From Bottle to Glass : Essential Steps for Serving Wine Like a Pro

1. Choose the Right Glass

When it comes to wine, the glassware you use can make a significant difference in your tasting experience. But fear not, you don't need to be a sommelier to make the right choice!

Professionals often recommend using different glasses for different types of wine. For example, let's start with our red wine Agiorgitiko - Merlot Zeginis. Consider a glass with a slightly larger tulip-shaped bowl. This shape allows the wine to come into contact with more air, which helps to release its complex aromas and flavors.

For our white wine Chardonnay, Velanidia Zeginis, opt for a glass with a slightly narrower bowl, preserving the wine's cooler temperature and enhancing its crispness and acidity. Look for a glass that directs the aromas toward your nose for a more enjoyable sensory experience.

Lastly, for rosé wine Grenache, mon Rose Zeginis, a versatile option is a glass that combines features of both red and white wine glasses. It typically has a slightly wider bowl than a white wine glass but not as large as a red wine glass. This allows the wine's delicate aromas to develop while maintaining its refreshing qualities.

2. Serve Wine at the Right Temperature

When it comes to enjoying wine, serving it at the correct temperature can make a world of difference in terms of taste !

When it comes to red wines, like our blend of Agiorgiriko and Merlot, slightly cooler than room temperature is the way to go. Shoot for around 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F). This allows the flavors to unfold gracefully without being overwhelmed by warmth. You can achieve this by either placing the bottle in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving or giving it a gentle chill in an ice bucket.

Rosé wines fall somewhere in between. They benefit from being served slightly chilled, just like white wines, but not as cold. Aim for a temperature around 10°C to 14°C (50°F to 57°F) to appreciate their delicate flavors and vibrant character. Similar to white wines, a brief stint in the refrigerator should do the trick.

For our white wines like Savvatiano and Chardonnay, it's best to serve them chilled. Picture yourself sipping a crisp, refreshing glass on a sunny day. Aim for a temperature between 10°C and 12°C (46°F and 54°F) to unlock their vibrant flavors. If you're unsure, simply place the bottle in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving.

3. Open Bottles with Care

Opening a bottle of wine can be an exciting moment, but it's important to handle it with care to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Invest in a reliable corkscrew that will make the process easier and minimize the risk of damaging the cork or the wine. There are various types available, such as waiter's corkscrews or lever-style openers, so find one that suits your preference. Hold the wine bottle firmly on a flat surface. This will provide stability and make it easier to control the opening process.

Align the tip of the corkscrew in the center of the cork. Apply gentle downward pressure and slowly twist the corkscrew into the cork, being careful not to penetrate too far to prevent cork fragments from falling into the wine.

Once the corkscrew is fully inserted, use it as a handle to pull the cork out slowly and steadily. Avoid yanking or jerking motions, as they may cause the cork to break or crumble.

4. Decant Red Wines

Decanting is the one thing we always forget to do that will greatly improve the flavor of red wine. It serves two main purposes. Firstly, it helps separate any sediment that may have formed in the bottle over time, ensuring a clean and smooth pour. Secondly, it allows the wine to breathe, which means exposing it to air to enhance its flavors and aromas.

Start by carefully pouring the Agiorgitiko - Merlot Zeginis into a decanter. Once the wine is in the decanter, let it sit for a while before serving. This period of rest allows the wine to aerate, meaning it interacts with the air to develop its full potential. Generally, 30 minutes to an hour of aeration is sufficient, but you can adjust based on your personal preference.

If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the benefits of decanting, there is a quicker method you can try to use a wine aerator which decants wine almost instantaneously.

Remember, decanting is not limited to expensive or old wines. Even younger red wines can benefit from this process, as it helps them reach their full potential. So, the next time you open a bottle of Agiorgitiko - Merlot or any other red wine, consider decanting it to enhance your tasting journey!

5.Pour with Precision: When pouring wine, hold the bottle by the base or the neck to avoid warming the wine with your hands. Tilt the glass slightly and pour slowly, stopping just before the glass is full to allow space for the aromas to develop.

Let's taste, but first how do we hold a wine glass ?

Holding a wine glass may seem like a simple task, but it can significantly impact your wine tasting experience.

To properly hold a wine glass, grasp it by the stem rather than the bowl. This is important because it prevents your hand from warming the wine, allowing it to maintain its desired temperature. By holding the stem, you maintain the wine's coolness and ensure that the aromas and flavors unfold as intended. Avoid gripping the bowl, as this can alter the temperature and potentially leave smudges or fingerprints on the glass.

So next time you raise a glass of your favorite wine, remember to hold it by the stem, allowing the wine to shine at its best. Whether you're sipping a rich Malbec or a crisp Chardonnay, mastering the art of holding a wine glass adds a touch of sophistication to your wine journey.

Important question : How long does wine keep after opened ?

After opening a bottle of wine, it's natural to wonder how long it will remain fresh and enjoyable.

Red wines, like Agiorgitiko - Merlot Zeginis, typically have a longer shelf life after opening compared to white and rosé wines. On average, an opened bottle of red wine can be enjoyed for up to three to five days. To maximize its freshness, reseal the bottle tightly and store it in a cool, dark place, such as a wine refrigerator or cellar.

White wines, such as Savvatiano and Chardonnay, have a shorter lifespan once opened due to their higher acidity. Generally, you can expect an opened bottle of white wine to retain its quality for about two to three days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Remember to reseal the bottle tightly with a cork or stopper to minimize contact with oxygen.

Rosé wines, like Grenache rouge, mon Rose Zeginis, fall in between red and white wines in terms of longevity. When stored in the refrigerator and sealed tightly, an opened bottle of rosé can maintain its flavors and aromas for approximately three to four days.

Writed by :

Jeff Dagnogo