CONTENTS
- 1.- Keep the wine at the best temperature.
- 2.- Avoid filling the glass with red wine.
- 3.- Choose the right glass of red wine
- 4.- Take the wine glass by the stem.
- 5.- Accompany the wine with an excellent meal.
- 6.- Research its properties
Red wine is not only a beverage, but also an opportunity to experience unique events such as the grape harvest season or the tasting of flavors, aromas and textures that you have never known before.
However, to perceive the true potential of a red wine it is necessary to take certain considerations into account. This is not with the aim of summarizing the experience in a list of rules to follow, but to ensure that with each sip you are able to discover the universe hidden inside the glass of wine.
Below we share with you a series of six recommendations focused on fulfilling this purpose. Stay with us and learn how to enjoy a red wine.
1.- Keep the wine at the best temperature.
Many factors are involved in the construction of the flavor that characterizes a red wine. red wineOne of them is the temperature, which means that if the wine is too cold or too hot, it is possible that the levels of acidity, sweetness and alcohol perception are altered.
That is why most wineries add temperature recommendations on the labeling of their bottles, within their online description or on an adjacent card. This is important to avoid changes in the experience; especially during the hot season, we know that it can be tempting to add ice to your wine, however, in addition to altering its temperature, you could dilute the flavor.
The most advisable way to chill wine is to place it in an ice bucket or cooler with 50% water and 50% ice. Let it stand for approximately 20 minutes or until it reaches the drinking temperature suggested on the label.
At El Cielo winery, for example, we recommend that our Sirius wine Sirius 2017 wine to be drunk between 18°C and 20°C (64°F and 68°F), which ensures that the balance between alcohol and acidity that distinguishes this silver medal-winning wine at the Concours Mondial Bruxelles is maintained. This temperature allows the wine to be very expressive in aromas and the drinking experience to be ideal.
2.- Avoid filling the glass with red wine.
Pouring the wine into the glass extends the oxygenation process that allows the release of all kinds of aromas that enrich the experience. This is only possible when the wine has enough space to "breathe" something that is not achieved if the glass is filled to the brim.
Try to pour the wine slowly so that it does not exceed two thirds of the glass. The extra space will allow you to gently swirl the liquid, smell it and taste each sip at the perfect temperature.
3.- Choose the right glass of red wine
One aspect that sometimes goes unnoticed during wine tasting is the type of glass in which the wine is served. Although it may not seem so, the correct release of aromas also depends on it, one of the most essential moments to enjoy Mexican wines. Mexican wines even before drinking them.
For red wine it is recommended to use a burgundy type glass, which is characterized by being a little higher, but with a less wide stem than the burgundy glass recommended for serving lighter-bodied red wines.
Another important factor for the tasting experience is the material. When choosing your wine glass, make sure it is made of thin and transparent glass, this will allow you to better appreciate the color and clarity of the wine.
4.- Take the wine glass by the stem.
As we mentioned, keeping red wine at an optimal temperature is essential to protect its aroma and flavor; holding the glass by the stem and not the calyx helps to preserve this balance.
Doing so prevents the heat of your hand from being transmitted from the glass to the liquid. You also prevent the appearance of stains if you are accompanying your red wine with food.
5.- Accompany the wine with an excellent meal.
Tasting red wine by itself is already a gratifying experience, but it can be enriched by pairing it with a dish specially designed to complement the flavors of the wine.
For example, if you are going to drink a wine with fruity aromas such as redcurrant, raspberry and blackberry, with an excellent balance between alcohol, acidity, body and astringency and with a long aftertaste such as Orion wine, it is best to pair your palate with the flavors of stews rich in spices, Mexican food such as taquizas and mature cheeses.
6.- Research its properties
Researching the specific properties and recommendations of the winemaker responsible for the design of the wine you are going to taste will strengthen your learning about how to enjoy a red wine.
In the case of racking, for example, i.e. transferring the wine from the bottle to a decanter, some professionals do not recommend it for reasons of temperature and oxidation of the wine.
However, this is not a general rule; certain wines benefit from being racked about 30 minutes before consumption, which is why it is important to pay attention to these details, as well as the tips mentioned above.
If you are looking to learn more about the world of wine such as its benefits, regions, properties and creation processes, only in our blog you will find the information that will allow you to delve into what makes wine a unique and enriching experience.
