A recent study of 16 wines from Australia and New Zealand has found levels of healthy antioxidants in red grapes decreased significantly over time. Researchers say the compound called trans-resveratrol that is found in red wine is proven to have cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects. The more you consume of this compound in your food or beverages it is believed to better improve your health.
When comparing younger bottled wines to mature red wines as the wine ages the concentration of this important bioactive compound decreases by about 75% over a 16-month period. This is a significant decrease in the concentration of this health-benefiting compound.
The study published in the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research found the concentration decreased in some wines by as much as 96%. Irrespective of which winery the red wine came from or which variety it was, the loss was the same.
The popularity of younger red wines has increased greatly as millennials show a preference for younger wines than their parents do. The younger generation’s philosophy is buy now, drink now or in a casual situation in a bar or bistro, drink by the glass.
The over 55 age group still consume a lot of full-bodied reds compared to the younger generations who want something that’s vibrant and fresh, not old and with a higher alcohol content. The increased popularity of younger wine is due to a generational change rather than for health benefits. The popularity of these wines has grown dramatically in the past 10 years.
However, being a member of the 55 plus crowd, I am a big fan of full-bodied aged wines that have had the opportunity to mellow and become silky smooth in a way that only time can achieve. I am not saying I don’t like young fresh wines; I just don’t want a steady diet of them. For example, if I am having food paired with a Pinot Noir, such as salmon or roast chicken, I want to experience the fresh lively taste.
On the other hand, if I am having roast beef, rack of lamb, Boeuf Bourguignon, or lasagna, there is nothing better than a well-aged Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo. In certain situations I am willing to sacrifice the health benefits in favour of flavour.
If I am simply having a glass of wine to sip on, I equally enjoy a young fresh red and a mellow aged one. Case in point; we had friends over recently with whom we share an equal appreciation for the Niagara region’s now defunct Coyote’s Run Winery (see my May 26, 2019 post, “The Passing of an Old Friend”). We enjoyed a cherry-red 2015 Cabernet Franc, as well as a smoky dark 2010 vintage of the same varietal. Both were very enjoyable.
Even though organic food seems to be trending and very popular these days, it makes up only 5% of total vineyard space worldwide. Spain, France and Italy represent 73% of all organic vineyards in the world.
Some common organic symbols
What Determines if a Wine is Organic?
Simply stated, organic wines are produced with organically grown grapes. In order to have organically grown grapes, a vineyard manager must implement an entirely different set of practices to maintain their vines. They generally must exclude the use of artificial chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.
Organic wine grapes are said to be much healthier and therefore produce heartier skins and higher concentrations of anthocyanins and antioxidants, including polyphenols and cardio-friendly resveratrol. Also, organic wines are free of residual traces of vineyard additives such as chemical laced pesticides and herbicides.
Certified organic wines also have less sugar on average and don’t contain potentially harmful cellar additives such as flavoring agents or caramel coloring. These additives, plus higher sugar levels are what can cause wine-related headaches.
It is important to keep in mind that being organic doesn’t mean that the wine doesn’t have additives. There is a list of ingredients, such as yeast, egg whites, and animal enzymes that are permitted in organic wines. Being organic doesn’t necessarily mean a wine is vegan.
The Organic Wine Dilemma
The challenge with organic wine is that the definition of organic can vary from one country to another. The dilemma with organic wines is the importance of sulphur-dioxide (SO2), often referred to as sulfites, in the winemaking process. Sulfites are used as a preservative. Without them wine has a very short shelf life.
In both Australia and the United States, by definition organic wine cannot include sulfites. However, in Europe and Canada, sulfites are permitted on organic wine. This puts Australia and the US at a disadvantage not just because of the wines reduced shelf life but it can also substantially change the flavour of the wine. Such wineries find themselves in a quandary because the effort made in growing organic grapes is nullified by the use of sulfites in the bottling process.
This raises the next question; are sulfites bad?
Sulfites have no effect on the majority of wine drinkers. They are generally not the cause of red wine headaches. However, there are some exceptions. 5% to 10% of asthma sufferers are sensitive to sulfites.
