Storage and Service of Wine

Question 1

Name 4 ways to store a wine

Answer 1

1. long term storage: 10-15 degrees = stored in cool constant temperature
2. store wine that is sealed with a cork on its side to ensure the cork remains in contact with the wine
3. keep wines away from strong light
4. keep wine away from vibrations

Question 2

Serving temperature of a sweet and sparkling wine

Answer 2

well chilled
sweet: 6-8 degree
sparkling: 6-10 degree

Question 3

Serving temperature of a medium/full body white/light body red

Answer 3

lightly chilled
white: 10-13 degree
red: 13 degree

Question 4

Serving temperature of a medium/full body red

Answer 4

room temperature
15-18 degree

Question 5

Serving temperature of a light body white

Answer 5

chilled
7-10 degree

Question 6

describe the quickest way to chill a bottle of wine using an ice bucket and explain why it is effective

Answer 6

1. a bottle in ice alone will chill very slowly until some of the ice has melted.
2. filled the ice bucket three-quarters with equal quantities of ice and water
3. The bottle is fully surrounded by iced water
4. water can transfer heat from the bottle to melt the ice

Question 7

how to open a bottle of sparkling wine

Answer 7

1. remove the foil and loosen the wire cage
2. the cock must be held securely in place from the moment the wire cage is loosened
3. tilt the bottle at an angle of 30 degree, gripping the cork and use the other hand to grip the base of the bottle
4. turn the bottle, not the cork
5. hold the cork steady, resisting its tendency to fly out, ease it slowly out of the bottle
6. the gas pressure should be released with a quiet “phut”, not an explosion and flying cork.

Question 8

how to decant a wine

Answer 8

1. remove the bottle horizontally from its rack and place it in a decanting basket if available
2. gently remove the top of the capsule and clean the shoulder and neck of the bottle. Gently remove the cork
3. remove the bottle from the basket, being careful not to disturb the deposit. hold the bottle in front of the light, and pour the wine carefully into the decanter until the deposit can be seen near the neck. Stop pouring

Question 9

Wine with natural cork. What storage conditions would you recommend for long-term ageing?

Answer 9

1. cool and constant temperature, 10-15 degree
2. Avoid extremes of heat and cold which can cause damage
3. Avoid extended period of refrigeration which can cause the cork to harden and lose their elasticity
4. store wine that is sealed with a cork on its side to ensure the cork remains in contact with the wine
5. avoid strong light, both natural and artificial
6. keep wine away from vibration

Question 10

Vintage port is aged in the bottle and will need decanting before serving. Describe the process of opening and decanting a fully mature vintage port.

Answer 10

1. remove horizontally from its crack
2. place in decanting basket or hold to make sure deposit is not agitated
3. remove the top of capsule
4. clean the shoulder and neck of the bottle
5. gently remove the cork
6. hold bottle in front of light pour wine into decanter
7. stop pouring when deposit is seen in near the neck.

Question 11

Burgundy chardonnay is opened but not all of it was consumed. You want to preserve the remainder for a greater period than a few days. Name one appropriate method for preserving the wine and briefly explain how it works.

Answer 11

Vacuum system

• a pump sucks out of the air of the bottle of wine. This removes oxygen, which would cause the wine to oxidise. therefore, the wine can last longer.

Question 12

Explain why opening a bottle of sparkling wine can be dangerous

Answer 12

it is possible for the cork to spring violently from the bottle and injured someone.