How to Serve White Wine

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White wine has a yellow-ish tint to it.

Whether serving white wine to a group of people or just one glass, doing so incorrectly can result in disaster. Corks can crumble, wine can spill, and wine that is too warm or cold results in an unpleasant drinking experience. By storing, opening and serving the wine in the proper glassware, you can avoid these problems. The Basic Wine Knowledge website recommends using a U-shaped wine glass. If you serve sparkling wine, use fluted glasses. Handle the glasses by the stems to prevent the transfer of body heat to the wine. Serve white wine with mild cheese, turkey, fish, chicken, eggs and pork. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

  • Ice bucket
  • Crushed or cubed ice
  • Corkscrew
  • Wine glasses
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the white wine in a refrigerator 2-4 hours before serving.

    • 2

      Remove the bottle 20-25 minutes before serving.

    • 3

      Remove the foil from the top of the bottle.

    • 4

      Hold the bottle at a 45 degree angle away from your face. If you are opening a sparkling white wine, remove the cage by untwisting the wire. Keep a hand on the cork as you pull off the cage. Sparkling white wines contain carbonation. Twist the cork slowly with one hand as you grip the lower part of the bottle with your other hand. Pull the cork slowly as you twist.

    • 5
      A corkscrew helps grip the cork.
      A corkscrew helps grip the cork.

      You can use a corkscrew for non-sparkling or "still" white wines. The corkscrew grips the corks, which aids in removal. Insert the tip of the corkscrew into the top of the cork and turn clockwise until the curly part or "worm" is full inserted into the cork. If using a corkscrew like the one pictured, the arms will rise as the worm is inserted into the cork; push the arms down to remove the cork.

    • 6

      Fill a wine glass half way with the wine. Hold by the stem.

    • 7

      Pour a 1-2 inch layer of ice in an ice bucket. Set the wine bottle inside Add more ice around the sides of the bucket until the bucket is nearly full. Add cold water. Store the wine in the bucket to keep it cold.

    • 8

      Insert the cork back into the bottle (if you turn the cork upside down from the way it was removed, it is easier to re-insert) and place in the refrigerator. Serve the wine within four days of opening it.

Tips & Warnings

  • According to MSNBC, rich white wines, like Chardonnay need to be served between 58-62 degrees; sparkling white wines or Champagnes should be served between 50-55 degrees; and light white wines, like German whites should be served between 48-52 degrees.

  • Never point a bottle of wine at someone or something breakable when you remove the cork, especially sparkling wines. These corks can pop off and cause severe injury.

  • When serving wine to guests, monitor the amount of wine you are serving. A good rule of thumb is one 5-oz. glass per person per hour. Do not allow anyone to drive under the influence.

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References

Resources

  • Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images corkscrew image by Leonid Nyshko from Fotolia.com

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