Sulfites in wine are surprisingly lower than in a lot of processed foods. Wine ranges from about 5 mg per litre (5 parts per million) to about 200 mg per litre. The maximum legal limit is 350 mg per litre. In comparison, a decent dry red wine typically contains about 50 mg per litre of sulfites.
Wines with lower acidity need more sulfites than higher acidity wines. Also red wines tend to need less sulfites than white wines. A typical dry white wine will often contain around 100 mg per litre of sulfites whereas a typical dry red wine will have 50 to 75 mg per litre.
Wines with higher sugar content tend to need more sulfites to prevent secondary fermentation of the remaining sugar.
Sulfites help preserve wine and slow chemical reactions which cause wine to spoil. The process of using sulfites in wine has been around as far back as ancient Rome.
Very sensitive tasters have been noted to smell sulfur compounds in wine, although sulfur compounds are somewhat unrelated to sulfites. Sulfur compounds in wine range in flavour from citrus-like smells to cooked egg-like smells. The warmer the temperature of the wine, the more molecular sulfur it releases. This is why some wines may have a cooked-egg aroma when they are opened. This can be resolved by decanting the wine and chilling for about 15 to 30 minutes.
For individuals who have sensitivity to sulfites in foods such as french fries, cured meats, cheese, and canned soup, they should probably opt for sulfite-free wines. Fortunately, several natural wines do not use sulfites in their processing. These wines can taste a lot different than normal wine but some are very good. It is good to note as well that organic wines are similarly priced to non-organic wines.
While recently cleaning out one of our kitchen cupboards, my wife and I discovered that our wine decanter was cracked and thus needed to be replaced. The one we had was at least 15 years old and had been nothing special. It was just the typical flute design and made of simple glass. However, since it needs to be replaced anyway, now is a good time to investigate and see what options are out there.
However, before striking off on my shopping expedition I reaffirmed what I need the decanter for. My main purpose is aeration, so the wide neck flute design is still best for me. They allow more oxygen in so the wine aerates faster and more effectively. They’re also easier to clean than thin neck versions. Wide neck decanters are the most popular type and will work well for most wine drinkers.
The size of the decanter bowl, which is the bottom part where the wine sits, determines the amount of available surface area. The more surface area, the more contact between wine and oxygen and the less time you’ll need to decant.
Some wines need longer to decant than others. For full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Tannat, Monastrell and Tempranillo, a decanter with a wide base generally works best. They will need to be decanted for 1 to 2 hours.
Medium-bodied red wines such as Merlot, Sangiovese, Barbera or Dolcetto will benefit from a medium-sized decanter. Light-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais decant well in a small to medium-sized decanter that in this case has been chilled.
White and Rosé wines don’t require decanting but serving them in a small chilled decanter is a nice touch.
For myself, being a fan of full-bodied red wines, a wide based decanter is best suited for me.
When it comes down to choosing, it is recommended to get a decanter that we love the look of, but at the same time is practical. The main emphasis should be to find one that’s easy to fill, pour and clean. There are lots of beautiful decanters that are a pain to use and thus spend their life on a shelf or in a cupboard.
There are different types of glass used to make decanters. Crystal is more durable and thus it’s often used to create large artistic decanters, whereas glass decanters tend to be made with thicker walls and simpler shapes. Either is a good choice but if you plan to put your decanter in the dishwasher, then standard glass is probably a better idea.
Some decanters can be very expensive. However, the increase in cost has nothing to do with functionality. Decanter prices go up either with special design or material. Some decanters are entirely about design, in which the shape only matters for the shape.
There are also wine aerators which introduce a superabundance of oxygen to wine as it is poured from the bottle into the glass. The wine is decanted by the time the wine reaches your glass. I have always considered these to be a gimmick for the wine enthusiast who has everything. However, apparently these things actually work, though some better than others.
You can even successfully decant your wine by simply pouring it into mason jars, coffee mugs or even a blender. However, if you select one of these methods I recommend returning the wine to the original bottle before serving in a wine glass, unless you had a very bad day and would benefit from the vast quantity of wine.
Personally I have always used a standard glass decanter for a few reasons. They are easy to use and clean and they are inexpensive. I do also have 2 crystal decanters, a wine decanter that was a hand-me-down from my parents, and a whisky decanter that I received as a gift. The wine decanter is hidden away in a cupboard and the whisky decanter has a place of honour on my bar. Neither gets used.
