Wine Storage & Service

Question 1

What are the ideal conditions for long-term storage of wine?

Answer 1

• Cool, constant temperature of 10-15 C (50-59 F).
• Wines with corks should be stored on their sides.
• Keep away from strong light.
• Keep away from vibrations.

Question 2

What are the effects of serving a red wine at too cold of a temperature?

Answer 2

They will taste thin and harsh.

Question 3

What temperature should a medium-full bodied white wine be served at? Give two examples.

Answer 3

• Lightly Chilled: 10-13 degrees C (50-55 F)

- White Burgundy, Fume Blanc

Question 4

What temperature should a light-medium bodied white wine be served at? Give two examples.

Answer 4

• Chilled: 7-10 C (45-50 F)

- New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet, Fino Sherry, Pinot Grigio

Question 5

What temperature should a sweet wine, like Sauternes or Eiswein, be served at?

Answer 5

Well chilled: 6-8 C (43-45 F)

Question 6

What temperature should a sparkling wine be served at?

Answer 6

Well chilled: 6-10 C (43-50 F)

Question 7

What temperature should a light-bodied red wine be served at? Give two examples.

Answer 7

• Lightly chilled: 13 C (55 F)

- Beaujolais, Valpolicella

Question 8

What temperature should a medium/full bodied red wine be served at? Give three examples.

Answer 8

• Room temperature: 15-18 C (59-64 F)

- Red Bordeaux, Rioja, Australian Shiraz, C-d-P, Barolo, Amarone, Vintage Port

Question 9

Describe the difference between a Vacuum System and a Blanket System for wine-preservation

Answer 9

• Vacuum system: oxygen is removed from the bottle and the bottle is re-sealed.
• Blanket system: the wine is “blanketed” with an inert gas that is heavier than oxygen, which forms a protective layer between the wine and the air.