Pouring
Fill wine glasses one-third full to allow room for swirling and breathing, enhancing the wine’s flavors. While a versatile glass with a large bowl works well, using glasses designed for specific varietals adds an elegant touch.
Serving
Keep your guests’ glasses filled without over-pouring and serve water alongside. For tastings, serve wines from lightest to fullest. Always taste the wine first (or have a guest do so) to check it’s not corked, which can taste and smell like wet cardboard. Encourage guests to hold their glasses by the stem to avoid warming the wine.
Decanting
Decanting mimics the natural aging process by exposing wine to oxygen, enhancing its flavor and aroma. One hour in a decanter can resemble a year of aging. Focus on full-bodied red wines or full-bodied Chardonnays, which are best served at red wine temperatures.
