Wine tips

It’s not easy to buy a good, tasty wine since there are so many kinds available. There are lots of varieties in supermarkets and liquor stores, all with all kinds of labels. Wines from all over the world, each with their own taste and characteristics. How do you choose a wine that’s ‘good’? That’s a very personal question, because to each his own, and that’s a good thing too..

A wine that underwent a lot of ripening on wood, can be appreciated by one person, but not liked by the next…The only way to discover what wine you like is by tasting! Try as many different wines as possible to develop a personal sense and taste. Which wine you’ll like best also depends on the moment, with which foods, etc.

 

So, to find the right wine depends on different factors and can be a journey. There’s so much to discover from the variety of wines worldwide! It’s a good idea to stock up when you’ll find a wine to your taste. Of course this depends on how much wine you drink, but it’s always handy to have a few bottles at hand and you’ll won’t be too dissapointed if your favorite vintage is discontinued! On the other hand, it’s wise not to buy too much of one type of wine, as it does require storage and you might want to try out new volumes, which of course come out with each harvest every year.

 

There are many books and magazines available to help you orientate in wines. Some of those we recommend are: Guide Hachette, Winespectator, Perswijn, Proefschrift, Decanter and WineEnthusiast.

Storing wines

Most wines can be stored for several years, provided that they are kept in a dark place with the bottle laying down flat and kept at a constant temperature. Wine doesn’t improve by undergoing different temperatures. A cool and dry place is ideal. Try to store your wines flat, this way you’ll prevent the corks from dehydrating and the oxygen getting to the wine, which will spoil the wine. Also try to store the wines in the orginal case or box. This way the wines will be protected against the influences of light and temperature fluctuations plus it will be easier to recognize your wine.

Once a bottle is opened, the remains of the wine can be kept for several days, provided the bottle is closed and cooled. The best way to keep wine once openend, is to vacuum the bottle with the Vacu Vin Wine Saver.

This device is ideal to keep oxygen away from the wine and keep it fresh and tasty for days.

For more information visit the Vacu Vin website: www.vacuvin.nl

Serving wines

There are all kinds of rules on how wine should be served. This is very personal and depends on the situation and type of wine. These rules are really just a way to remember what the right temperature should be to serve wine and to get the most out of wine concerning the aroma and taste.
Some basic rules:

White wines and rosé are served chilled, at a minimum of 7 degrees and a maximum of 12 degrees.

Red wines are served at room temperature, at a maximum of 18 degrees, but this depends on the type of wine, because in some cases a young red wine can be delicious when served lightly chilled.

Fizzy wines should always be served chilled.

Which glasses are most ideal?

The ideal wineglass is Het ideale glas is round at the top and slims towards the stem of the glass, like the shape of a tulip. To really sense the aroma of the wine, it is important that the wine ‘loosens’ from the glass.

When oxygen blends into the wine, the wine will open up and the scents are released.

 

This process is formed when you let the wine roll around in the glass, which might take a bit of practise. The wine will really taste more intense through this motion.