The world of wine is a very vast universe, and even after hours of learning and tasting, it is difficult to know all its facets. On the other hand, there is certain basic information that will allow you to fully enjoy a wine and choose a good bottle of wine. Discover the 8 things to know about wine .
The order of wine tasting is important
If you decide to open several good bottles, during a meal or an event, know that the order of serving will have an influence on your perceptions and your appreciation of the different vintages. Ideally, it is advisable to start with the lightest, least sweet wines and young wines. The objective is then not to saturate the taste buds from the start, and to move towards more powerful wines with strong character and/or sweeter ones while exploring the secondary aromas which are revealed during the tasting. It is also a way, generally, to save the best for last, particularly the great wines, and to take full advantage of the diversity of wines available to you and the different colors of wine, including organic wines.
The rules for decanting a wine
If you plan to serve young, full-bodied red wines, know that it is always a good idea to decant this type of wine a few hours before serving. This will allow the aromas to be released, particularly the primary aromas and fruit aromas, and to oxygenate the wine in your bottle of red but also to allow the residue to fall to the bottom of the carafe. More rarely, it is also possible to decant white wines. On the other hand, it is difficult to aerate a wine for aging, because too much oxygenation could alter the qualities of the wine. This is why sometimes wines taste better if they are drunk within a month of bottling.
The choice of wine glass
The shapes of wine glasses are not just aesthetic, they also have a role in tasting white wines, red wines and rosé wines, whether sweet wines or sparkling wines. Depending on the type of wine, you will need to choose a more or less narrow opening to better concentrate the aromas .
Furthermore, the wine glass must always have a foot, so that you can hold it without heating the wine in contact with your hand. This is particularly important when tasting French wines known for their strong personality, whether in an informal tasting or in a more professional context where wine purchasing can be a careful and considered process.
The art of opening a good bottle of wine
As a general rule, young red wines and white wines should be uncorked just a few hours before serving to allow a true tasting and fully appreciate the intensity of the aromas. For wine lovers looking for excellent quality, the final choice of opening time is crucial.
On the other hand, old red wines and dry white wines should be uncorked at the last minute , because they have the particularity of evolving very quickly. The same goes for sparkling wines and sparkling wines, which must retain as many bubbles as possible when tasting, thus adding a sensation of balance. Indeed, natural wines need to re-oxygenate to offer you that little extra that other wines don't have.
The serving temperature of your bottle of wine
The serving temperature of a good bottle depends on the types of wine and constitutes an important selection criterion. Indeed, the temperature level is important to discover the sweetness, character and fruity flavor of your wine. Moreover, rosé wine and white wine with fruity flavors are best enjoyed chilled, between 10 and 14°C.
For red wines, characterized by various red grape varieties, are much better when served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C or even at room temperature.
Then, it is rather advisable to serve several small glasses during the meal or event, so as not to give the wine time to warm up and oxidize.
The presence of crystals in white wine bottles
Have you noticed the presence of small crystals at the bottom of your good bottle of white wine ? Rest assured, these are simply crystals formed naturally by the effect of cold on the wine, crystallizing the tartaric acid. This training does not alter the quality of the wine in any way, ensuring an uncompromising tasting experience.
Young wine or old wine: there is no clear winner
The choice between young and old wine depends on your personal taste. Some wine lovers claim that old wines are the best, but the reality is that it all depends on your preferences.
A wine for aging is consumed differently from a young wine , but the complexity and aromatic qualities are not necessarily more advantageous, especially if you prefer light wines.
The setting of your wine tasting
We have seen that many factors come into play when tasting a good bottle: the types of wine, the wine region, the glass, the serving temperature... Whether with the people around you or When pairing food and wine, the choice of setting is an essential selection criterion for a memorable tasting experience. So you can enjoy your wine with a cheese platter, especially goat cheese, and create a harmonious and balanced experience. You will have understood, the choice of your wine is indeed a personal matter.
Would you like to learn more about wine and all its secrets? Our 8 tips will guide you in your first steps in this exceptional world. To find out more and refine your knowledge, do not hesitate to participate in a tasting workshop in the cellar of the Berne estate with the help of wine professionals.