This week I am going to examine how best to showcase your favourite wines. To do this I will look at the various types of wine and identify when they are best served and which foods are best paired with them.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine can be dry or sweet, light or full-bodied. Any high quality dry sparkling wine makes an excellent aperitif. However, if appetizers are not being served along with the wine then it is best to serve one containing a lower level of acidity in order to prevent guests from having stomach irritation.
The most renowned sparkling wine is Champagne. The amount of sweetness and acidity determine whether Champagne is well suited to be served with food. Dry (Brut) Champagne can contain a significant amount of sugar which does not bode well with an appetizer such as caviar. When accompanying foods such as this, extra dry (extra brut) Champagne is recommended.
Sparkling wines are seen as a good fit for festivities and celebrations though their use need not be limited to such occasions. The only word of caution is that when opting to serve a sparkling wine as part of an event, ensure any appetizers and subsequent menu are appropriately matched.
Acidic sparkling wines can be a good choice to serve along with the main course when serving fish or seafood. Moderately spiced Asian cuisine can also be paired well with an acidic sparkling wine.
A medium dry sparkling wine can be a good choice to serve with a dessert such as a fruit tart.
Light Acidic White Wines
Light acidic white wines include Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, Alsace, Mosel, Muscadet and Grüner Veltliner.
Wines in this category have a sharpness that is fresh and fruity but a light taste and aroma. The alcohol level is generally 12% or less.
Since these wines have a relatively high level of acidity, they go very well with fish, both heavy and oily fish, such as salmon, as well as light delicate fish such as sole. Any white meat and poultry, and creamy soups and most salads pair well with these wines.
Sauvignon Blanc goes well with sushi and fresh herbs such as mint, basil, tarragon, and cilantro. Riesling, on the other hand is best suited with fruity side dishes.
Full-Bodied, Wood-Aged Whites
Typical full-bodied, wood-aged whites include Chardonnay, Semillon, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Grenache Blanc.
These white wines that have been aged in oak barrels will generally have an alcohol content of 13% or more, and a complex flavour. These wines will have a high tannin content generated from being aged in the oak.
The acidity levels in these wines will be at a moderate level. The wine will be full-bodied, even at a young age and many will have good potential for bottle aging.
Because of the high level of alcohol these wines don’t pair well with fish. They tend to make fish taste oily. Salty and spicy foods should be avoided as well. Shellfish on the other hand can be complimented by these wines.
Dishes containing cream and butter are good choices to serve with a full-bodied, wood-aged white.
Highly Aromatic Whites
Highly aromatic white wines including Gewürztraminer, Muscat and Viognier have luxurious, exotic and fragrant aromas. These wines generally have high alcohol content and low acidity.
The aromatic characteristics of these wines limit the type of food they should accompany. The delicate flavours of oysters, white fish, veal and subtle sauces should be avoided. Distinctively sour foods should also be avoided.
To be paired with one of these wines, food needs to have richness and either be a little sweet or have a fairly high fat content. Foods that are mildly spicy, a little salty, or have a smoky taste, would also pair well. Ethnic, fusion, Thai, or even Tex-Mex cooking will go well with these wines. Also strong flavoured cheeses are a good match. Exotic fruits such as mango, papaya or guava will go particularly well with a Gewürztraminer.
Young, Light, Fruity Reds
Examples of young, light, fruity reds are Gamay, Beaujolais, Dolcetto, Bardolino, and Valpolicella. Such wines are ideal to serve alongside simple dishes. Particularly well suited are foods with a relatively high fat content, such as braised meats, sausages, ragouts, stews, and dishes accompanied by butter or cream sauces. They also pair well with pizza or spaghetti Bolognese. Fried or grilled seafood is also well complimented with one of these wines.
Rosé wine can be substituted in place of any of the reds in this group.
Spicy, Silky Reds
Wines that are considered as spicy, silky reds include Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Grenache, Pinotage, and Chianti. The tannin content in these wines will be lower than those found in varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.
Foods that include sauces made with cream, butter or egg yolks should be avoided. Foods to be paired with these wines include young fresh vegetables and fresh herbs, as well as lean meats. Pizza can also pair well, especially with Chianti.
