When it comes to wine, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions out there that can leave even the most experienced connoisseurs needing clarification on their facts.
From beliefs surrounding certain types of wines’ ageability to ideas on pairing white and red with different meals, everyone has heard something about wine at one time or another – but which information is here-say and what is fact?
If you’re looking for answers, then this blog post is for you as we debunk 8 common myths about wine by exploring the science behind them, answering questions like ‘Does bottle shape really matter when aging’?, ‘Do I have to swallow all my Champagne bubbles?’, and more.
Read on for an insightful look into the world of wine!
Many people believe that drinking wine gives them headaches, and while this may be true to some extent, there are actually a few cunning tricks that can help you avoid the dreaded “wine-induced headache”.
Firstly, you can try not to drink too quickly! Drinking alcohol at a moderate pace helps you to keep track of how much you’re consuming and will prevent any sudden dizzy spells or – worse still – hangovers.
Additionally, certain wines – such as sparkling wines and rosés – contain high levels of tannin; a compound that can contribute to migraines, so be sure to know your facts during the next trip to the winery.
Last but definitely not least are the amount of sulphites present; these are naturally occurring compounds designed to preserve shelf life but can lead to headaches when consumed in excess.
The good news is that with just a few simple tweaks and being aware of your limits, you should enjoy glasses of wine without ever having to worry about a headache again!
One of the most common wine myths debunked is that expensive bottles are always better than their cheaper counterparts. Depending on who you ask, this myth may or may not hold true, but there is evidence to suggest otherwise.
In fact, extensive studies have found that more expensive wines do not necessarily mean tastier wines. Factors like personal preference come into play, and plenty of reasonably-priced wines offer superb flavor experiences just as any pricier bottle might.
Next time you’re out shopping for bottles for your next dinner party, remember that the best option is only sometimes the most expensive!
One of the biggest myths is that white wine must be served cold and red wine must be served at room temperature. In truth, there is a range of temperatures in which both whites and reds can improve in quality.
Particularly with white wines, serving them too cold can mute the subtle nuances of their flavor that make them so distinctive in the first place, while for reds, serving them too warm can make them appear insipid and flat.
Optimal temperatures for white wines ideally range between 40–50°F (4.4-10°C), and for red wines, between 50–65°F (10-18.3°C). By ensuring you serve your wines at their correct temperature, you will likely experience greater pleasure on your palate!
Nowadays, when discussing red wine, Fitness Centers and gyms alike tout the magical effects of resveratrol, a substance in the delicious drink that has been said to promote weight loss.
In response to this seeming miracle, we shudder to think what would happen if we overindulge: That can’t be healthy…right? The good news is that moderate wine consumption won’t make you fat or add pounds to the scale.
You still have to practice moderation because resveratrol isn’t enough to override the unhealthy produced by alcohol. So if you want an occasional glass of wine for its taste and scent, go for it! Just remember to enjoy it responsibly and balance it out with some healthy dishes too.
One of the biggest myths about wine is that it’s full of sugar. This could not be further from the truth! In fact, many wines have a surprisingly low sugar content or are completely sugar-free.
From innovative winemakers adding new flavors to their wines by reducing and manipulating residual sugars to healthier options like organic, vegan or low-calorie concoctions – wine can fit into any diet and lifestyle.
You may even be able to find a delicious dessert wine that is made with all-natural ingredients and sans refined sugar. The key is to research and find the right brand for you –– because, often, the stories behind wines are just as sweet as the grapes they’re made with.
This is a popular belief, but the truth is far more nuanced. Not all wines get better with age; many should be consumed as soon as they’re available to achieve peak flavor.
Light-bodied and young wines like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc can generally be enjoyed immediately after purchase. On the other hand, if you have a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon that’s aged for 8 or 10 years – you’ll find yourself enjoying an entirely different bouquet of flavors than fresh Cabernet.
Similarly, for special occasions when only the finest will do (like birthdays or anniversaries!), high-quality sparkling wines deserve to be matured for 3 to 5 years so that the flavor can properly develop. So while it’s true some wines benefit from age, plenty of great ones are ready for immediate consumption.
Many wine connoisseurs like to think a silver spoon is essential to maintain the fizziness of a fine sparkling white or rosé, however, this is one of the biggest myths about wine. With proper temperature control and premium champagne stoppers, you’ll keep your bubbles bubbling far longer than with any silverware.
In fact, when dealing with perishable food items such as sparkling wines, it’s best practice to keep metals away from them since chemicals from the metal could leach into your drink. So next time you open a bottle of champagne or other carbonated red–try using stoppers instead of fancy cutlery!
Despite the myth that wine in a box is of lower quality than bottled wine, experts agree this is untrue. Modern technology has advanced to the point where bulk fermentation in a box can yield wines with as much complexity, structure and flavor a bottle of wine.
Since many people are turning to box wine due to its cost-effectiveness, it’s important to note that losing taste isn’t part of the deal – if you choose wisely!
There are hundreds of quality options on store shelves, so don’t let outdated beliefs stop you from investing in wholesome, delicious, affordable wines.
One of the biggest myths about wine is that old wine is always better- nothing could be further from the truth. While, in some cases, aging can help improve a its flavor, there is no guarantee that it will get better.
In fact, most wines peak shortly after bottling, and many are meant to be enjoyed young. It all depends on the type of grape used, where it was grown, the aging process and many other factors.
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your wine, make sure you know what you’re buying and look for recommendations from an expert who understands the nuances of specific vintages and varietals.
One of the biggest myths about wine is that “legs”—the slow-moving and symmetrical streams of liquid that form inside a tasting glass—are a sign of high-quality wine. This myth is based only superficially on visible characteristics but overlooks something far more important: aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.
The legs are actually caused by alcohol content or glycerin molecules in the wine, which has little to do with the quality or taste. If it helps you feel more comfortable when tasting wine, pay attention to how visible characteristics such as legs can be part of your process, but remember to take them with a grain of salt.
After all, aroma and flavor should always be key components in your evaluation, together forming much more accurate conclusions about whether a particular bottle is good.
After examining a few of these common myths about wine, it is clear that a lot of generalizations have been made up over time. Even if any of these myths carry a shred of truth, they are usually very limited in their application and should be taken with a grain of salt.
Wine has many facets, and we may never truly understand this beverage’s mysterious depths. To best appreciate what wine offers, one must have an open mind and explore various styles, vintages, grapes, regions, and all the little nuances that set each glass apart from others.
So let’s raise our glasses one last time and allow our palates to explore this magnificent drink for what it is – an incredible journey into flavor!
