Serving wine should be an enjoyable experience, not an intimidating one. In this section, Fox Hill answers your questions on serving wine. Learn everything you need to know about wine to be the perfect host! 

   Serving Temperatures and Decanting 
   The Right Glass 
   Keeping Wine Fresh 


SERVING TEMPERATURES AND DECANTING: 

Q: What is the recommended serving temperature of wine?

A: White and blush wines should be chilled to refrigerator temperature (45-50 degrees Fahrenheit). Red wines should be served at a “cool” room temperature of 55-65 degrees. If storing red wine in the refrigerator, remove at least an hour before serving to allow the wine to warm to room temperature before serving. 

The exception to this rule is Almaden Alfresco Red, which is best when served chilled. It’s important not to let wines become too cool—they will freeze at 24 degrees.

Q: What is “decanting,” and what wines benefit from being decanted? 

A: Decanting is a process that allows wine to “breathe;” in other words, it exposes wine to oxygen, helping release the brightest flavors in the wine. Often fuller-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will benefit from being decanted. To decant wine, pour it into an actual decanter or simply use a pitcher. Let the wine sit for about an hour before serving for optimum results. 


The Right Glass:   Top

Q: What is the best glass to serve with red wine, white wine and blush wine?

A: Red Wine 

Red wines are best served in a large wine glass with a full rounded bowl at the bottom. For red wine, the bowl of the glass must be larger in order to showcase the depth of wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Mountain Burgundy. This glass shape allows the wine to be exposed to more air, which lets it breathe more fully. When the wine can breathe, it brings out the complex flavors and aromas traditionally found in red wines. With the right glass, drinking your favorite red wine can be a rich, rewarding experience. 

A: White Wine 

White wines are best served in a tall, lean glass with a delicately curved bowl. White wines such as Chardonnay often express concentrated buttery fruit flavors with low amounts of acidity. This shape of glass ensures that the acid in the wine perfectly balances the alcohol and rich flavors, emphasizing the fruit and bringing about a long, creamy finish in the mouth. White wines such as Golden Chablis typically offer suggestions of honey and display a mineral character. This glass shape creates a balance between the attractive mineral character and the rich honey flavors of the wine. The perfect glass.

A: Blush Wine 

Blush or “Rosé” wines reflect the style of a white wine, but they are made using red grapes. Because they are in contact with the red grape skins for a short time, they take on a delicate pale pink color. Blush wines are best served in a glass with an unusual curved design and a narrower base. This glass shape accentuates the wine’s acidity, helping create a balance for the wine’s sweet character. At the same time, the distinct design emphasizes the ripe peach and apricot flavors often found in blush wines such as White Zinfandel, White Grenache or Mountain Rosé. The best glass shape ensures your wine will be the soft, sweet reward you desire your blush to be. 

Keeping Wine Fresh:    Top

Q: How should unopened wine be stored? 

A: Because wines are sensitive to light, air and heat, they need to be stored in a cool, damp, dark area away from sun or fluorescent light and away from constant vibration. Do not store in your refrigerator. Avoid exposing the wine to extreme temperature changes. Unopened bottles with corks should be stored on their side to prevent the cork from drying out and air from entering and spoiling the wine. Optimum storage temperature for a table wine is 53-59 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid extreme temperature changes.

Q: Are Almaden wines meant to be aged? 

A: As with most popular premium wines, Almaden wines are not meant to be aged; rather, Almaden wines are designed to be enjoyed when you purchase them. 

Q: What is the average shelf life for unopened wine?

A: Red wines have a minimum shelf life of about 10-12 months from the production date. White wines have a minimum shelf life of about 8-10 months from the production date. Blush wines have a minimum shelf life of about 6-8 months from the production date. Many wines will maintain their quality long past these dates; these are simply average shelf life estimates.

Q: How should wine that has been opened be stored? 


A: All opened wine will last longer if stored in the refrigerator. The wine’s flavors will deteriorate more quickly if not refrigerated after opening.

Q: What is the average shelf life for opened wine? 

A: Refrigerated wine in a bottle will retain its quality for about 30 days. Wine in a bottle stored at room temperature will last about 7-14 days. Boxed wines, refrigerated, will last about 2-6 weeks.