Whether you enjoy a glass of wine at home with friends, in a restaurant or in a tasting room, correct wine etiquette makes the tasting experience much more enjoyable. Good taste dictates that tasting and drinking of wine requires certain formalities. These tips are very helpful especially when you are invited to a party of wine connoisseurs as you may bring a bottle of vintage or just a good wine in the unique wine bottle holder from Metal Imagination and you will also know how to give a bottle of wine and etiquette of tasting and drinking wine.
Etiquette for a glass of wine with dinner won’t be an unnecessarily difficult ordeal if to remember several useful tips to follow the customs of wine service. Before starting to speak about wine dinner etiquette and wine restaurant etiquette, it is important to know the main rules of tasting wine. First of all, when holding your glass, make sure to grip the stem. If you hold the wine glass by the bowl, your hand will heat the wine and this could change the flavor. Even the smallest details can change the flavor of wine. So make sure you don't wear any strong smelling perfumes, avoid eating heavily flavored foods such as curries and don't smoke. All these things will limit the flavors you'll taste in a wine gifts and could mask or interfere with the bouquet.
When you are at a restaurant, you should stick to restaurant wine etiquette. When choosing a wine from a restaurant's wine list, the main goal is to accomplish a combination of your meal with wine. You may ask a waiter or a sommelier what wines compliment your dish and say whether you prefer full-bodied wines or wines from a specific region. After ordering, your selection will be presented label forward, to the host of the party to verify it is the correct wine. A small amount will then be poured for the host. Swirl the wine in the glass, smell, then taste it to make sure the wine is not spoiled and is not an opportunity to send back a sound wine that you are not crazy about. After approval, the wine will be poured clockwise to the right, ladies first and the host's glass will be topped last.
Etiquette for glass of wine with diner requires making sure that your guests are comfortable with the process. Never pour wine for guests immediately after opening - allow wine time to breathe at room temperature. In order to make sure that the wine is sound and unspoiled sample small amount away from company. If more than one wine is served, make sure that they are poured in a logical progression. Start with light white wines in the same way you do in a tasting room; next move onto the red wines as reds have a heavier body than whites. If you are having a simple party, have cheeses that will bring out the flavor of the wine. Finish off the evening with a sweet dessert wine and make sure you choose a dessert that will compliment it.
Wine carries with it a classic appeal are terrific when used at a wine party at your home. For special occasions, buy custom wine gifts that are fit for the occasion. You can browse through our products and locate any items that will accessorize well with your home.
One more very important thing to take into account when serving your guests is sediment at the bottom of a bottle that is usual with older wines. The last person who fills the glass should always be a host, but still keep in mind to avoid the embarrassing instance of sediment that may appear in your glass if you are not careful. With these tips you are prepared for the majority of social situations that involve wine gifts and will always know how to give a bottle of wine and etiquette of treating guests if the dinner takes place at your home.
You may enjoy an occasional glass of wine. It is used on many festive occasions to raise a toast, or to enhance a fine meal. But are you aware that wine can also be beneficial to your health? It's really true. Medical studies have revealed a lot of health benefits of drinking wine, especially if it’s a dry red one.
You have probably heard about the 'French Paradox'. This finding concerns wine and health and shows that the French have a lower incidence of coronary disease as we find in the United States, despite the rich, high fat foods found in French cuisine. Many experts attribute this to the regular consumption of wine in the French diet.
So what are the heath benefits of drinking wine and health benefits of red wine in particular? Some wine and health medical studies have shown that an occasional glass of wine can reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke. Moderate wine consumption can reduce the risk of death by cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer.
Studies are still being conducted on whether or not red wine gifts positive health benefits. Wine contains flavanoids, anti-oxidants that help to prevent free-radicals from damaging cells. One in particular helps to prevent hardening of the arteries. Wine also contains a substance called resveratrol. This substance has been shown to boost the immune system, block cancer, and protect against cardiovascular diseases.
These substances are found in all wines, but there are more in red wine than in white wine, that is why we are speaking particularly about red wine health benefits. With red wines, the grapes are pressed, and the juice sits for a while with the grape skins and stems still present. Because of this, the grape juice has a chance to leach more of the flavanoids and resveratrol from the grape skins. So, red wines will have a higher concentration of anti-oxidants than white.
