More About Wine

I promised in my post last Monday on wine and food to share more about wine … but first off, what’s one glass of wine anyway?

If you’re trying to lose weight or are concerned about calorie intake, go easy on the wine. What is a serving of wine or one drink? Well, it’s a lot less than most people think. 5 ounces is a small pour that you’ll get at an upscale restaurant, just slightly over 1/2 cup.

5 ounces of red wine = about 105 calories
5 ounces of white wine = about 100 calories

Wine – The Socialite

“Can I Bring Anything?” How often have you heard this question, or have wondered what to bring to that dinner party? Even if you are going to dinner and you’re not sure about pairing, you can always bring some of the versatile wines listed on Natalie’s overview of grape varietals.

Buying Wine

How do I pick? Knowing a few basics about wine can help you pick the right bottle for the right dish or occasion! So many luscious, tangy, friendly wines are overlooked simply because the price tag is $10 to $15. Of course, there are some unpleasant ones out there too. How can you know? If you are interested in buying wines, I suggest you make friends with a no-nonsense person at your favorite wine shop. Being a repeat customer, they will show you where the real bargains are.

Storage

Storage can be a real problem if you have space issues. I recommend that you start out drinking young, inexpensive wines, so you really shouldn’t be thinking about special storage facilities.

I keep a small rack in my dining room cupboard, away from direct sun and heat. I store wines 3 to 4 weeks at the most, and oftentimes share with friends, work colleagues and neighbors. But if you are a more serious wine collector and are lucky to have space for a wine cooler, go for it!

Most wine collectors purchase wine refrigeration units that resemble hotel “mini-bars” installed right in their kitchens or sometimes in their closets. Some fridges can store wines at varying temperatures within the same unit. Controlling the temperature is key when storing wines you wish to age. Temperatures that are too cold can retard the aging of some wines, while direct sunlight or excessive heat can spoil the flavor and quality of others.

Aging wine can really be fun and turn out some interesting results if you have the time and patience. Color, flavors, and aroma often change dramatically when a wine is properly aged.

Learn More about Wine

Find out what sommeliers already know about wine. Award winning writer and sommelier Natalie MacLean, introduces you to the “lighter side of wine” on her site Nat Decants.

Novices and experts alike will appreciate the impressive free resources she gifts to her readers, from her spectacular wine glossary to her many insightful articles. Nat always has something fun and exciting to say about wine as a beverage that delights the tongue while inspiring the mind.