How to open, serve, decant and store a wine?

Here are some tips on how to open, serve, decant and store a wine:

Opening wine: Before opening a bottle of wine, remove the aluminium capsule or wax covering the cork. Next, insert the bottle opener and pry gently to remove the cork. Make sure not to damage it, otherwise it could fall into the bottle.

Serving the wine: Pour the wine into a clean, dry glass, filling it to about a third of its capacity. Hold the glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine with your hands.

Decanting the wine: If the wine is old or very tannic, it may need to be decanted to separate the sediment and let it breathe. Pour the wine slowly into the decanting carafe, taking care not to drop the sediment. Let the wine decant for about an hour before serving.

Wine storage: Store the wine in a cool, dark and vibration-free place. The ideal storage temperature varies depending on the type of wine, but in general it should be between 7/10° for champagne and sparkling wines, 10/12° for white wines and 16/18° for red wines. Make sure that bottles are always stored horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and swollen, preventing air from entering.

 

Remember that the way wine is served and stored can affect its quality and tasting sensations.