Wine 101
Seasonal Entertaining Guide
Wine Pairing Guide
Wine Serving Temperatures
To chill or not to chill? The ideal temperature to serve your wines.
White Wine
White wines need about an hour in the refrigerator to achieve the ideal temperature. If the wine is too cold, it will mask the aromas and flavors making it seem simple. If the wine is too warm, it will lack acidity and structure.
Red Wine
Remember that "room temperature" referred to drafty stone castles, not modern insulated homes. We recommend putting red wines in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect "cellar temperature". When red wines are served too warm, they become overly alcoholic and flabby. If reds are served too cold, their aromas and flavors will be muted.
White Wine
In order to preserve a cool temperature and hold its delicate aroma, white wine glasses are shaped in an U, with a smaller opening and a long stem.
Burgundy
Red wine is best served in balloon-shaped glasses; to capture the complex characteristics, build up flavor, and diminish the bitterness of tannin, so every sip is smooth.
Bordeaux
Taller than a traditional red wine glass, Bordeaux is designed to enhance any type of wine. However, Bordeaux is particularly suited for full bodied, heavier red wines. The larger the glass, the more the wine has the ability to breathe.
Dessert
Dessert glassware are designed for smaller servings, and to bring the sweetness of the wine directly into your mouth without overwhelming the flavor.
All of Your Glassware Questions Answered
There are four main parts of a wine glass:
- the rim – generally the opening of the glass is not wider than the widest part of the bowl
- the bowl – the most important part of the wine glass is the bowl, also known as the cup
- the stem – gives the glass its height and provides something to hold while drinking to help regulate the temperature of the bowl
- the foot – also known as the base or footer, the foot gives the stemware its stability
A stemless wine glass only has three parts as it does not have a stem.
Believe it or not, there is science behind choosing the right wine glass. Serving your wine in the proper glass will provide an optimal tasting experience as it will enhance the aromas and overall taste. Explore our glassware chart to determine which glass to choose.
Don't worry, if you find yourself without the proper glassware, you can still enjoy your wine. Most importantly, you want to choose a vessel that won't impart any taste and will also help to regulate the serving temperature. Try a ceramic coffee mug or a stainless steel water bottle– both are great options. And of course, you can always use a classic red solo cup. Just be sure to pour a little splash at a time to control your serving portions. Likewise, there are a ton of glass-alternatives. If you are reaching for plastic, be sure to chose a brand that is eco-conscious, BPA-free, and made from recyclable materials like GoVino or Tossware.
Both are totally acceptable. It really just comes down to a matter of preference. For more traditional or formal settings, we like to opt for a traditional stemmed glass. But for more casual settings or if you're drinking in a more "lively" environment, choosing a stemless glass with a lower center of gravity can help reduce spills.
Wine Pairings
- feta
- chévre
- pine nuts
- chicken
- turkey
- sole
- oysters
- scallops
- lobster
- citrus
- green apple
- asparagus
- chives
- tarragon
- cilantro
- citrus
- light, olive oil-based
- salsa verde
- sorbet
- key lime pie
- asiago
- havarti
- almonds
- veal
- chicken
- pork loin
- crab
- halibut
- shrimp
- mussels
- potato
- apple
- squash
- mango
- basil
- tarragon
- sesame
- cream
- pesto
- banana bread
- vanilla pudding
- brie
- goat cheese
- walnuts
- lamb
- filet mignon
- sausage
- mackerel
- orange roughy
- tuna
- dried fruit
- figs
- mushrooms
- strawberries
- nutmeg
- cinnamon
- clove
- bbq
- chutney
- sweet glaze
- crème brûlèe
- oatmeal cookies
- white chocolate
- cheddar
- gorgonzola
- walnuts
- venison
- ribeye
- beef stew
- fatty tuna
- halibut
- grilled swordfish
- black cherries
- broccoli
- tomatoes
- rosemary
- juniper
- lavender
- brown
- tomato
- bittersweet chocolate
- espresso gelato
