Learn More About Wine Aeration

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Wine aeration is the process of exposing the wine to the air. It helps soften the acidity commonly found in younger wines and extends character. Aeration also helps coax out complex flavors that are often hidden in a mature bottle. When you think about it, the wine will have been capped in a container for a while, maybe even years. It is believed that by letting the wine breathe, you will have the opportunity to release all the delicious aromas and flavors that distinguish the different bottles and wines from each other.

Why aerate wine?

Most full-bodied reds take time to “breathe,” so the flavors soften and blend to achieve an ideal drinking state. Most wines under the age of 15 will benefit from aeration, so we often think that the last glass in a bottle tastes better than the first. Simply uncorking a bottle and letting it sit does not aerate enough; You need the more exposed surface of the wine to have enough air contact.

Do all wines need aeration?

Not all. Older, oldest, and palest wine should be tasted after a few minutes out of the bottle as they have reached their peak flavor in storage.

But since most of us haven’t stored our wine bottles for years or bought vintage cases at auction, our favorite brands will likely benefit from using an aerator or 30 to 90 minutes in A Wide Bottom Pitcher.

The wine aeration process

Some people think that all wine aeration requires uncorking a bottle and letting it rest for a while to aerate it. However, this is not true because there is no enough space in the bottle for the air to come into contact with the liquid. This is why wine lovers use a jug or a large glass to aerate the wine.

During wine aeration, a wine jug, juice jug, or even a vase can be used for aeration of the wine as long as the container has a large opening at the top to facilitate pouring. The bottle must have a wide base so that the liquid has more surface to come into contact with the air.

When to start wine aeration

Wine aeration should preferably begin approximately half an hour before drinking the wine. Once the bottle is open, you must pour it into the container of your choice; be it a jug, a vase, or a glass of wine. There is no particular style to adopt when pouring wine; pour any liquid regularly.

However, be sure to stop every time you pour a few ounces of wine so you can sample some wine. This is done so that you can notice the difference in the taste of the wine from the first sip to the last when you pour the entire bottle of wine.

In addition to helping to aerate the wine, when you pour wine into your pitcher or wine glass, the alcohol is also distributed in the wine. Since alcohol is denser than other liquids, it tends to settle at the bottom of the wine bottle. By aerating the wine, you ensure that the entire wine bottle is aerated and evenly distributed throughout the bottle.

To conclude, aeration helps certain wines, while it will not help others. It depends on the levels of organic tannin found in the wine. Knowing which wines are rich and low in tannin can help you make a better decision about whether or not to air.

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Does It Really Matter If You Pair Your Wine with Food?

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Drinking wine is a part of many cultures. However, Americans and Europeans do not drink wine in the same way. Europeans (adults) drink during their lunch and dinner time. But, Americans don’t follow such customs. They drink wine whenever they wish.

History tells us that Kings and Queens always drank wines pairing with food. Even modern restaurants encourage people to have wine with foods. Hence, there must be some relation between food and wine.

So, does it really matter if you pair your wine with food?

The answer to this question is ‘Yes’, it does matter. To know all about this hidden relationship between food and wine, you should read the below article. If you love wine, then you would love the information.

1) Enhances Your Taste

Do you know that red wine and white wine require different pairs of foods?

Well, many people just don’t know these things. In reality, food can enhance the taste of your wine. But, you must choose the right food to pair with your wine.

For example – fat-based foods go well with acidic wines.

There are many types of wines. The wines are categorized depending on their flavor, taste (acidity), and the amount of alcohol they contain.

Now, it’s your duty to choose the right food to pair with your wine. You can choose sweet foods and fatty foods to pair with your wine. The food will keep your taste buds alive. If you drink continuously, you lose the taste. But the right food will relax your taste buds. Hence, the wine will become tastier.

Eat the right food and sip your wine. You will know how food enhances your taste.

2) Saves Your Stomach

You shouldn’t drink wine on an empty stomach. An empty stomach means the alcohol will affect your liver fast. Wine can damage your liver, kidneys, and lower intestine. So, you should never drink alcohol on an empty stomach.

After drinking wine without foods, many people experience nausea or stomach pain. This happens because alcohol damages the walls of your liver. But, if you eat food, then the wine may not harm your liver directly. The wine will break the foods, and your liver will be saved.

3) Makes Your Drink More Enjoyable

You should eat food with wine to enjoy your wine. There is a logic behind this theory. When you drink wine, it goes to your liver. An empty liver absorbs wine quickly. As a result, you get intoxicated soon.

But, food can prevent wine from entering into your blood. If your liver has food, then the wine absorption process becomes slower. This means you can enjoy your drink for more time.

BBQ, grilled fish, seafood, cheese, beef, chicken, and some fruits go with the wine. In reality, the sauce is the magic element in a dish. So, you should cook your food perfectly. The intensity of the wine and the food should be rightly balanced.

For example – light meat tastes good with white wine.

Wine has its own ‘body,’ sweetness, acidity, and tannin. To reveal all these aspects of wine, you need the right food. Food acts as a contrast. Hence, wine tastes better.

So, combine your wine with the perfect food to enjoy it fully.

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Everything You Need to Know About Wine Aging

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The process of aging wine begins after purchasing your wine bottle and storing it in a calm and dark place over a specified period. This way, the wine improves in flavor and taste, the more it stays in the bottle for years. Most people, however, do not realize that not all wine on the market is meant for aging and which one should be consumed immediately. So, When and why should you age your wine? Which is the best wine to cellar, and for how long? Continue reading this post to learn more below:

What Happens When You Cellar Wine?

Wine is generally enjoyable right from the moment you open the bottle, but certain wine types can benefit from cellaring or aging. As mentioned above, aging wine can improve flavor and taste. Wine contains phenolic compounds (tannins), which over time, lose their strength and merge. Consequently, their surface area shrinks and ultimately allows the wine to taste much smoother.

As your wine ages, its color begins to change. For instance, the white wine is initially light-yellow in color but gradually turns into a deeper amber hue in the final steps of its aging process. Likewise, red wine also turns into a conspicuous dark-brown color.

Which Wine Will Cellar Best?

Each wine type has a different aging process. Hence, it’s essential to understand the types of traits to consider when choosing the perfect wine to age. For instance, wines with acidic qualities last much longer since they shade off the acidity in the process of aging. Consider the following characteristics when picking a wine bottle to age:

  1. Choose Sweet Wines: Wines with high sugar content can age for a more extended period compared to dry varieties. Having known this, consider types such as Riesling, Sherry, or even Port as perfect options.
  2. Balanced Tannins: In red wine varieties, tannins break down during the aging process giving rise to a smooth taste. Hence, choose wines that contain moderate tannins.

How Long Should You Cellar Your Wine?

Red wines are typically more flexible when aging. While some can age in just under five years, others can age for decades. Remember, some wine bottles may already have been in cellars before retailing in stores. Terms such as Gran Reserva and Riserva are key terms to pay attention to when identifying aged wine. Moreover, bottles containing high acidity and sugar age for longer. However, fortified wines contain higher alcohol contents that act as a protective layer against aging. For example, Sauternes and Madeira are such examples that can last for decades.

When to Start Aging Your Wine

So, when exactly should you begin aging your wine? There are various fundamental factors you must keep in mind. Most wine bottles require cellaring at 55-59 degrees Fahrenheit and approximately 75% humidity. To achieve these conditions, consider investing in a climate-controlled cellar or refrigeration unit.

Conclusion

Are you ready to begin cellaring and expanding your wine collection? If so, then the insights offered above will set you off on the right track. Ensure you research more on the best aging wines available on the market today.

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