屈臣氏酒窖 - 侍酒

SERVING WINE

It is a common issue worldwide that red wines are often served too warm, while white wines are served too cold.
When served too cold, a wine’s aromas fail to fully release; and if red wine is served at too low a temperature, its tannins become more astringent, making the wine taste bitter. White wines served at the right temperature are refreshing rather than cloying; and sparkling wines become less “gassy”. It is perfectly acceptable to remove white wine from an ice bucket if it is too cold—or to place red wine in an ice bucket if it is too warm! Ideal serving temperatures are:

RED: 10°C (FOR A LIGHT RED) UP TO 18°C

Red wines usually benefit from being opened in advance—sometimes even a few hours before serving.
Older wines are often decanted, a delicate process that leaves the sediment in the bottle and ensures clarity.
Young, tightly structured reds also benefit from decanting, as it increases their exposure to air.
A basic corkscrew—commonly known as a Waiter's Friend—is the most effective tool for opening bottles, although screwcaps are becoming increasingly common.

WHITE: 7°C - 10°C

When pouring wine, glasses should never be filled to the top. Too much wine in the glass makes it impossible to swirl and release aromas. Wine also warms up in the glass, so it is preferable to pour small amounts to help maintain the correct temperature. A “standard” pour usually allows for seven or eight glasses per bottle, though for more generous servings, one bottle typically yields no more than six glasses.

SWEET AND SPARKLING: 4°C - 6°C

Different grape varieties are suited to different glass shapes, and indeed many manufacturers now name their glasses after grapes. A Champagne flute, for example, directs the liquid straight down the tongue to enhance the refreshing acidity; while the generous width of a Cabernet Sauvignon glass allows the complex aromas to be fully appreciated. In general terms, the plainer the glass the better, the thinner the rim the better, and the longer the stem the better. And crystal glasses give off a lovely chime when a toast is proposed.

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