A fruity Pinot Noir is well suited to serve with Asian inspired foods.
Luxurious Velvety Reds
Merlot, Zinfandel and St. Laurent wines are included in this category. These wines are fairly universal and are appropriate for most occasions and time of the year. The acidity level of these wines tends to be low. The sweet fruitiness of these wines goes well with similarly structured dishes that are not overly heavy.
Zinfandel wines are often reminiscent of jam and match well to seasoned foods.
Tannic Rich Reds
Tannic rich red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tannat, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, many Bordeauxs, Northern Rhône wines, Rioja, Australian Shiraz, Barolo, and Barbaresco. These wines have a high tannin and alcohol content (generally 13% or more). When pairing with food it is important to avoid those containing milk fats such as butter or cream. These foods will make the alcohol taste particularly strong.
Salty foods should also be avoided as the high alcohol level will create a bitter taste in the wine.
Tannic rich reds are well suited with burgers, beef burritos, ribs and other red meat dishes.
Mature Wines
Mature wines are generally those wines that have aged beyond what is considered to be the typical age for consumption. Mature wines will be those that have both a high tannin content and a high alcohol level.
Wines well suited for aging include whites such as oaked Chardonnay and some German Rieslings, as well as reds such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux and Syrah.
Generally speaking, aged wines, red or white, are best served on their own without food accompaniment. Both the bouquet and flavour are too subtle to be lost serving them with food. The texture, taste, and aroma of the wine become more delicate with each year it is aged. If you do serve these wines with food be sure to avoid fatty, strong smelling, acidic, sweet, or spicy dishes.
Order is Important
Whenever serving wine there are some general principles that will help ensure you have an enjoyable experience.
Be sure to serve light, fresh ones ahead of luxurious alcohol-rich ones. Wines aged in wood barrels are best served after those that have matured in a stainless steel container. The sweeter the wine the closer it should be served toward the end of the meal. Finally, bottle-matured wine should be served before an equally good younger wine.
A bottle of wine may be the go-to gift for any wine-loving friend or difficult relative, but choosing a bottle is not always easy. Here are some suggestions that may be of some help when buying wine as a gift.
Do Your Homework
There are lots of web sites, blogs and educators who can help with recommendations so if you’re feeling lost, do some research before you start shopping. Vintage guides, which are often available at your wine seller, will tell you what is currently available for drinking now or what will make a great addition to someone’s cellar.
Avoid Brand Bias
Selecting famous vintner names may be tempting but you will end up paying a premium. Find something more unique from a region with a similar climate using the same grapes. While wines from France may be supreme, you will typically pay premium prices for them. You may get an equally good, but lesser known wine for less cost. For example, a Merlot from Chile will be a great alternative to Bordeaux, while a New Zealand Pinot Noir could be chosen in place of a Burgundy.
Accept Advice
Asking the store clerk for assistance can be most helpful. They will likely be highly educated and have tasted the full range so can give you the best service and tailor their knowledge to your desires. I have a go-to guy at the store I most often frequent, who I rely on for suggestions and answers to my questions.
Consider Food Pairing
Often people will enjoy a glass of wine alongside a nice meal, so take this into consideration when buying a loved one a bottle of wine for a special occasion. If you know their favourite dish, consider selecting a bottle that will pair nicely with that dish.
Selecting by Appearance
While an appealing label can make an attractive gift, it doesn’t say anything about the wine in the bottle. Be sure to read the fine print as this will reveal the most about what to expect from the wine and the story of its production. Anyone can pay for premium design work but it’s the winemaker who makes a product great.
The Price Point
Don’t be sucked into selecting a wine based on a display setting or sales promotion. Often these will be items that the merchant is trying to get rid of for various reasons. Such wines are not necessarily right for you. Don’t be distracted by discount tags and take your time to scour the shelves to find the perfect bottle for the right price.
Who doesn’t like a bargain? However, a bottle on sale does not necessarily mean that it’s a great deal. Don’t just automatically go for the best deal; be sure to browse the wine offerings fully to find the right bottle for the right price.
