Wine Kitz Atlantic

The Right Wine Glass

There is an appropriate style of glass for each type of wine, but wine connoisseurs can start with four essentials of stemware: Champagne, Port, Bordeaux and Chardonnay. Champagne glasses come in two varieties: tall and short. Both are suitable and choosing a style is a matter of preference. Tall flute glasses preserve the bubbles so the Champagne sparkles longer. Shorter, wider coupe glasses expose more of their content to the air. While some enjoy the tingling feeling of bubbles against their face, Champagne will lose its sparkle more quickly is a coupe glass. Port glasses are smaller, designed for sipping. The tall and wide Bordeaux glasses can be used to appreciate the complex flavours of many reds. These glasses allow the wine to breathe, bringing out rich aromas. Chardonnay glasses are typically designed top keep the wine cool and to amplify the more delicate aromas of the whites.

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Wine Serving Temperature

Temperature has an effect on the taste of all wines, especially reds. Wines served at cooler temperatures will have more of their flavours masked, while warmer ones can develop a sharper taste. Red wines have complex flavours that emerge when served at room temperature. Whites tend to be overpowering when warm and best enjoyed chilled.

Room temperature is a little misleading. In wine terms, room temperature is 14-18C (57-64F) which was the average temperature before central heating. So, modern wines should actually be slightly chilled. White wine is usually served anywhere from 4-10C (40-50F). The flavours of full bodied white wines like Chardonnay are highlighted at the warmer end of the spectrum while less complex whites like Sauvignon Blanc benefit from slightly more chilling. Since wine warms once it has been poured, it is best to serve slightly over-chilled rather than too warm.

For more detailed information on wine serving temperatures visit: http://www.cellarnotes.net/serving_temperatures.html