For many people, red is the wine par excellence, but how do you approach it and taste it correctly?
Seven small steps to taste red wine correctly.
1. In the cellar: how to store red wine
In an environment at a constant temperature (ideally between 11-16°C ), the bottles of red, spread horizontally on the shelves, are stored higher up than all the others .
The order to follow, from bottom to top (to follow the rise in temperature), is this: sparkling wines, whites, rosés, young reds and finally advanced reds.
2. Serving temperature of red wine
Delicate red wines are served between 12 and 14° C, medium-bodied ones between 14 and 16° C.
Very structured red wines from 16 to 18° C, or even a little higher if necessary.
2. The right glass for red wine
To serve red wines you need a large glass , to allow oxygenation and the perfect release of aromas. The more personality the wine has, the more a large glass is needed, up to the balloon , a very rounded glass that allows the aromas to be released inside the cup and slowly rise to the nose.
4. Watch out for residues!
A red wine left to age in the bottle for a long time may have residues: this is why it should not be shaken and a decanter (with a narrow neck) should be used to separate the sediments.
5. The decanter
But the decanter (this time with a wide neck) is also used to aerate young reds, wines that need to breathe to give their best . Or alternatively you can simply open the bottle a few hours before drinking it.
The different width of the neck of the decanter determines the greater or lesser oxygenation of the wine: it is very important to limit it, in the case of aged wines, so as not to let the aromas fly away.
6. There is tannin and tannin...
Distinguishing between a young red and a more advanced one can give great satisfaction to those who are approaching tasting. Tannin is the element that gives sensations of astringency in the mouth : if this manifests itself in a harsh way (almost impetuous!) the wine is still young while if, although present, it has a soft flavour, we are faced with an evolved wine.
7. Last tip for tasting red wine?
The most dispassionate suggestion for learning to taste, appreciating the qualities of red wine (and wine in general) and thus refining your palate is to experiment , tasting many, and giving the tasting the attention it deserves.
"Taste the wine and listen to its story", said Luigi Veronelli and Sommelier Wine Box offers and tells six different ones every month.