If you drink wine for health reasons, you should be aware of the best wines to drink. A study by a team of researchers from the University of California - Davis measured the antioxidant levels of a variety of red wines. As a general rule of thumb, the sweeter the wine, the fewer the flavanoids. The best reds to drink are Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah, and Pinot Noir. Merlots and Red Zinfandels are less potent than the other three wines but still have some benefits.
Despite all the heath benefits of red wine, the important thing to remember is that red wine is good in moderation – it only takes a small amount of red wine to see the health benefits – one or two glasses of wine per day. A glass is typically four ounces, so a 'home measure' of wine in most cases is probably more than enough. Now, if you have started to love red wine even more than before, don’t forget to buy our unique metal wine bottle holders from a wide selection available online at Metal Imagination.
It is a general misconception that wine tasting is essentially just sipping, swishing and swallowing. As a mater of fact, there is definitely an artistic skill of wine tasting that will take years of studied practice to master. The artistry of wine tasting is employed to differentiate fine wines and relied on trained artistic judgment, often acquired over many years. Nevertheless, you can start your wine tasting career just right now as if the wine is stored properly and aged correctly, wine tasting can be a beautiful experience for amateurs as well.
Learning basics of wine tasting is a straightforward adventure that will deepen your appreciation for both wines and winemakers. The fundamental goal of wine tasting is to discover which types of wines you absolutely enjoy as well as the ones that don't exactly suit you as there really is no right or wrong when it comes to wine. Basics of wine tasting are not very difficult to remember and include three basic principles of the art of a wine judging - observing, smelling, and finally tasting. Expanding from our wine tasting tips you will learn how to taste wines like the pros in no time!
First before tasting a wine, make sure that it is a true wine glass and not a champagne glass or any other type. You can easily distinguish a wine glass from others by noticing that it bends inwards. This is to prevent you from spilling when you swirl the wine and to concentrate the delightful aromas straight to the nose. You should always start with a clean and crystal clear wine glass whether it comes to tasting or drinking wine.
Now remember have you ever been in a restaurant and noticed someone holding up a glass of wine to stare at it? Believe it or not, this is an important step because it gives you some insight on the age of the wine. Then take a good look at the wine. Tilt the glass away from you and check out the color of the wine from the rim edges to the middle of the glass. Hold the glass up into the light or against a white background. Generally, white wines that are young in age will range from a pale yellow to more of rich amber, whereas red wines gradually lose their color and become more pale as they age. Then tilt your glass a bit, give it a little swirl to see the wine’s opacity, whether it has sediment or bits of cork.
The quality of wine can be also judged by its smell and it is a significant part of wine tasting process. Our sense of taste is very closely linked to our sense of smell. So after you've swirled the wine a few times, place your nose right over the rim of the glass and take a nice deep breathe. You may be able to distinguish the various fruits such as berries, apples, citrus, to hints of herbs and spices. This initial aroma may also be followed up with a more smoky, toasty scent which is due to the way wine gets fermented and aged in oak barrels.
Finally, you can take a taste. Start with a small sip and let it roll around your tongue. Keep in mind that we are tasting so no big gulps! Before you swallow, let the wine slide across your tongue a few times, try and take in all the different flavors that are present. There are some basic elements you'll notice right away with any wine: whether it is tart or sweet; whether the alcohol hits you right away; whether it is nice and smooth or packs a punch. A well balanced wine will be somewhere in the middle for these types of characteristics. You can swallow the wine at this point and take note of any lingering tastes. If you are vineyards, you will notice that there are containers to spit out the wine after it is tasted so don't be shy if you have no wish to swallow the wine.
After you have taken the time to taste your wine, you might record some of your impressions. Did you like the wine overall? Was it sweet, sour or bitter? How was the wine's acidity? Was it well balanced? Does it taste better with cheese, bread or a heavy meal? Will you buy it again? It is important to choose the wine that you truly enjoy rather than be influenced by others. After all, no one will know what you like better than yourself. With the help of our wine tasting tips you can try as many varieties of wine as you can.
As you become more experienced, your mouth and tongue will lead you to the perfect bottle that suits you. Moreover, with the help of wine tasting parties you can find out your friends wine preference and choose the right bottle of wine as a gift. And at Metal Imagination you will find the wide selection of unique metal wine bottle holders to make your gift really unique. Happy wine tasting!
