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How to drink wine?

Drinking wine is an art, and it can be intimidating for novices. Whether it's white wine, red wine or rosé, there are rules to follow to fully enjoy your drink. Here is a guide to help you drink white wine, red wine or rosé.

White wine:

White wine is generally lighter and fruitier than red wine, it is often served chilled and is perfect for light meals or aperitifs. Here are some tips for drinking it:

  1. The temperature of the wine should be cool, but not too cool. The ideal temperature is between 8°C and 10°C. If the wine is too cool, you may not feel all the flavors, on the contrary, if the wine is too warm, you may lose the aromas.
  2. Stemmed glasses for white wine are smaller than those for red wine. They are also narrower, which helps to concentrate the aromas. Make sure your glass is clean and odorless, as this can affect the flavor of the wine.
  3. Food pairings: White wine pairs well with seafood, salads, white meats, fondues and raclettes, and mild cheeses. Avoid spicy foods as this can alter the taste of the wine.

Red wine:

 Red wine is generally fuller bodied and more complex than white wine. It is served at room temperature and is ideal to accompany rich and spicy meals. Here are some tips for drinking red wine:

 

  1. Tasting: Red wine should be served at room temperature, between 14°C and 18°C. If the wine is too warm, you risk losing the aromas. If the wine is too cool, you may not experience all the flavors. For a better experience, decant it (open it 20 to 30 minutes before tasting or pour it into a decanter to allow the wine to air out)

Stemmed glasses for red wine are larger than those for white wine. They are also wider, which allows the aromas to be released. Make sure your glass is clean and odorless, as this can affect the flavor of the wine.

 

 

  1. Food pairing: Red wine pairs well with red meats, game, spicy dishes and strong cheeses. Avoid sweet foods, as this can alter the taste of the wine.


The rosé :

 The rosé should be drunk young, within 2 years. It should be kept between 10°C and 14°C, avoiding sudden temperature changes. 

  1. Tasting: The rosé should be served between 8°C and 10°C (put it in the refrigerator if necessary) and uncork it at the last moment. If the wine is too warm, you risk losing the aromas. If the wine is too cool, you may not feel all the flavors.

Rosé can be enjoyed in a stemmed glass for white wines (usually smaller than those for red wines). Make sure your glass is clean and odorless, as this can affect the flavor of the wine.

  1. Food and wine pairing : Rosé is very popular in summer, as an aperitif it is very appreciated with salty appetizers and/or cold cuts. It will perfectly match your different meats and fish grilled on the barbecue.

General rules for drinking wine:

Here are some general rules to follow when drinking wine:

  1. Pour the wine correctly: Hold the bottle by the bottom and pour slowly. Don't fill the glass to the brim, fill it halfway, leaving room for the wine to swirl and release the aromas.
  2. Swirl the wine in your glass to release the aromas. Feel free to smell the wine before drinking it to appreciate the aromas.
  3. Take small sips of the wine to better appreciate the flavors. Wine should be drunk slowly so that you can savor every sip.
  4. Avoid distractions when drinking wine. Perfumes, smells and noises around you can affect the flavor of the wine.
  5. Drink water between each glass of wine to hydrate and cleanse your palate.

By following these simple rules, you will be able to fully appreciate your white wine, red wine and rosé. Remember that drinking wine is first and foremost a pleasure and that you can develop your palate with time and experience. So here's to your health!