Do you know what common wine etiquette is?

Wine etiquette is an integral part of Western culinary culture. It not only demonstrates respect for others but also demonstrates personal taste and refinement.

Mastering basic wine etiquette can enhance your confidence and presence, whether at a formal banquet, a business dinner, or a casual drink with friends.

Knowing some common and common wine etiquette will help you navigate most situations without feeling nervous.

I. Serving Temperature: The Key to Flavor

Serving temperature is a crucial factor influencing wine flavor. Different types of wine require different serving temperatures to fully showcase their characteristics.

Dry red wines are generally best served between 16-18°C. Too high a temperature can overpower the alcohol and mask the fruity aromas, while too low a temperature can make the tannins appear astringent and seal off the aromas.

White and sparkling wines should be chilled to 8-12°C to enhance their refreshing acidity and fruitiness.

II. Opening Techniques: The First Step to Elegance

When opening a bottle, use a professional corkscrew, applying gentle, steady movements.

First, use a knife to remove the tinfoil seal from the bottle. Then, insert the corkscrew's corkscrew vertically into the center of the cork. Gently rotate the corkscrew until it is fully inserted. Then, using the lever's action, gently remove the cork, avoiding any harsh noises or breakage.

For sparkling wine, be especially careful when opening the bottle: first, remove the tinfoil, loosen the wire cage, and firmly grasp the cork with your palm. Gently twist the bottle, not the cork, to control the air pressure inside the bottle and allow the cork to withdraw slowly, avoiding splashing.

III. Pouring: Respect in the Details

When pouring, hold the bottle by the bottom or underside, with the label facing the guest.

Don't overfill. For red wine, generally fill the glass one-third full, for white wine one-half, and for sparkling wine, two-thirds full, leaving ample space for the aroma to accumulate.

After each glass, gently swirl the bottle to prevent dripping. When pouring wine for others, serve elders, ladies, or the guest of honor first, and only pour for yourself last.

IV. Holding and Swirling the Glass: Unleashing Flavor

The correct way to hold a glass is by the stem or base. This not only maintains the temperature of the wine, but also makes it easier to observe the wine's color and swirl the glass.

When swirling the glass, use gentle, circular motions to allow the wine to air out and release more aroma. However, avoid excessive movements to avoid splashing.

V. Wine Tasting Steps: The Art of the Senses

When tasting wine, the usual sequence is "look, smell, taste." First, observe the wine's color, clarity, and viscosity, which can provide clues to the vintage, variety, and winemaking process.

Next, bring the glass close to your nose and gently inhale the aroma. Finally, sip the wine, letting it rest in your mouth for a moment to appreciate its acidity, tannins, body, and finish. After tasting, you can quietly express your appreciation or politely share your personal feelings, but avoid overly subjective criticism.

VI. Toasting and Drinking: Social Etiquette

When toasting, make eye contact and hold your glass slightly lower than the rim of an elder or distinguished guest's glass to show respect.

When clinking glasses, gently clink them with the belly of the glass to avoid excessive force that could break them.

When drinking, sip slowly and never gulp down the entire glass. Maintain pleasant conversation throughout the conversation, but avoid loud conversation or excessive urging.

VII. Food and Wine Pairing: Enhancing Flavor

Food and wine pairing is an extension of wine etiquette.

The basic principle is "red wine with red meat, white wine with white meat." That is, red wine pairs well with rich dishes like beef and lamb, where its tannins cut through the fat. White wine is suitable for fish, poultry, or lighter dishes. With its full body and aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant, along with subtle hints of smoke and spice, Latour Carmel's dry red wine is ideal with grilled steak, lamb chops, or a cheese platter, elevating the overall dining experience.

VIII. Storage: Ensuring Quality

Finally, wine storage etiquette also requires careful attention.

Unopened wine should be stored flat in a cool, dark, and stable environment, avoiding vibration and sudden temperature changes.

After opening, red wines can generally be recorked and refrigerated for 2-3 days, but the flavor will gradually diminish, so it is recommended to enjoy it as soon as possible.

IX. About Latour Carmel

Originating from the Seine River on the Île de la Cité in Bordeaux, France, Latour Carmel is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Aged in traditional oak barrels, it exhibits the quintessential "Old World" wine style: firm structure, fine-grained tannins, complex aromas of black cherry, cedar, and vanilla, and a long, elegant finish. This wine is not only suitable for everyday drinking but is also often enjoyed at celebrations and fine dining, making it an excellent choice for practicing wine etiquette. Latour Carmel Chevalier is undoubtedly a premium choice for a wonderful wine etiquette experience.

The core of wine etiquette lies in respecting the wine, the person, and the occasion.

By mastering these fundamental details, we can better enjoy the pleasure and cultural connotations of wine, and better understand and appreciate this drink steeped in rich culture and history.

More importantly, it demonstrates respect and courtesy towards others, as well as our own upbringing and character.