Serving Wine Like a Pro

Temperature Matters

Red Wines: - Light reds (Beaujolais): 55-60°F (13-15°C) - Medium reds (Côtes du Rhône): 60-65°F (15-18°C) - Full reds (Bordeaux): 65-68°F (18-20°C) - Never serve at "room temperature" in modern heated homes

White Wines: - Light whites (Muscadet): 45-50°F (7-10°C) - Full whites (White Burgundy): 50-55°F (10-13°C) - Sweet wines: 45°F (7°C) - Over-chilling masks flavors

Sparkling Wines: - 40-45°F (4-7°C) - Quality Champagne slightly warmer - Chill gradually, not freezer

Quick Chilling: - Ice bucket: 20 minutes - Freezer: 30 minutes (set timer!) - Frozen grapes in glass (emergency) - Never add ice to wine

Opening Bottles

Still Wine: 1. Cut foil below lip 2. Wipe bottle mouth 3. Insert corkscrew straight 4. Turn steadily, not bottle 5. Pull smoothly 6. Wipe again before pouring

Sparkling Wine: 1. Chill thoroughly first 2. Remove foil and cage 3. Hold cork and bottle firmly 4. Turn bottle, not cork 5. Aim for sigh, not pop 6. Have glass ready

Problem Corks: - Broken cork: Push through, strain - Crumbling: Very slow, patient - Synthetic: Often harder to remove - Screwcap: Simply twist

Decanting Decisions

Why Decant: - Separate sediment (old wines) - Aerate wine (young wines) - Presentation - Temperature adjustment

What to Decant: - Young, tannic reds - Old wines with sediment - Some white wines benefit - Natural wines often need air

How Long: - Young Bordeaux: 2-4 hours - Mature wines: 30 minutes max - Delicate wines: Pour directly - Taste periodically

Technique: 1. Stand bottle upright day before 2. Light candle under neck 3. Pour steadily, watch for sediment 4. Stop when sediment approaches neck 5. Rinse decanter between wines

Glassware Matters

Basic Shapes: - Bordeaux glass: Tall, broad bowl for tannic reds - Burgundy glass: Wider bowl for delicate reds - White wine glass: Smaller bowl preserves temperature - Champagne flute: Preserves bubbles (tulip shape better) - Universal glass: Good compromise for everything

Glass Guidelines: - Clear, thin crystal ideal - Large enough to swirl - Tapered rim concentrates aromas - Stem prevents warming - One good set better than many poor ones