Likewise, the best bottle within your allocated budget might not be the one that reaches the upper limit of your price range. Many factors come into the pricing of wine, including production style, bottling processes, taxes and demand for that type of wine. As a result, there will be some variation between prices of similar wines. Price does not always correlate with quality, and so, if you select a bottle from a unique region or variety, you may be able to find a wine that is a better value for your money.
Gift Packages
Gift packages may not be a good idea. They are designed to look appealing but looks can be deceiving. When buying prepackaged gift sets, it is best if you are familiar with at least the winery, if not the wine itself. That way you have a better understanding of the quality of the gift you are giving. Case in point, a few years ago I couldn’t resist buying a Bordeaux set that included 2 bottles of wine and an irresistible wooden case that they were contained in. As it turned out, it was an expensive box as the wine was mediocre at best.
If the idea of providing a wood box is appealing, I suggest selecting the wine of your choice and purchase a gift container separately. Your local retailer may have suitable containers for sale.
Too Many Choices
If the number of wine varieties is too many to fathom, making the decision too daunting, rather than being overwhelmed and selecting a bottle at random, maybe take a different approach and choose an accessory for your wine-loving friend, such as a corkscrew or wine stopper.
I wish you great success with your Christmas shopping adventures. Whatever you decide, it will be the right decision for you.
There can be great inconsistencies in the quality of wine service provided by restaurants. There are no regulations regarding the quality or reliability of the information provided to patrons wanting to purchase wine to complement their meal.
In some establishments the wait staff is responsible for answering wine related questions and offering suggestions. Others will have a wine steward who may or may not be knowledgeable about wine and the selections they offer. In restaurants only offering a house red or house white, it probably doesn’t matter if staff doesn’t have a good understanding about wine. However, where there is a reasonably sized wine list, a knowledgeable wine server can be of great benefit.
A good restaurant wine server will not automatically try to upsell you on purchasing a more expensive wine. They should respect your desired price point. Your server should also not lecture you on what you should select. A good server will leave you feeling knowledgeable and provide you with options.
Generally speaking, your server should be able to assist you with 3 preferences: colour (red, white, rosé or sparkling), weight (richness), and price.
Some higher end restaurants will have a sommelier on staff. She or he is a trained and knowledgeable designated wine professional specializing in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food pairing. The role in fine dining today is much more specialized and informed than that of a wine waiter.
A sommelier may be responsible for the development of wine lists, as well as the delivery of wine service and training for the other restaurant staff. Working along with the culinary team, they pair and suggest wines that will best complement each particular food menu item. This entails the need for knowledge of how food and wine, beer, spirits and other beverages work in harmony. A professional sommelier also works on the floor of the restaurant and is in direct contact with restaurant patrons.
If you get the opportunity to consult with a sommelier it can be a very rewarding and educational experience.
I have had both wonderful and terrible experiences with restaurant wine servers. However, it is the bad ones I tend to remember. Oncein a restaurant in Toronto I had selected a wine only to be told by my server that the varietal I selected was unreliable and very inconsistent from one bottle to the next. Instead, he suggested a wine considerably more expensive. Realizing that what I was being told was a complete fabrication and that he was only interested in upselling me, I was not swayed from my original decision which I did not regret in the least.
A good wine server or sommelier can be a valuable resource in helping you get the most out of your dining experience. The challenge is being able to identify the bad ones and dismiss them before they convince you to purchase a wine you don’t really want.
When searching for new wines to try,
scoring/rating systems may provide some insight as to which ones may be worth
your while. However, having said this,
it is important to keep in mind that any rating is only the opinion of the
reviewer who completed it.
A score isn’t the be all and end all. In addition to looking at the number or
symbol, it is important to consider the complete tasting notes in order to get
a fuller understanding of what the particular wine is about. Without the tasting notes the rating is of
little value as the notes explain what the reviewer considered when completing
their assessment.
If you can find the vintners notes those can
provide important insight as well. The
vintner’s notes would most likely be located through the winery’s web
site. However, these are not always
published.
Ratings can be most useful to you if you can
find a critic whose likes and dislikes are similar to your own. However, keep in mind that all rating
systems are very subjective. There
really is no science involved in completing the scorings. The beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
Wines that are scored between 85 and 90
often provide the best value as price can be influenced by ratings and
popularity. Demand tends to be greater
for the highest rated wines though the quality is very similar to wines rated
in the high 80’s. The difference may
only be that the vines on the higher rated wine are older or of a particular
heritage. Neither of which may provide a
difference in taste for the average consumer.
