Even very expensive and high-quality wine can be irreparably ruined if it’s not consumed correctly. We’re going to talk about the most “horrible” taboos that sommeliers have shared and provide you with a list of the most common mistakes to avoid when drinking wine.
1. Putting ice in wine
Many people are accustomed to cooling warm wine with one or two ice cubes. However, when it comes in contact with water, the balance of the noble drink is disrupted: its delicate aroma and structured taste will disappear as soon as they are diluted by melting ice. Professional sommeliers won’t even pour wine into a glass if there is any moisture present; they first dry the glass with a towel so that not a single drop of water spoils the drink.
2. Drinking wine with sweets
Wine and cake are one of the worst combinations. Firstly, the sweetness overpowers the taste of the drink, and one cannot fully enjoy it. Secondly, the body will begin to break down the cake first, as glucose takes priority, and alcohol breakdown is left for later. As a result, there is an insulin spike, quick drunkenness, and a heavy hangover. Chocolate is not the best companion for wine either: this combination hurts the pancreas. So leave the desserts for tea and serve meat snacks with wine, such as bacon or pastrami.
3. Not drinking wine from a glass
Special wine glasses are not just aristocratic quirks, but rather essential accessories necessary for the wine to oxygenate and unveil its bouquet when swirled. Also, by holding the glass by the stem, you don’t warm the wine with the heat of your hand.
4. Not pairing wine with food
The idea that “white with fish, red with meat” is a stereotype. Choosing wines to pair with food is a subtle and creative process, but there is one rule: the more complex the dish, the simpler the wine should be. Complex dishes should be paired with simple wines (otherwise, one will overpower the other and all the pleasure of the meal will disappear), and simple dishes will complement multi-tonal wine samples perfectly.
5. Drinking wine that’s been open for too long
Even if you stored the wine in the refrigerator and tightly closed the bottle, you shouldn’t drink it after a week. Once the wine is uncorked, oxidation processes start to occur, and the longer it stands, the worse it will taste. So, if it has been more than two days since it was opened, it’s better not to drink it and instead use it for cooking.
6. Serving wine at the wrong temperature
Serving wine at the wrong temperature can significantly affect its taste. For example, red wine that is served too warm can taste overly alcoholic and lose its fruity notes, while white wine that is too cold can taste acidic and dull. To ensure you’re serving wine at the right temperature, it’s recommended to chill white wines for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator before serving, and to take red wines out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let them warm up slightly.
7. Storing wine in the wrong place
Wine is sensitive to temperature, light, and humidity, and storing it in the wrong place can cause it to spoil quickly. Wine should be stored in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature and humidity level. It’s also important to store wine bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out and allowing air to enter the bottle.
8. Not decanting older wines
Decanting older wines can help remove any sediment that has formed in the bottle over time and allow the wine to breathe, enhancing its flavor and aroma. As a general rule of thumb, wines that are more than 10 years old should be decanted before serving.
9. Overfilling the wine glass
Overfilling the wine glass can prevent the wine from properly aerating and affect its taste. It’s recommended to fill the glass only about one-third full to allow enough room for the wine to breathe and release its aromas.
10. Pairing wine with spicy or acidic foods
Spicy and acidic foods can overpower the taste of wine and make it taste bitter or sour. It’s recommended to pair wine with foods that have a similar flavor profile, such as rich meats with full-bodied red wines, or light seafood dishes with crisp white wines. If you’re unsure about which wine to pair with a particular dish, it’s always a good idea to consult with a wine expert or sommelier.
Drinking wine is an enjoyable experience that can be enhanced by following a few simple rules. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you appreciate the full flavor and aroma of the wine and enjoy it to the fullest. Remember to serve your wine at the right temperature, use the appropriate glassware, pair it with the right foods, and avoid some of the mistakes we’ve outlined in this post. With these tips in mind, you can become a true wine connoisseur and impress your friends and family with your knowledge and expertise. Cheers to enjoying wine the right way!