Glassware & Setup
You've bought great wine. Don't ruin it by serving it warm in a plastic cup. A few simple details can elevate a casual drink into a professional tasting experience.
Glassware 101
Do you need a specific glass for Bordeaux, another for Burgundy, and another for Chardonnay? No.
The Universal Glass: A tulip-shaped glass with a medium bowl and a tapered rim works perfectly for Red, White, Rosé, and even Sparkling wine. The shape allows you to swirl (releasing aromas) and focuses the smell towards your nose.
Stem vs. Stemless
Stemmed is better for tasting because it keeps your warm hand away from the bowl, maintaining the wine's temperature. It also makes swirling easier.
Stemless is fine for casual parties, but be aware your hand will warm the wine up quickly.
Serving Temperatures
Temperature is the single most important factor in how a wine tastes.
- Sparkling: Ice Cold (38-45°F). Keep in an ice bucket.
- White & Rosé: Fridge Cold (45-55°F). Remove from fridge 15 mins before serving.
- Light Red (Pinot Noir): Cool (55-60°F). Put in fridge for 20 mins before serving.
- Bold Red (Cabernet): Cool Room Temp (60-65°F). NOT 72°F! If it's too warm, the alcohol will burn your nose. Ideally, put it in the fridge for 10 mins before opening.
The Art of Decanting
Pouring wine into a glass pitcher (decanter) does two things:
- Aerates Young Wine: Exposure to oxygen softens harsh tannins and "wakes up" aromatics in bold young reds (Cabernet, Syrah, Malbec). Do this for 30-60 minutes.
- Removes Sediment from Old Wine: For wines aged 10+ years, pour slowly and stop when you see the gritty sediment reach the neck of the bottle.
Essential Tools
- Waiter's Corkscrew: The simple, hinged double-lever kind. Better than expensive electric gadgets.
- Polishing Cloth: A microfiber cloth to remove water spots from glasses.
- Spit Cup: If you are tasting many wines, provide an opaque cup for guests to dump wine or spit. It's not rude; it's pro.
Put it into practice.
Serve a glass of red wine at room temperature (72°F) and one slightly chilled (60°F). The difference will blow your mind.