The higher rated wines may contain more
tannin and acid, making them good candidates for cellaring. However, if you are just looking for a good
wine to drink over the next few months, a wine rated between 85 and 90 will be
well worth the investment
You will find that not all wines will be
scored. This is often because they are
not able to be reviewed by the critics before being released for sale to the
public. The fact that there is no rating
doesn’t mean that the wine is bad or inferior.
Here is a quick review of the common rating
systems that you may come across in your wine exploring adventures.
The
100 Point System
This system was made popular by Robert
Parker Jr. and has been commonly used since the early 1980’s. It is used by the majority of critics
today.
This approach automatically assigns each
wine reviewed with 50 points. Up to an
additional 5 points are awarded for colour and appearance; a maximum of 15
additional points for aroma; up to 20 more points for flavour and finish; and up
to 10 points for overall quality.
The
5-Star Scale
This scale was derived based on the common
hotel-rating system. 5 stars represent
outstanding quality; 4.5 stars indicate excellent quality, verging on
outstanding; 4 stars represents excellent quality; 3.5 stars indicate very good
quality; and finally 3 stars indicate good quality.
3-Glass
Scale
3 glasses indicates an excellent wine in its
category; 2 glasses is a very good to excellent wine in its category; and
finally 1 glass indicates good wine in its category.
Remember the most important wine critic you
should pay attention to is you. You know
better than anyone what wines you like.
Decanting oxygenates the wine, making it
taste brighter and aromatic. The amount
of decanting time varies depending on the wine.
Generally, 2 to 3 hours is the most you would want to decant a wine for
before serving. However, unlike whisky,
wine should not be left in the decanter indefinitely; 12 hours is the max. You can keep opened wine for about 3 to 5
days but that wine needs to be stored in the re-corked bottle (whether the
original cork or a wine stopper) in a cool dark place, such as your
fridge. Generally sweeter wines will
keep longer than dry wines.
Unfiltered wines should definitely be
decanted as there is a good chance there will be sediment in the bottle. Most wines are filtered but some are
not. It would be helpful if unfiltered
wines stated so somewhere on the label but I have found that you can’t count on
that. If there are vintner notes for the
wine, those will note if the wine is unfiltered.
Unfiltered wines should be passed through a
strainer when being poured into the decanter to catch the various bits of stem
and grape skin.
Young wines don’t require it because they
are already full of oxygen and aroma but older wines need to be decanted if you
want to experience the aroma. However,
as a rule of thumb, it is recommended that a wine that is 20 years old or more
should not be allowed to decant before serving.
In this special situation decanting would cause the wine to lose some of
its bouquet and flavour. That being
said, it is a good idea to filter these wines as they are being poured since
they will most likely contain sediment that will have accumulated during the
extended aging process.
Wine decanters themselves come in a variety
of shapes, sizes and price points. Most,
like wine glasses, will be widest in the base.
This allows for the most efficient oxygenation to occur. Unless you want your decanter to double as a
display piece, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on one. Your local kitchen or home décor store should
have a good selection to choose from.
Wine glasses are specifically shaped and
sized for each particular type of wine.
White wine, having a much more subtle aroma and taste than a red wine,
has a smaller bowl and mouth. This is to
better capture the aroma for the nose, as well as minimize the exposure to
oxygen, so as not to release the more subtle flavour too quickly.
In addition to the standard white wine
glass, there are also Chardonnay glasses.
These glasses are generally the same height as a standard white wine
glass but the bowl and mouth are wider.
This is to allow the wine to be better oxygenated, resulting in a bolder
bouquet and flavour for the pleasure of the drinker.
Sparkling wine glasses, or Champagne Flutes
as they are often referred to, are much narrower and taller than white wine
glasses. This allows for further
enhancement of the bouquet of the wine.
Also, by minimizing the surface area at the top of the glass, the
bubbles will be more concentrated and last longer.
Red wine glasses vary in shape and size for
the various varietals of grapes. A Pinot
Noir glass is tulip shaped containing a rather wide bowl before narrowing and
then flaring wider at the mouth. The
theory is that this shape of glass provides for the optimum balance of
sweetness, acidity and alcohol.
