THE WINE-OPENER
In order to enjoy wine, it should be served with the attention it deserves, due to its
age and rank. Opening the bottle is a major stage in tasting and requires maximum
precautions so as not to damage the cork or alter the taste of the wine.
A good wine opener combines practicality, security, efficiency and artful
craftsmanship. Parker's Wine carries the well-known Screwpull and Pulltap's range of
corkscrews.
The removal of the cork should be a gentle process. Care should be taken to hold the
bottle and not twist it during the operation, mainly to avoid disturbing any sediment.
Ideally it should be uncomplicated in its manipulation and extract the cork easily without
damaging either it or the bottle. In order to enjoy wine, it should be served with the
attention it deserves.
THE GLASS
The Glass determines the taste of the wine and connoisseurs like to commune with their
wine as physically closely as possible so as to be able to best appreciate the subtle
notes of a wine's aroma.
Essentials of a good glass
- Transparent and colorless as to highlight the natural coloration of the wine.
- Thin walls to ensure that the sensitive tip of the tongue tastes the temperature of the
wine - and not the glass.
- A long stem to invite one to hold this part of the glass and not the bowl as the warmth
of the hand might change the wine's temperature.
Each type of wine requires its own type of glass. 
Red Wine
Noble red wines are expensive and rare. After being kept in a bottle for so many years, a
good red wine can only unfold its full character in a properly shaped glass. The glass
ensures that the full fragrance and aroma of the wine unfolds and carried to the nose and
palate in concentrated form. Red wines must be handled with care. This is especially
important in decanting - the process of carefully pouring the wine from the bottle into a
carafe. All red wines contain a certain amount of sediment that settles at the bottom of
the bottle. Decanting the wine removes most of the sediment which remains in the bottle.
The pure wine is then poured from the decanter into the glass. |
White Wine
White wine glasses are generally smaller than those used for red wine. White wines are
generally young and do not need as much air to "breathe". Their floral scent,
fruity aroma and brisk acidity are intriguing. Peach, apple and pineapple are typical
white wine fragrance notes. Depending on the type of soil, these nuances are based on
minerals or earthy tones. White wines are also served cooler than reds to accentuate the
delicate acidity. However, wine should never be served at temperatures too warm or too
cool. The ideal serving temperature is between 62 degree fahrenheit or 10 degree celsius
and 68 degree fahrenheit or 12 degree celsius. |
Champagne
Champagne glasses are filled to halfway. The point of effervescence at the bottom of the
glass helps the bubbles continuously raise to the top. This brings out the fruity-yeast
flavor of young wines and the nutty-caramel taste of matured sparkling wines. |
Sparkling
Well portioned, flat Champagne glass traditionally used to serve sparkling desert wine.
The wide diameter counteracts the effects of the carbonation. |
Decanting
Decanting is also recommended for young wines. As it is poured into the carafe, the wine
is exposed to plenty of air which removes the fermenting bouquet that some wines develop
whilst in the bottle. The noble scent of cherries, black currants, bitter almonds, cedar
and fresh roasted coffee beans or dried plums gradually unfold. |
