Homework never tasted this good! Here’s class #2 in our Wine 101 series of tips & tricks from our Savvy Sommeliers about tasting wine, buying, giving & storing wines. Grab a glass and unwind as you read these useful tidbits. Cheers!
Wine 101: Tasting wine
Enjoying wine is not just about the drinking of it…
Look at the way it catches the light; breathe in the multitude of aromas in each glass. Savour the flavours on your palate. Engage all of your senses! Invite some friends & let your guests exercise their free will! If you’re serving a meal that could go with red or white, let your guests choose for themselves through a mini wine-tasting session.
We can’t say it often enough – always start with sparkling
Popping open a bubbly helps sets the mood, cleanses the palate and gets people eager to discover what’s coming next.
Mark your calendar
Beaujolais Nouveau is released every year on the third Thursday of November. It should be consumed before Christmas if you want to enjoy the wine’s full vibrancy and flavour.
About wine glasses
Some people are skeptical, but we guarantee it’s true: the shape of your glassware does make a difference to the way you experience a glass of wine. From big bowls for reds to flutes for sparklings, each glass pours the wine over your palate in a way that enlivens its flavours. Don’t take our word for it: test it yourself!
Wine 101: Buying wine
Don’t give up…
If your local liquor store doesn’t have what you’re looking for, you can have wine delivered to your home—direct from the winemaker, through a wine club or (and of course we strongly recommend) as part of a Savvy Selections subscription.
A new way to buy wine
Join Savvy Selections– the largest wine of the month club in Ontario. It’s easy and you can sample wines from all the different wineries in Ontario with 3 different wines coming right to your door every month. Our Savvy Sommeliers hand pick the best wines for you to try every month.
Share a case!
Wineries often ship in volume—six or 12 bottles to a case. So why not order your favourite and share it around: with colleagues, friends or neighbours?
Wine 101: Giving wine
The gift that keeps on giving
We love flowers, but the fragrant bouquet of a brilliant wine can be every bit as special a gift. Celebrate the next special occasion on your calendar with the gift of a great bottle. Giving wine as a gift? Our Savvy Selections wine of the month club is the gift that keeps on giving…sign up here for a Christmas or birthday present for your favorite someone.
Don’t worry about a card with your wine gift
Write a personal message directly on the bottle with a metallic glass marker. It’s the height of personalization.
Wine 101: Storing wine
To fridge or not to fridge?
There are many different type of wine fridges on the market. The decision that you need to make is mainly about how many you want to store in the fridge. There are some that are divided into racks for white wine & red wines with different temperatures for the sections of the fridge. You can find basic ones at Canadian Tire & Costco or go fancy with units from Chefs Paradise (on Bank Street) or Wine Cellars Solutions
Which wines to cellar?
Take a cue from the bottle. Wines in darker glass bottles are intended to keep longer—the coloured glass refracts the light to protect the contents.
Not all ports are the same
Vintage port is the only one that should be aged and a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time. Frankly, they should be opened once your grandkids are in their 20s. Vintage port is clearly labelled as Vintage port & should simply be stored in a cool dark place – no need for a fridge. All other ports should be consumed & will not improve with age or a fridge. If you have some Ruby or Tawny ports that are already 15 to 20 years old, their quality is questionable & may have already plateaued. Best to open to see what they taste like & simply enjoy.
Drink your scotch now
Scotch whisky does not improve with age. It is already aged & ready to be enjoyed when you are ready to open.
Wine 101: Planning a Party?
Savvy Company can organize your next corporate event or wine tasting with friends. Let us do the work while you sit back and enjoy wine, beer & cheese with your friends & colleagues. For any questions relating to wine, craft beer & artisan cheese, email us or call our Savvy Team anytime 613-SAVVYCO (613) 728-8926.
Cheers!
Amanda