One of the most popular and important beverages in the world is undoubtedly wine. Wine has an important role in ceremonies, rituals, events and celebrations. Worldwide culture, society, geographical conditions and other factors allowed countries to make their own kinds of wine. As a result, a lot of wine varieties have emerged from all over the world. However, all these wines are classified into a handful of types.
White wine connoisseurs can find hundreds of types of white wines around the world. You can find various types of white wine including types of dry white wines and sweet white wines. Nevertheless all types of amber wine gifts have one common feature: all types of white wine are basically made of fermented grape juice. The liquid is not white but clear in appearance. The flavors, textures and aromas of all types of white wines will depend upon the appellation, the type of grapes, the vintage and the wine making styles of a winemaker.
The most-purchased types of white wines are chardonnays. Chardonnay contains fruity tastes mixed in with hints of vanilla. Pinot Blanc types of amber wine are often compared to chardonnay, containing tastes of apple and spice when you drink it. Another kind of white wine is Chennin Blanc. It is made from the variety of grapes that grow in France’s Loire Valley, in South Africa and in California. Chennin Blanc can range from dry to very sweet. Depending on the time of harvest, this kind of white wine may taste like apple, melon, line or pear with a tinge of vanilla and honey.
Pinot Grigio has the flavor of melon and pear; it also has a subtle fruity taste and often has an undertone of honey. Pinot Grigio is pale, almost straw like in color. Riesling is also one of the most famous types of dry white wines. Riesling grape is grown predominantly in Germany, and has a fruity taste. It is a joy of white wine and more than nearly any other white wine, it has the potential to age over long periods of time and transform into a truly noble specimen – on a pare with even a red Bordeaux. Among this variety of white wines types you will definitely find the one you will really like and unique metal wine bottle holders from Metal Imagination will be the perfect addition to your coming wine party.
One of the most important things to take into consideration when serving a wine is the right temperature. If wine is served at the wrong temperature it could severely hinder the taste and experience of the drink. Do you know how to serve a wine with the right temperature so that the wine would gain a balance and a taste that is unmatched? If you want to find out how to serve a red wine or how to serve a white wine, at Metal Imagination you can find the answers on all your questions.
If you want to know how to serve a red wine, just remember that it must be slightly below room temperature or around 67-68 degrees Fahrenheit. When red wine is served too warm, it develops a strong alcohol taste and the real taste of wine is all but vanquished. Now let’s find out how to serve a white wine. White wines are served best just slightly below 50 degrees and when cooled properly it has a fresh clean fruit flavor that seems to be full of life. If white wine is chilled incorrectly, it will taste weak and lifeless with dulled and faded flavor.
So, how to serve a bottle of wine at the right temperature in order to keep its unique flavor? Most of us usually put it in the freezer for 10 minutes, but please, don’t kill your wine by freezing it unless you really want to see the entire odor wave on its way out the door. You should fill the ice bucket with water and ice and submerge the bottle of wine into the bucket just to the base of the neck. Red wine should be chilled in the ice bucket for about 15-16 minutes and white wines – between 20-25 minutes and should be served immediately upon opening.
Another easy and helpful way to chill wine to the right temperature is to have a wine cellar. You can get a wine cellar for a few hundred dollars that can hold about 24 bottle of wine. On a wine cellar you can set the temperature of the wine gifts to the exact temperature you wish to store it and when you are ready to serve it, simply uncork and enjoy.
A very important tool to have, especially when you are entertaining guests, is a long probe wine thermometer that should be insert to the uncorked bottle of wine to see how the wine is close to being ready to serve it. Whether you prefer a red or white wine, now you know how to serve a bottle of wine at the right temperature. And at Metal Imagination you will find unique wine bottle holders in order to make your wine not only taste well, but also have an original look.
Wine is one of the most popular beverages all over the world, the tipple of gods, kings and real connoisseurs. Wine is made as a result of the special process called winemaking or vinification. The process of winemaking is long and complicated and can be accomplished only by professional winemakers with special equipment. Winemaking technology includes everything: from the choice of the grapes to bottling of the finished product. Even though, steps of winemaking are approximately the same, winemaking technology can vary in different countries and can be divided to French winemaking, Chilean winemaking, Italian winemaking, winemaking in the UK, etc.
