We all have heard that red wine is always served at room temperature or that white wines cannot age. Statements of this type fuel rumors and popular beliefs that in many cases lack a scientific basis or are simply false.
Today, we debunk these and other myths so that you can enjoy wine without unfounded prejudices.
1. Red wine is drunk at room temperature.
The ideal temperature for red wine is between 12 and 18 ºC, depending on whether it is a younger and lighter wine, a medium-aged wine or a full-bodied wine. Therefore, the “room temperature” will depend a lot on the area where we live and the time of year. With this in mind, we absolutely do not recommend drinking a glass of red wine at room temperature in July.
Serving red wine at the right temperature is important so that the wine can show all its aromas and flavors. A wine that is too cold will be harsh and dull, while a wine that is too warm will accentuate its acidity and alcohol.
2. White wine cannot age
Although young white wines dominate the market, there are white wines with very good aging capacity. Good acidity slows down the oxidative process and body and structure improve the aging potential. White wines that have these characteristics can age very well in barrels, even for years.
3. If a wine has sediment, it has gone bad
Sediment are essentially solid particles of remnants of grape skin or pulp or tartrate crystals. Contrary to what it may seem, finding these sediments in a glass of wine is not bad and, in fact, is an indicator of its quality. Its presence is a sign of the aging and maturation process of the wine. However, some people prefer to decant it to avoid noticing its texture.
4. Corks are better for wine than screw caps
Both options provide different advantages to wine. On the one hand, cork, being porous, allows the wine to breathe gradually and facilitates its aging and development of complex flavors. On the other hand, the screw cap provides an airtight seal that maintains freshness and prevents contamination.
If we evaluate other aspects, cork stands out for being a biodegradable material and having a long tradition and prestige. However, the screw cap is more practical and does not require the use of a corkscrew.
Therefore, both options are good depending on the characteristics of the wine and the consumer’s preferences.
5. The more expensive, the better the wine.
The price is not always an indicator of the quality of a wine. In fact, there are excellent wines at affordable prices. In many cases, the price of a wine is determined by factors such as region, grape or marketing, but this does not automatically make them better than those with lower prices.