Sure, sniffing a cork and swirling a glass can look pretentious and sometimes you don’t want to pull out the decanter. \u00a0But there are actually some things that are important when drinking red wine.<\/p>\n
From storage to temperature, aeration to glass choice we at The Greek Wine Experience<\/strong> are learning how to drink red wine not so that we look good, but so that it tastes its best. \u00a0And, as is our way, we’re here to share it with you.<\/p>\n We’ll teach you how to store bottles, the truth about whether or not reds should be served at room temperature and more.<\/p>\n Everything You Need To Know To Enjoy A Glass Of Red<\/strong><\/p>\n Selecting The Perfect Bottle of Red Wine<\/strong> Do you like full bodied reds?<\/strong> These are higher alcohol content reds that coat your mouth. Look for a Xinomavro, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, or Malbec.<\/p>\n Prefer a light bodied red?<\/strong> These feel lighter in the mouth and are lighter in pigment, letting more light in. Agiorgitiko or Limnio is a favorite of those who like lighter reds?<\/p>\n Use Weather As A Guide – Yours Or The Wine’s<\/strong> Keep It In The Family<\/strong> How To Properly Store Red Wine<\/strong> Chill Out!<\/strong> \u00a0The ideal temperature for red wine is 12.5C. \u00a0Anything between 12-13.5C is good so most people can store in a dark pantry. \u00a0Your kitchen fridge is okay for a couple of months but the super cold temperatures meant to keep food from spoiling can result in a dried cork, which can lead to spoiled wine.<\/p>\n No Cooking! \u00a0<\/strong>Even if you keep your home cool, be careful about storing your wine above the oven, in the laundry room, or near a furnace, fireplace, or radiator. \u00a0Besides the risk of higher temperatures, which can cook wine, there is the added risk of dry air that can wreak havoc on corks<\/p>\n Lay Down, Sally.<\/strong> \u00a0Bottles with corks that are going to be kept for a while are best stored lying flat.<\/p>\n Going Steady.<\/strong> \u00a0Whether or not you invest in a wine fridge the key is to keep wine at a consistent temperature rather than allowing for swings from warm to cold and back. \u00a0Big changes in temperature can cause the cork to seep or even push out – often ruining the wine inside. Opening Your Wine<\/strong> Get Some Air Into Your Red Wine<\/strong> You can use a traditional decanter, which is a glass container, or save time and buy an aerating pourer. \u00a0Decanting works best when you have anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours so if you’re pressed for time, or don’t want to wait, just pop an aerating pourer onto the bottle and enjoy immediately! Room Temperature: Fact or Myth<\/strong> If you are decanting you’ll want to start from a colder temperature since wine can warm considerably over the 30 minutes to two hours you’ll allow it to rest in the decanter.<\/p>\n So, What’s The Perfect Temperature For Red Wine? How To Enjoy Red Wine At The Right Temperature<\/strong> If storing in a pantry, place the wine in your regular fridge for 1-2 hours. Pro Tip:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>The likely reason for the range in temperatures is that there are times when you’ll want to serve reds at a lower, or higher, temp. \u00a0General rule of thumb: the lighter the body, the colder the wine. \u00a0So you’ll better enjoy Agiorgitiko or Limnio a little cooler than you would a Xinomavro or Mavrotragano.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sure, sniffing a cork and swirling a glass can look pretentious and sometimes you don’t want to pull out the decanter. \u00a0But there are actually some things that are important when drinking red wine. 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\nPart of the enjoyment of red wine is knowing how to pick a wine you like.<\/p>\n
\nIf you like full and light bodied reds consider basing your choice on the temperature. Full bodied wines complement the types of food eaten in winter and are thicker and heavier. They are also served a little warmer. Light bodied reds are a great way to enjoy wine in the spring and summer and are served on the chillier side.
\nIf you like a more tart or acidic wine, look for one grown in a cool climate or microclimate.
\nLike less acid and more sweet, ripe fruit? Look for wines from a warm climate or microclimate!<\/p>\n
\nIf you’ve had a wine you love but can’t find it or can only find it outside of your budget, you can use a vintage chart to help you find the best wine for your tastes.<\/p>\n
\nOnce you have a bottle at home it’s important to store it properly. \u00a0You don’t need a wine cellar or a fancy wine fridge if you follow some basic guidelines, although a wine fridge is never a bad idea and there are affordable ones on the market that can fit into any living situation – even the kitchen in a small studio apartment.
\nFor The Best Results…<\/p>\n
\nScrew cap wines don’t have to be stored flat – there’s no cork to worry about!<\/p>\n
\nWhen serving wine, how you open it is a big part of the experience. \u00a0Using a wine opener that works for you is most important. While there are fancy openers used for service, let’s face it: a waiter’s friend is not the easiest thing in the world. \u00a0We use rabbit style openers. \u00a0You want a wine opener that is easy to use and won’t push in a cork, break the bottle, or make you avoid opening because it’s clumsy or difficult to use.<\/p>\n
\nAt Greek Wine Experience we believe in the importance of aerating wine. \u00a0It’s a must-do step if you really want to enjoy red wine. Aerating (adding air to) red wines oxidizes them enough to open up the aromas and flavors perfectly. Here are the benefits of aeration:
\nOpens the bouquet<\/em>
\nAllows gasses to blow off<\/em>
\nBrings out all of the flavors<\/em>
\nAllows the wine to warm<\/em><\/p>\n
\nSometimes there’s no time, or patience, for decanting. \u00a0In that case, an aerating pourer is the best bet. \u00a0These devices pop onto a bottle to pour wine controlled rate while air intake holes create a vacuum so that the wine “glugs” at a rapid pace. \u00a0The movement and air essentially decant while pouring.<\/p>\n
\nServe white wine chilled and red at room temperature. \u00a0We’ve all heard that a million times – probably since we were kids. \u00a0And it’s something we all accept and do – reds are always pulled from a cabinet, shelf or pantry, popped open a poured. \u00a0Until we know more. \u00a0Until we know how to store wine, how to open and aerate wine for our enjoyment. \u00a0And unless you like your rooms chillier than the average bear, room temperature is probably a little too warm for serving reds.<\/p>\n
\nThere’s not just one answer to this – depending on region and personal taste but experts all seem to have around 18-19C in common in their serving temperature ranges. \u00a0Some experts say 14-16 degrees while others prefer 15-18. Even we, though, have exceptions to the rules.<\/p>\n
\nYou have a few options for how to get your wine to the right temperature whether or not you have a wine fridge. \u00a0And, even with a one-zone wine fridge, which will be kept at appropriate cellar temps or white wine temps (11C or below) you can still get your reds to the perfect temperature:<\/p>\n
\nIf storing red wine in a single zone wine fridge, remove for 30-60 minutes.
\nIf storing in a kitchen fridge or wine rack in the house, pop in the fridge for 1-2 hours prior to drinking.<\/p>\n