Wine is more than a drink, it’s a sensory experience. To get the most from your wine, you need to do more than simply pop a cork. Here are 10 tips to help you enjoy your wine more, whether you’re an experienced pro or a casual drinker.
1. Food pairings: nail them
It’s an art to pair wine with food. It’s a beautiful thing when it is done correctly. It’s important to match the intensity and weight of the wine to the dish. A delicate white wine like sauvignon blanche pairs well with seafood, while a bolder red like shiraz can stand up to a hearty beef dish. Always keep in mind that neither the wine nor food should dominate the other. Also, I like to use the profile of white wine as a guide. For example, an aged pinot with earthy notes may be paired perfectly with a mushroom-risotto. Balance is also important. For example, highly acidic wines help cut through fatty foods such as pork belly while highly tanninous wines are perfect for food that is rich in flavour such as duck. The bitterness of tannins is balanced by heavier dishes.
2. Wine should be served at the correct temperature
When it comes to maximizing the drinking experience, temperature is a key factor. Too cold wine can dull its taste, and too warm can overpower it. White wines are best served slightly chilled but not overly cold, around 7-12degC. Reds should be served at a temperature slightly below that of room temperature. This is around 15-18degC. My favourite sparkling wines and champagne are best served right from the refrigerator! They are best served cold.
3. Select the right glassware
Many people find the idea of using a different glass to serve each type of wine overkill. After making the investment, those who are now a fan of the glassware will never go back to generic glasses. Wine glasses are made to enhance the aromas, flavours and textures of various types of wines. A large bowl allows the bold, big flavours of red wine to develop and breathe. White wines benefit from a narrower glass to maintain their crispness, and highlight their aromas. While this may seem a bit wanky at first, investing in different glasses can elevate your wine-drinking experience.
4. Spend time with people who are good company
It may seem obvious, but you should never underestimate the impact of the moment on the wine that you are drinking. You’ve probably been to a tasting of wine or ordered a specific bottle in a restaurant. Then, at a later time, you revisited that wine and thought: “That wasn’t as great as I remembered?” Or perhaps it was even better? The company we drink wine with influences how we remember and enjoy it. Wine is a bottle of memories. It contains our feelings, where we were, the food we ate and the laughter that we shared. Never underestimate the power good company.
5. Store wine properly
To ensure your wine is at its best, it’s important to store it properly. Keep the bottle in a dark, cool place that maintains a constant temperature. If you don’t plan to finish an open bottle, you can re-cork and store it in your fridge. White wine can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, but red wines should be consumed within three days.
6. Let wine breathe
Let your wine breathe, especially reds. As wine opens up when exposed to air, its aromas are released and any tannins become softer. Decanting is especially useful for young, full-bodied wines like cabernet sauvignon and syrah. Pour the wine in a decanter, and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. You will notice the difference in taste and aroma.
7. Order your food correctly
The order you serve your wines is important if you are enjoying more than one at a time. Start with lighter, crisper wines like sparkling sauvignon blanc and then progress to heavier, richer ones like a full-bodied Shiraz. You’ll avoid overwhelming your palate too early on in the tasting. Save dessert wines for the end, as their sweetness can overpower other flavors.
8. Try different varietals and regions
Come on, let’s not be boring. It’s tempting to reach for the same bottle over and over again, but exploring new regions and varietals will open a new world of flavors. Be adventurous and talk to your local merchant about expanding your horizons.
9. Vintages are important
We’re going to get into the details a bit, but this is something you should consider if wine is your passion. The year and environment in which wine is produced are important factors. Some vintages have better weather than others because of the different conditions that occur during the growing period. A hot and dry year can produce concentrated, bold wines. Conversely, a cooler, more acidic year may result in finer wines. Knowing a little about vintages will help you select wines at their best and avoid those past their prime.
10. Mindful sipping
Do not guzzle wine, but rather savour it. It’s not a drink to rush, but rather to enjoy slowly and thoughtfully. Before you take your first sip, take a moment to enjoy the color, swirl the glass of wine to release the aromas and smell the bouquet. Let the wine sit on your tongue and discover what flavours it brings out. When you are with friends, talk about what you taste. This approach will not only improve your wine appreciation but turn each glass into an experience.
