How to Prepare Wine

Varieties of wine have different optimal temperatures.

A glass of wine can be a relaxing end to a busy week or a delicious start to a night out. Whether you're hosting a wine tasting, a dinner party or just a glass of wine by yourself, take the time to prepare your wine properly before serving.

Things You'll Need

• Corkscrew

Instructions

1. Remove the wine bottle from the storage location. Different wines have optimal temperatures for drinking, so plan ahead before you're ready to enjoy the wine. Room temperature (65 degrees) is appropriate for full-bodied red wines. Lightly chilled (57 degrees) is appropriate for full-bodied whites and light reds. If this wine has been in the refrigerator, let it sit on the counter for 45 minutes before serving. Chilled (52 degrees) is appropriate for medium whites. Based on the temperature of your fridge, let this wine sit on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

2. Decant red wine. This step is only necessary with aged wine containing sediments, or if your wine has a tannic (bitter) taste. Decanting will aerate the wine and soften its bitter bite.

3. Open the wine bottle with corkscrew (if you skipped the decanting step) and serve.

References

• The Barrel Room: Preparing the Wine
• Wine Doctor: Decanting Wine

Resources

• Wineenabler.com: How to Organize a Wine Tasting Party