Quick Facts of Wine

Should you not know about wine, read.

How wine is stored?

Temperature
The optimum temperature is 10 - 12 degrees Celcius. Wines age faster in higher temperatures, however, that does not mean you should store in fridge. If it kept too cold, wine develops deposits. Do keep in mind, whites are far more affected than reds by temperature.

Humidity
Moderate humidity is important to keep the cork resilient. If the air is too dry, the cork will lose their elasticity and air will enter the wine.

Darkness
Too much light prematurely ages wine.

Angle of storage
Wine should be stored horizontally to keep in contact with the cork. This is to keep it moist, thereby preventing air from entering.

How you should serve wine?

Serving temperatures
If you are serving an older or more expensive wine, serve it at a warmer temperature. This will allow the wine to show its characteristics. If serving a younger or cheaper wine, chill the wine 1st as it will mask some of its imperfections.

Pouring wine
Still wines should be poured towards the centre of the glass. If you are serving sparkling or champagne, you should pour it against the side of the glass. The glass should never be more than two-thirds full.

Always serve the ladies 1st, the older gentlemen 2nd, followed by the other men and finally your own.

Wine Glasses

Usually wines are served with:

• White wine glasses - tulip shaped
• Red wine glasses - more rounded and has a larger bowl
• Sparkling wine - tall and thin flutes

*One should never serve whites in a red wine glass!

How to taste the wine?

Initial taste
The initial sensation you feel when you take the 1st sip, letting the wine trickle into you mouth.

Taste
Slosh the wine into your mouth in order for the wine to gather some air. This is where you should examine the body of the wine. Is it rich or is it light?

After taste
The taste that the wine leaves in your mouth. Is it hot, soft, smooth or non-existent?

Article adapted from Deloitte Quarterly 2006.