Zinfandel and Bordeaux glasses are very
similar in shape and size with the Bordeaux glass being slightly taller. These glasses are designed this way in order
to allow the wines to breathe and enhance the flavour of the wine. Given the strong similarity between the two
glasses, personally, I doubt the average wine drinker, including myself, would ever notice a difference if a Bordeaux
was served in a Zin glass or vice versa.
The Cabernet glass is the tallest of all the
wine glasses. It has a slightly larger
bowl and mouth than the other glasses mentioned. The Cabernets, including Cabernet , Cabernet
Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as, Syrah or Shiraz, would benefit from being
served in this style of glass. The shape
and size of this glass helps moderate the higher acid content of these wines,
as well as allowing for the full bodied aromas to be released.
The most unique red glass is the Burgundy
glass, which is shaped like a fish bowl with a wide bowl, basically no neck and
a wide mouth. The idea behind this glass
is to enhance the acidity and intensity of Burgundy style wines.
For anyone opting to have a single red and
white wine glass, I would recommend the standard white wine glass and the
Cabernet glass.
There are two common styles of wine glasses,
stem and stemless. Personally I prefer a
glass with a stem so the heat from my hand is not transferred to the wine
inside the glass.
There is a much argued debate over glass
versus crystal. There are those who say
that a crystal glass provides much better flavour. Personally, I would like to see that proven
in a blind taste test. I can see where
psychologically if you know you are drinking from a $100 crystal glass versus a
much less expensive glass vessel the psychological aspect may provide a more
rewarding experience. However, I am very
sceptical and other than feeling the difference in the weight of the 2 glasses
in your hand, I am not convinced the type of glass impacts the wine’s flavour
as some suggest is the case. However,
after saying all this I do have an assortment of crystal wine stemware in the
cupboard.
I sometimes hear that although someone
prefers red wine over white wine, they have to drink white wine because red
wine causes them grief, usually in the way of heartburn or headaches. Don’t give up hope quite yet; there are some
potential remedies that may allow you to enjoy red wine again.
For
anyone suffering from heartburn after drinking red wine, quite often it is the
tannin that is the culprit. Therefore, I
suggest trying younger, fresher wines, such as Baco Noir and Pinot Noir and
stay away from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah/Shiraz. The young fresh wines will contain less
tannin.
Another good way to determine how much
tannin is in a red wine is to look and see how long the wine can be kept
for. In the Vintages section of your
local LCBO this is identified by the wine bottle icon found on the description
card attached to the display shelf. The
bottle will either be vertical, on a slant, or horizontal. Wines with higher contents of tannin are
ones that can be retained for at least several years. Those will be the ones with the horizontal or
slanted bottle icon.
This being said, the reds with the slanted
bottle icon should not be automatically rejected. Those that have been released within a couple
of years of being produced and recommended
for consumption within the next couple of years, will have considerably less
tannin than those that can be cellared
for a number of years. It will
require experimentation to determine how much tannin your stomach will
comfortably tolerate.
I also suggest avoiding red wines from
warmer climates, such as Australia and South America. These wines tend to be bolder and stronger in
flavour than wines from countries such as Canada or France. Wines from warmer climates tend to have
longer growing seasons, thus intensifying the wine which can result in a higher
degree of tummy agitation.
If red wine gives you headaches tannin again
can be the instigator. Tannin consists
of plant chemicals that contain antioxidants that can generate neurotransmitter
serotonin. This in turn can cause
headaches in some people. Selecting a
red wine that contains lower amounts of tannin may be of great benefit.
However, tannin is not the only cause of
headaches. Some individuals lack the
ability to breakdown the high level of histamine that is contained within the
red grape skins. The result is a type of
allergic reaction that comes in the form of a headache. The recommended solution for this is to take
an antihistamine before consuming your favourite red.
Finally, a local potter once told me that a pottery wine challis that is unglazed inside will neutralize the tannin thus making the wine easier on both the stomach and the head. It may be worth the investment to see if it works for you. The worst case would be you have a new fancy wine vessel taking space in your cupboard that can be repurposed.
A Layman's Wine Musings 