Storage and Service

Question 1

What is the optimal storage temperature range for all wines?

Answer 1

10º - 15ºC

(50ºF - 59ºF)

Question 2

List some places in your home where wine should NOT be stored.

Answer 2

• Kitchen, especially on top of the refrigerator
• In direct/strong light (sunlight or bright artificial lights)
• Near a radiator or heating vent
• Bathroom
• Near anything that vibrates (e.g. busy staircase)

Question 3

What happens to wine when it is stored improperly?

Answer 3

• Wines can taste cooked (maderized)
• Wines can taste old/stale (oxidized)
• Sparkling wines lose their bubbles

Question 4

Bottles with cork enclosures should be stored on _______.

Bottles with screw cap enclosures can be stored _______.

Answer 4

Cork: on their sides to keep the cork moist

Screw cap: standing up

Question 5

What is the optimal serving temperature for sparkling wines?

Answer 5

Well chilled, 6º - 10ºC (43º - 50ºF)

Question 6

What is the optimal serving temperature for unoaked, light- to medium-bodied whites?

Answer 6

Chilled, 7º - 10ºC (45º - 50ºF)

e.g. Albariño, Sancerre

Question 7

What is the optimal serving temperature for oaky, medium- to full-bodied whites?

Answer 7

Lightly chilled, 10º-13ºC (50º-55ºF)

e.g. Sonoma Chardonnay, white Burgundy, Condrieu

Question 8

What is the optimal serving temperature for light reds?

Answer 8

Lightly chilled, 13ºC (55ºF)

e.g. Frappato, Beaujolais

Question 9

What is the optimal serving temperature for medium- to full-bodied reds, oaked or unoaked?

Answer 9

Room temperature, 15º - 18ºC (59º - 64ºF)

e.g. Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, red Bordeaux, Ribera del Duero, Aglianico

Question 10

What is the optimal serving temperature for sweet wines?

Answer 10

Well chilled, 6º - 8ºC (43º - 46ºF)

Question 11

What is the correct ratio of ice-to-water in an ice bucket meant for chilling down a bottle of wine?

Answer 11

Bucket should be filled 3/4 full with equal parts water and ice.

Question 12

What is the best material for glass polishing?

Answer 12

Linen as it will not leave particles on the glass.

Question 13

In what glasses can you see sparkling wine being served?

Answer 13

1. Flutes (enhances visual effect of bubbles);
2. Tulip-shaped flutes or white wine glasses (both allow a slightly larger surface area for the wine, enhancing the aromas).

Question 14

What is the optimal glass size for whites and rosés?

Answer 14

Typically medium-sized stemware is best for whites and rosés as the smaller size can capture and focus fresh fruit characteristics and delicate aromas.

Question 15

What is the optimal glass size for red wines?

Answer 15

Typically larger-sized stemware is best for red wines as the roomy globe allows for more of the wine to come in contact with air, and there is a larger surface area that can release aromatic molecules.

Question 16

What is the optimal glass for fortified wines?

Answer 16

Typically a small glass (4-6oz capacity {118ml - 177ml}) is best for fortified wines because of their high alcohol content. There should be enough space in the glass for sniffing and swirling.

Question 17

How many times should you wipe the neck/top of the wine bottle with a cloth prior to serving?

Answer 17

Twice: once immediately after removing the foil, once immediately after removing the cork (or screw cap).

Be sure to wipe the inside the bottle neck, too, after removing the cork to remove any debris.

Question 18

How many glasses of wine can be poured from one 750ml bottle of wine?

Answer 18

6 glasses of 125ml (4oz)

5 glasses of 150ml (5oz)

4 glasses of 175ml (6oz)

3 glasses of 250ml (8.5oz)

Question 19

Name 2 wine preservation systems used to extend a wine’s life after it has been opened.

Answer 19

Vacuum system

• Removing air from the bottle with a pump and compatible rubber stopper

Inert gas system

• Nitrogen or Argon pumped into the bottle that creates a barrier between the remaining wine in the bottle and oxygen

Question 20

One of the best ways to extend a wine’s life after it has been opened is to put it in the _______.

Answer 20

Fridge. Placing its original cork (or any cork) back into the neck of the bottle and keeping it in a cold, dark fridge will slow the aging/oxidizing process and prolong its life for a few days.

Question 21

What happens to a wine’s aromas and flavors if it is over-chilled in a wine bucket or regular fridge?

Answer 21

Over-chilling temporarily dulls or masks a wine’s aromas + flavors.