Wine is a deliciously rich and aromatic beverage that’s consumed by millions of people throughout the world. However, the unique qualities and properties of wine frequently raises questions among drinkers. Some people brush these questions under the table, while others seek to know the answers. In this post, we’re going to reveal answers to 5 of the most common wine questions.
#1 – What Does It Mean When a Glass of Wine Has Legs?
If you’ve worked in the restaurant business or been around wine for any given length of time, you’ve probably heard of someone referring to their wine as having legs. Obviously, the wine isn’t going to stand up and walk away, so what the heck does this mean? The ‘legs’ of wine refers to its consistency when the glass is lightly shaken. If the wine sticks to the sides of the glass and slowly slides down, it’s referred to as legs. This is a sign that it was made well and not watered down.
#2 – Why Do Some Wines Cause Flushing?
Another common question is why certain wines cause flushing. People who are prone to flushing may develop redness in the face and upper body after drinking a glass of wine. The reason for this isn’t because of the compounds found in the wine, but instead it’s from the alcohol content. Some people don’t have enough of the enzymes necessary to break down and metabolize alcohol; therefore, they develop a temporary red flushing that usually lasts for half an hour or so. Although some people are self-conscious of flushing, it’s completely normal and should cause no reason for concern.
#3 – What’s The Difference Between Red and White Wines?
Contrary to what some people may believe, the difference between the two wine varieties isn’t the type of grapes used in their production but rather how they are produced. In the production of red wine, the skins of the grapes are left in during the fermentation stage. When white wine is being produced, the skins are filtered out. This is the primary difference which separates the white and red wine varieties.
#4 – What Are Tannins?
Tannins are a type of organic compound that’s found in grape seeds, skins, stems, oak barrels and bark. Tannins play an important role in creating rich, flavorful wine. If the content of tannins is too high, it will result in a bitter flavor that most people dislike. On the other hand, if the tannins are too low, the wine won’t age properly, increasing the chance of spoilage. There’s a fine line that winemakers must identify in order to create delicious wine.
#5 – Should I Decant Wine?
Decanters are vessels used to hold wine before pouring it into a glass. They are oftentimes disregarded as non-essential items, but they decanters actually offer a few key benefits. For starters, they help to remove sediments form the wine. Tiny particles of grape skins, seeds and stems will settle to the bottom of a bottle, but thankfully using a decanter helps to remove them. Decanters also help to aerate the wine by allowing more oxygen to travel through.
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Allie is a writer for Wine Refrigerator Now, the best place to check out online for qualitty built-in refrigerators and more!
