A good bottle of wine can be used for many great occasions. Wine helps put a little pizzazz into a party and gives any occasion a touch of class. Continue reading to find out some great tips for dealing with wine.

Sparkling wine and champagne should always be served chilled. A white wine served at a different temperature will not expose the flavors that you deserve to experience. Before you drink your champagne, be sure to chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Online discussion boards are an excellent starting point for the uninitiated. You can learn so much from experienced sommeliers, or even someone who has only a bit more experience than you do. In fact, you might find that you can contribute to the discussion as well. You may discover your new favorite wine through the suggestion of a friend.

You always need to use suitable glassware when serving wine. This helps you to look professional, as you will want to serve with the best. If it is cracked, chipped or stained, you need to spend money on a new set.

Many kinds of wine go great with desserts. Dessert varieties tend to be sweeter than other wines. Ports provide sweet flavors that work well with chocolate and other dessert items. They should be served at roughly 55 degrees to maximize their flavor.

The vintage year of a wine is the year that the grapes were harvested. For example, with a 2010 wine, the grapes were harvested in the fall of 2010. They can then be stored until the wine is actually bottled. The wine itself likely didn’t make it to shelves until 2011 or even 2012!

Don’t be afraid to mix up your selection when buying wine at the store. Don’t drink the same bottle time and time again, as it will get monotonous. Get wines from different regions or even different varieties. You might not spend as much.

Get familiar with local waiters and clerks that serve a bottle or table. When you get to know the staff, you’ll find they offer you deals or advice they wouldn’t give otherwise.

Wines that are varietal are made from one variety of grape. This is the case of Pinot Noir and Syrah. A wine needs at least 90% from a single varietal’s juice to be this. At a lot of places, the other ten percent is composed from a different grape to add a little interest to the bottle.

Just because a wine has a screw top does not mean it is bad. More and more quality varieties are moving to screw caps. These tops have been known to keep the bottle purer than the average cork. Less air can get into the wine, and there is definitely less cork bobbing around in the bottle. Many countries now use this method of corking as the standard.

Prior to drinking wine, allow it to breathe. You can utilize a carafe, a decanter, or just a big glass. Just pour it directly into your chosen container. Let it stand for 10 minutes. Taste the wine in the container, then compare it with a drink from the bottle. You can easily taste the differences in the two wines. The flavor of the wine in the glass should be much better.

Pinot Noir

When in doubt, choose a Pinot Noir. Versatile and not too heavy, Pinot Noir goes with any type of cuisine. Each Pinot wine differs from the next, though they all boast medium flavors that appeal to many individuals.

You should always let red wine sit out for a while before you drink it. The wine then mixes with oxygen once the bottle is opened. Some flavors are actually revealed once the wine comes in contact with the air.

If you want to go to a wine tasting, call ahead of time to make sure you can bring your entire family. They may provide other activities and nonalcoholic beverages.

As you can see, wine adds a special touch to social gatherings. Before reading this you probably did not know many things you should know about wine. Use what you’ve just learned to ensure that your next wine tasting or drinking session is a success.