How to organize a wine tasting at home

• Prepare the wine before tasting

The wine preparation begins several hours before the moment of the tasting. You should place the bottles upright 24 hours before so that the suspended particles are deposited at the bottom of the bottle. 

The use of a decanter is not mandatory, but experts in the field consider that decanting improves and enhances the qualities of the wine. Decanting consists in passing the wine contained in the bottle into a decanter, so that the wine particles, common in lightly filtered wines, are separated. In addition, this process oxidizes the wine, makes it "breathe" and releases its aromas. Alternatively, open the bottle a few hours before serving, so that it aerates, opens its bouquet and improves the taste.

•  Serve the wine at the right temperature

The temperature of a wine directly influences its taste and aroma, thus altering the tasting experience. Its ideal temperature depends simultaneously on the type of pairing, i.e., the type of food that the wine will accompany. 

Red wine: In summer, this type of wine should be served cooler than usual: between 59 ºF and 60,8 ºF when it is a young type of wine, and from 60,8 ºF onwards when it is a more complex red wine. Red wine goes perfectly with grilled chicken, beef or beef steaks.

White wine: Should always be served cold. The younger qualities between 48,2 ºF and 53,6 ºF and the more full-bodied and complex ones between 53,6 ºF and 55,4 ºF. This type of wine goes well with salads, grilled fish dishes, and white meats. Rosé wine: It should be served cold, at about 48,2 ºF. It goes well with salads, grilled fish, white meat, sushi, and seafood. 

Sparkling wine: Should be served between 42,8 ºF and 48,2 ºF. It goes well with fish and consistent meats - harmonizing by contrast, as it cuts the fat; with common dishes such as steaks, pizzas, and pasta, and also with desserts. The gas bubbles wash the palate between bites. 

Tip: Keep wine bottles cooler for longer with cooling sleeves or place them in a wine cooler.

• Present the wine in the most appropriate glasses

Each type of wine should be served in the right glass.

Red wine should be served in a glass that offers space to breathe. Thus, we suggest this Set of wine glasses - Italesse, of an extraordinary elegance and resistance. We also suggest this Set of glasses for red wine - Alessi which promises to satisfy wine lovers with its rounded shapes, thin and crystalline glass. 

To serve white wine, choose "tulip" shaped glasses (narrower) so that the aromas of the wine stand out. This shape also helps preserve the low temperature at which the wine should be tasted, thus enhancing its aroma and acidity. The most suitable glasses to drink white wine belong to the Mami XL - Alessi range or to the Dressed transparent glasses set - Alessi. 

Rosé wine has the tannins of red wines and the aromas of white wines. For this reason, rosé should be served in a small glass but wide to accentuate the wine's acidity and balance its sweetness. Serve your favorite rosé in Masterclass 48 transparent - Italesse or Tiburòn Large transparent - Italesse glasses.

Finally, sparkling wine should be served in a tall and narrow glass like a flute to bring out its full depth. Its qualities will be savored to their fullest when served in Tiburòn Gran Cru transparent glasses - Italesse, Balloon transparent - Italesse or in an Etoilé Sparkle set - Italesse.

• Serving sequence

 Respect the sequence in which the wines should be served, because the flavor or structure of a wine should never cancel out or overpower what will be served later. Use the following sequence:

• White wine → Red wine

• Dry wine → Sweet wine

• Light wine → Full-bodied wine

• Young wine → Old wine

• Be gentle when opening each bottle 

It is extremely important to handle the bottle carefully and not shake it before opening the wine. Also, avoid breaking the cork when removing it with the corkscrew. 

• Serve the right amount 

Choose a wine to start the tasting and serve a small amount at a time. When serving guests, do not overfill the glass. You should serve 1/3 of the glass capacity in white, rosé and red wines and 2/3 in sparkling wines.

• Serve water and snacks to cleanse the palate 

In order to savor each wine in its full splendor, it is important to cleanse the palate during the tasting. Serve water to hydrate and crackers to cleanse the palate. Cheese is an appetizer that goes very well with wine, however its richness in flavor can alter its taste. At the end of the wine tasting, serve a board with different cheeses for everyone to snack on.

• Share Appreciations

For a funnier moment, take notes of the different impressions of each tasting and share them with everyone. The success of a wine tasting doesn't depend only on choosing the right wines, but also the valuable interaction among all participants.

Organize your own wine tasting at home with light and fresh summer wines, like a real professional. Find at In & Out Cooking all the accessories you need for a moment full of flavor, aromas and lots of fun among friends!

Let yourself be inspired!