Red wine is not only a fine wine, but also an art. The quality of red wine is not only in the taste, but also in the way you taste it. Different tastes can affect the taste and flavor of red wine, and even determine your mood when tasting it. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the best ways to drink red wine, so you can become a true red wine taster!
1. Ritualistic way of opening a bottle
The quality of a good bottle of red wine can be seen by the way it is opened. Professional corkage not only ensures the quality of the wine, but also increases the sense of ceremony of wine tasting. Before uncorking the bottle, use a wine knife to cut the lead seal and then slit the capsule at the top of the bottle. Then use the corkscrew to insert the screw into the center of the cork and gently rotate it until the cork is loose. Finally, gently pull out the cork to prevent it from falling into the bottle. This way of opening the bottle is full of red wine ritual and makes wine tasting more elegant.
2. The proper way to pour wine
The way you pour red wine is also important. A proper pour not only demonstrates your wine tasting skills, but also allows the wine to fully express its flavor. When pouring, start by placing the mouth of the bottle against the glass, then slowly tilt the bottle and pour the wine into the glass. It is important not to pour too slowly or too fast, but to find a moderate speed. After pouring the wine, gently wipe the mouth of the bottle to prevent the wine from dripping onto the table.
3. Detailed wine tasting steps
Red wine tasting steps are one of the most important aspects of the wine tasting process. By following the correct tasting steps, you can better experience the flavor and texture of red wine. The following are the detailed tasting steps:
Step 1: Observe the appearance
Place the wine glass against a white background and observe the color, strength and clarity of the wine. The color and strength of the wine reflect the variety and vintage of the wine, while the clarity reflects the quality and preservation of the wine.
Step 2: Smell the aroma
Gently shake the wine glass a few times, then hold it close to your nose and inhale the aroma deeply. The aroma of red wine can be divided into fruity, floral, spicy and oaky aromas, each of which reflects the different characteristics of the wine.
Step 3: Taste
The taste of red wine can usually be divided into sweet, sour, bitter, astringent and alcoholic, each reflecting the different varieties and vintages of the wine. After tasting, you can taste the finish of the wine, which is also an important step in wine tasting.
4. Proper aging
The way a wine is aged can affect the quality and flavor of the wine. Proper aging allows red wine to better reveal its flavor and texture. Generally speaking, red wine should be kept in a cool, moderately humid place, out of direct sunlight and out of the air. Ageing time is also important, as some of the more intense red wines need to be aged for several years or more to achieve the best flavor.
5. Choose the right food pairing
The flavor and texture of red wine can be paired with different foods to create different textures and flavors. The right food pairing can enhance the flavor and texture of red wine, allowing you to enjoy a different red wine experience. Generally speaking, red meat, cheese and chocolate are the most common food pairings, but each type of red wine has its own unique flavor and texture, and needs to be paired with the right food.
6. The right temperature
The temperature of red wine will also affect its flavor and texture. Generally speaking, the best temperature for drinking red wine is 16-18°C, but different red wine varieties and styles have different serving temperatures. The right temperature will allow the wine to better express its flavor and texture, but too high or too low a temperature will affect the quality of the wine.
7. Choose the right red wine glass
Choosing the right red wine glass is also important, as the right red wine glass will allow the wine to better disseminate its aroma and flavor. Generally speaking, a red wine glass should be medium in size, with a slightly narrower mouth than the bottom of the glass, a certain degree of expansion, and a height that can accommodate a certain amount of red wine. In short, there are certain techniques and requirements for drinking red wine, and only with proper mastery of these techniques and requirements can one truly taste the flavor and texture of red wine. Whether you are a professional sommelier or an ordinary red wine lover, you should pay attention to the learning and practice of red wine drinking in order to get the best red wine experience in the process of wine tasting.
