Great Wine Tastings

theaetheling asked:


Dr. says I should drink a few ounces of red wine every day to increase HDL and I’m not really a fan of room temperature wine.

Justin B asked:


I do not usually consume alcohol but I would like to try a bottle of wine. I don’t like dry or white wines so I am wondering if anyone could suggest a sweet ,fruity wine with a good alcohol %

Accessories are often considered the weak link in the wine chain that can be done without, an item that is extra, just an attachment that is less useful than wine itself. Wine accessories can be considered supplementary instead of complimentary. Through this article the function of the most commonly issued wine accessories is discussed to show how the enjoyment of wine cannot be truly fulfilled without the correct accessories forming part of the experience of wine drinking. Not to mention the extremely lucrative market of collectible items such as Victorian bottle openers and decanters.

Among the most popular wine accessories are wine glasses, corkscrews, decanters, collars, stoppers and wine racks. By aiding in storing and serving wine, wine accessories can help the enthusiast enjoy their wine experience to the fullest. Some wine enthusiasts even boast of their own personalized wine bottles and customized accessories.

Moreover, wine charms made out of silver, gold and other materials can make any wine-drinking activity more pleasing to the eyes, leading to the perception of better enjoyment. The enjoyment of wine is sensory and starts from the sight of the drink through the transparent bottle or glass after it has been poured . Wine is similar to food in that your expectations are heightened when you see it well presented regardless of what it eventually tastes like. The type of glass is important. But for some the irresistible moment is hearing that popping off of the wine cork. A sound that is captured by the ear sending all sorts of messages to the brain – either of great joy or dread, depending on ones motivation or health.

There are many styles of wine glasses, each with their own charm and personalized appeal. While wine bottle openers have become somewhat obsolete, thanks to the growing popularity of screw-caps, having a wine bottle opener still adds an elegant touch to wine drinking. Wine bottle openers can range from traditional corkscrews, wine keys and screw-pull levers to more complicated wine bottle openers driven by carbon dioxide.

Wine decanters are glass containers used to serve wine. They maximize the wine’s aeration by exposing the wine to more oxygen. This enhances the taste and bouquet of wine. It’s also easier to pour wine from a decanter because wine is less likely to spill or dribble.

Wine collars are placed around the wine bottle’s neck to absorb any spillage when the wine is poured. It’s an important accessory for preventing wine stains on your clothes or table cloths.

Wine coolers are nice to have around because they can ensure that the wine is served at its proper temperature, especially for white, rose and sparkling wine. Highly fruity wines are usually served chilled whilst dry wines are served warm. The temperature helps regulate the amount of molecules allowed to escape into the air, to an extent. Especially at wine tastings, the correct temperature can help ensure the wine taster’s olfactory senses remain unbiased. Small wine coolers can be placed right on your table top. If you have a large wine collection, you will be better served by large refrigerator units so you can keep your wine bottles chilled at various temperatures.

Finally, wine racks are used for storing wine bottles? in a slightly slanted manner to ensure that the wine touches the cork so it doesn’t dry up. Wine racks are usually accessories of serious wine enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs. They provide a neat way to utilize space when there are multiple bottles to store. With the right rack the life time of a bottle of wine can be prolonged as the cork will remain moist for longer and air would not get into the bottle easily.

If you want to save yourself from the hassles of having to store wine and buying racks or large refrigerator units, it’s best to order your wine only as the need arises. Thanks to the Internet, ordering wine is no longer a hassle.? 



By: Uwa Ujam

About the Author:

angeljre asked:


I am cooking my husband a wonderful dinner tonight with steak and mashed potatoes and I am trying to pick out a wine to go with our dinner tonight. What is a good white wine that my husband might like because he isn’t very big on wines and I don’t like red wines.

Sxyxx asked:


I have a recipe to cook for Mother’s Day, but it says red wine … I don’t drink red wine, so don’t know which one to use. It’s for braised lamb fillet. Can anyone help … please??!!
Thanks for the info … have re-read the recipe and it says “robust” red wine. Is that a Merlot?

frashthat asked:

UB40 – Red Red Wine (1983)

Many small, boutique wineries are family-run businesses. Chances are quite good that you will meet one of the winery’s family members while visiting a winery. When visiting a wine tasting room consider yourself a guest. The owners and staff are proud of their facility and wines. They want everyone to enjoy their visit. Expectations in tasting rooms are different than at wine festivals or in busy bars. After visiting 125 wineries in the last nine months and talking with numerous wine hosts and visitors, we have created a selection of ideas to keep in mind when visiting a winery and vineyard.

