How many
servings in a bottle?
A typical wine bottle size is 750 ml that
contains 25.4 fluid ounces. The glass size determines how many servings. For
example, you'll get approximately six servings per bottle using a 4-ounce wine
glass compared to five servings using a 5-ounce glass.
Is there a correct way to open a bottle
of wine?
Never rip off the capsule--just cut it neatly
below the lip of the bottle. Turn the point of your corkscrew clear down
through the cork and use the lever to pull the cork out. Wipe the mouth of the
bottle before serving.
What type of glass?
Any good glass can be used with a
fine wine, but stemmed glass is preferable. Wine glasses come in a range of
sizes, but a typical wine glass is 6 to 8 ounces. The wine glass should be
clear for color enjoyment, hold a generous amount to avoid frequent refills, and
have a stem so your hand doesn't warm the wine. A larger size glass also makes
it possible to fill it only partially--one-half to two-thirds--so you can enjoy
the fragrance and bouquet.
How do wine tastings work?
As wine becomes more popular, so do wine
tastings. It's fun to gather a group of friends and taste wine--usually four or
five of the same type made by different wineries. We would like to offer a very
brief guide to wine tastings.
You'll need a different glass for each wine and
unflavored crackers or water to clear your palate between tastes. Basically,
you will be judging three things: appearance, odor, and taste appropriate for
the type of wine which all add up to an overall opinion about the wine.
First, appearance: the wine must be clear;
then judge on other aspects--brilliance, hue, and density of color, etc.
Second, odor: experts say that 90% of wine tasting is done with the nose, so
sniff away! Give two or three short, forceful sniffs checking first for the
aroma--or characteristic perfume of the grape--and secondly for the bouquet--the
complex combination of odors a fine, mature wine gives off when the bottle is
opened. Analyzing "bouquet" comes with experience. Naturally, any peculiar
odors disqualify a wine. Third, taste: take a sip, pull it back in your mouth
and roll it around the tongue. In wine, you will only be able to distinguish
sweetness, sourness (better described as "tartness" or "acidity") and bitterness
which is the astringent or "puckery" taste resulting from the amount of tannin
in the wine. Do you consider these in balance for the wine you are tasting?
Now you have looked at, sniffed, and tasted
each of four or five wines. Which one did you like best? Explaining "why" you
liked it the best is more difficult because it is usually a subjective opinion,
but you'll be surprised how often several opinions coincide. The important
thing is to have faith in your own taste and to enjoy!
What is the best serving temperature?
If you've every wondered at what temperature
wine should be served, this guide is for you. By serving wine at the proper
temperature, you ensure and enjoy the excellent characteristics of the wine.
Your… |
…Temperature |
Merlot, Cabernet
Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc |
60 -
65° F
(Room Temperature) |
Red Burgundy |
59°
F |
Ideal cellar |
53.6°
F |
Rosé wines |
50°
F |
Pinot Gris,
Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc |
50 -
55° F |
Shakespeare's Love |
40 -
45° F |
Champagne / Sparkling
Wines |
41°
F |
2775
East Main Street, Ashland OR 97520
(541) 488-0088
wines@winenet.com
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