life is too short to drink bad wine.”
There is a wonderful world of wine out there to explore and enjoy. Have a great year doing just that.