The atmosphere in a winery tasting room is one of a subtle sophistication. While shorts and athletic shoes are acceptable so are semi-dress clothes. Do not arrive at the winery chewing gum. Gum will distort the taste of wine. Heavy perfume and aftershave will also not permit you or others near you to taste the wine effectively. Sense of taste is highly influenced by the sense of smell. Loud outside voices are not appropriate. Conversational tones are perfect and fit in well with talking about the wines you taste and meeting others who have common interests.

Tasting rooms can be crowded on weekends. Weekdays are generally slower and wine hosts have more time to talk about the wines you taste. In either case, if the tasting room is busy, do not elbow your way to the tasting bar. On busy days, some wineries will set up tasting tables or bars outside the tasting room. Give yourself plenty of time at a winery. Relax and enjoy the wine tasting and the ambiance of the tasting room. If the tasting counter is busy, consider stepping back to discuss wine with other like-minded people. This gives others room to step up for a tasting. Many wineries have gift selections to browse while tasting wines. Take your time tasting and browse the displays.

The tasting representative pours the tastings in a particular order based upon the style of wine. If you choose not to drink a particular wine that’s fine. Gently cover your wine glass with your fingers to indicate you do not want to taste a wine. It is so much more subtle than declaring, “I don’t like that wine.” Not all wine drinkers like all wines and wine hosts understand. Visitors do not need to announce to everyone that they dislike a particular wine.

Another major faux pas is to pick up a bottle and pour your own tasting. Allow your wine consultant to pour the wine. Many wineries will offer to sell you a glass of wine if you would like more. If you ask to taste a wine for a second time, it is a common courtesy to buy a bottle of the wine.

What should you do with the wine in your glass you have tasted? If you do not want to drink or taste the rest of the wine in your glass, you can pour it into a spit bucket. It is perfectly acceptable. In addition, it is a good idea to spit your wine into the bucket. Even though tastings are small, they do add up after a number of tastings. If you are unsure about spitting, practice at home. A frequently heard suggestion is to practice in the shower.

Do you think wineries are being stingy when they set out tiny crackers or tiny bites of cheese? Remember this is not your lunch. The purpose of the crackers, dips or cheese is to cleanse the palate and to help one decide how the wine pairs with food. Some wineries have restaurants, so if you want lunch visit the restaurant.

Do you want to enjoy a picnic lunch? Many wineries encourage visitors to bring a picnic lunch. Frequently picnic or patio tables are available. Ask in advance if it is okay to bring a picnic lunch and where to picnic on the grounds. Do not bring wine from another winery or any other kind of alcohol. Laws restrict wineries and many wineries are not permitted to have any other alcoholic beverage on their premises. Besides, if you were going to someone’s home for dinner, it would be tasteless to bring your own entrée. Staff and visitors always appreciate good manners.

If you have the opportunity to visit a vineyard, do not pick the grapes. If you would like to taste a wine grape at harvest time, be sure to ask a staff member. One winery we visited this summer mentioned how they don’t mind visitors walking through the vineyards and taking pictures, but one day a visitor walked out of the vineyard with several bunches of grapes to ask what they were. It did not dawn on him until an owner reminded him that the grapes would have made wine. The visitor tried to give them to the owner who replied, “They aren’t good now. They aren’t ready for making wine.”

The best motto to follow in a winery or vineyard would be the National Parks motto, “Take only pictures and leave only footprints.” When you visit a winery, if you like the wine and want to buy it that is great, but you do not need to purchase a bottle of wine. Do not buy a bottle of wine unless you like it. Participating in a winery tasting room can be delightful for everyone.



By: Kathleen Sullivan

About the Author:

CystVonCysor asked:

‘White Wine In The Sun’, also known as ‘Christmas Song’. I put this up since a lot of people were looking for it. It hasn’t featured on any of Tim’s albums, but it’s his staple live closer. LYRICS: I’m looking forward to Christmas It’s sentimental I know, but I just really like it I’m, I’m hardly religious I’d rather break bread with Dawkins than Desmond Tutu to be honest And yes I have all of the usual objections to consumerism The commercialisation of an ancient religion And the western …

scarabus1 asked:

Simon tastes a 1998 Riesling

Pookie Poo asked:


I want to try a few recipes that call for different types of alcohol. I don’t drink, so I will only be using it for cooking. How long will wine stay good for once opened? I don’t want to waste a ton of money on wine for cooking if it won’t stay