Storage and service of wine

Question 1

In what conditions should long term storage of wine take place? (3)

Answer 1

• Cool and constant temperature
• Away from strong sunshine and bright artificial lights
• On its side if the wine is sealed with a cork

Question 2

Why should a wine sealed under cork be stored on its side?

Answer 2

To ensure the cork remains in contact with the wine and stays moist. If the cork dries out, it can let air into the wine and spoil it.

Question 3

What should an ice bucket be filled with to work more efficiently?

Answer 3

Ice AND water

Question 4

If a wine is too cold, how should you bring it to the desired service temperature?

Answer 4

By placing it in the room where it will be served and allowing it to come to the correct temperature naturally. Never heat a wine.

Question 5

What is the recommended service temperature for sweet wines?

Answer 5

Well chilled (6-8˚C)

Question 6

What is the recommended service temperature for Sparkling wines?

Answer 6

Well chilled (6-10˚C)

Question 7

What is the recommended service temperature for light and medium bodied whites and rose?

Answer 7

Chilled (7-10˚C)

Question 8

What is the recommended service temperature for full bodied whites?

Answer 8

Lightly chilled (10-13˚C)

Question 9

What is the recommended service temperature for light-bodied red?

Answer 9

Room temperature or lightly chilled (13-18˚C)

Question 10

What is the recommended service temperature for medium to full-bodied red?

Answer 10

Room temperature (15-18˚C)

Question 11

What causes the wine fault “cork taint”?

Answer 11

Chemical known as TCA (Trichloroanisole)

The main source of this is contaminated cork closures

Question 12

How does cork taint affect the aromas and flavours of the wine?

Answer 12

It gives wines aromas reminiscent of damp cardboard, the fruit aromas and flavours are muted and appear less fresh.

Question 13

Why should wine glasses be polished before use?

Answer 13

To remove any lingering dirt or finger marks

Question 14

What are the main ways of keeping a wine fresh? (3)

Answer 14

Keeping a wine in the fridge with cork in or screwcap on.
Vacuum system (a pump removes air from inside the bottle)
Inert gas system (system pumps a gas into the bottle which pushed air out)

Question 15

What will happen to a wine if there is a failure of the closure which allows unwanted oxygen into the bottle?

• appearance
• aromas and flavours

Answer 15

• Wine will appear browner in colour than it should be
• May have aromas of honey, caramel or coffee and will lack freshness and fruitiness

Question 16

Other than by storing wine in storage that is too warm, how else can a wine become heat damaged?

Answer 16

Storing in direct sunlight or under bright artificial lights.

Question 17

Describe the steps for opening a bottle of wine (with cork closure).

Answer 17

-Remove top of the capsule with waiter’s friend
-Clean neck of the bottle with a cloth
-Centre corkscrew in middle of the cork, screw it in, and gently remove cork
-Wipe the inside and outside of the neck with a cloth

Question 18

Describe the steps for opening a bottle of sparkling wine.

Answer 18

-Chill sparkling wine well to help reduce the pressure in the bottle
-Remove the foil
-Loosen the wire cage
-From this moment, keep the cork covered with your hand to avoid it flying out and injuring someone
-Hold bottle at an angle
-Hold the cork and twist the bottle
-Remove the cork gently, with a quiet “phut” sound and no loss of wine

Question 19

Describe the steps for decanting a bottle of wine.

Answer 19

-Remove bottle horizontally from rack
-Place in a decanting basket or hold carefully so sediment doesn’t move
-Remove top of capsule
-Clean shoulder and neck of bottle
-Gently remove cork
-Remove bottle from basket
-Hold bottle in front of light and pour wine into decanter
-Stop pouring when sediment gets close to neck