Winemaking starts during the time of harvest when grapes are selected and placed in containers. After harvesting, the grapes are crushed to squeeze out the juice and then are left for some time to ferment. The winemaking technology of red and white wines also differs. If red wine is desired, the skins are left to soak in the juice for a while so that the wine would take the skin’s color. In order to make white wine, the juice is extracted with minimal contact from the grape skin. After these first steps of winemaking, comes the primary fermentation stage that usually takes around one to two weeks while yeast transforms majority of the sugars in the grape juice to ethanol, which is alcohol.
According to winemaking technology, the resulting liquid is then transferred to several vessels for secondary fermentation when the remaining sugar is slowly converted to alcohol and the wine gets clearer in color. Sweet wines are created by allowing some residual sugar to remain before or after fermentation or by adding another alcoholic beverage to kill the yeast before fermentation is completed. Some amount of the wine is then placed in oak barrels to age before bottling that adds aromas to the wine. Most of the wines, however, are placed inside bottles and shipped right away that can be opened starting from after a few months for Beaujolias nouveau wines to twenty years for top wines. It is important to note though that only a small percentage of wines will be tastier after five years, compared to after one year.
Despite the basic process of winemaking, the quality of grapes and the target wine style can force winemakers to combine or omit a step or two. Also, some wines of similar quality are made using other approaches to their production and the origin of a raw product effects the winemaking considerably. For example, the French winemaking is unique as the French believe that the making of wine gifts is more of an art than a science. Each maker is able to add their own personal touch or special method that makes their wine unique; whereas in Italy wine is regarded as a liquid food to be mass produced. There is a wide variety of French wines, the characteristics of each being determined by the type of soil, the climate, the grape variety, the type of fermentation and great amount of other factors, including the 'terroir'. The great French wines include the reds of Burgundy and Bordeaux, Beaujolais, the great whites of Alsace and the Loire, not mentioning the Champagne and Chardonnay sparkling wines.
Europe is the oldest winemaking area in the world, however Chilean winemaking now ranks with the best wines Europe and America can produce. The Spanish conquistadors are responsible for winemaking in Chile. Finding the areas around what they named Santiago to be fertile and of the right climate for growing grapes, they started the industry in order to produce their sacramental wine. This continued through the ages, with local farmers following suit and expanding the Chilean winemaking industry and in the nineteenth century when Chilean wines seriously competed with European wines on the open market. The Chilean wines are based mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon, and Chardonnay grapes, and others are Riesling Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Syrah and the list of classic grapes goes on and on.
Whether you prefer Chilean or French winemaking products, whether you are a red or white, dry or sweet wines connoisseur, at Metal Imagination you will always find a perfect wine bottle holder to make your bottle of wine a perfect gift for any occasion. On our website you will find unique wine bottle holders that feature sports figures, occupations and figures engaged in hobbies and recreational activities, etc.
While many wines can readily be bought in a wine shop at affordable prices, there are also wines that are quite expensive – vintage wines. Vintage ink wine is more than just a beverage, because lots of efforts were devoted to the creation of a wine than simply mixing it up and bottling it.
Vintage is another method of classifying wines. A vintage ink wine is made from grapes grown in a single specific year. Vintage wine bottles are dated accordingly to the particular year. This suggests that vintage wine rating is very high, and consequently vintage wines are rather expensive. The flavor of vintage wines is very good. However, it can be improved within age if the wines are properly stored. Wine collectors, traders and enthusiasts save good vintage wine bottles for future consumption. This allows the wines to age, giving them a better, sharper flavor.
To ensure the fine quality present in vintage wines, the best quality grapes are harvested and used. The wine-making technique is undertaken with great care. This makes vintage wine rating higher and, hence, vintage wines more expensive than non-vintage ones. Vintage wine gifts are usually the flagship or leading wine of a wine producer.
Vintage wines are made in a single batch so each bottle of wine will retain the same taste. However, several factors such as a region’s climate can significantly alter the character of the wine. As a result, different vintages from the same vineyard can be varied in flavor and quality.
In the US there are specific regulations about what wines can be labeled vintage. This helps customers to ensure that they are getting true vintage wine. In order a wine being labeled as vintage with the country of origin, 95% of grapes used in a wine must come from the same year. Without the country of origin on the label, the wine must contain 85% of grapes harvested in the same year.
These are the basic characteristics that set vintage wine apart from other wines and why vintage wines are more expensive than other wines on the market. Taking into consideration this information, you may be sure to get what you pay for when buying a wine. And at Metal Imagination you will find the comprehensive selection of unique metal wine bottle holders that will perfectly fit any special event and wine.