http://articles.dinnerwareandstemware.com/rss.xml A blog about dinnerwareandstemware.com daily 365 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://articles.dinnerwareandstemware.com/?a=35698 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>The last time you had a glass of wine did you take the time to taste it, savor the aroma, and even look at the color. Maybe not, but if you learn to taste wine properly you may find that you had never really experienced a glass of wine before.<br /><br />When you are given a glass of wine, the first thing you should do is look. The color of the wine can tell you a few secrets. In red wines the color lightens as it ages therefore the lighter color the better the taste. For white wines, the color will darken with age and the older the white wine gets the fewer flavors remains.<br /><br />After you have looked and examined the color the next step is to swirl the wine. Swirling is why wine testers pour only a couple of ounces in a glass. You gently swirl the wine around in the glass. The point of this is to aerate the wine, or let oxygen into the wine. The flavors and aroma will become stronger when you do this.<br /><br />The next step is to put your nose as close to the wine as possible and sniff. The first sniff is to smell for anything bad, or if the wine is past its prime. If you detect any sour or vinegar smell it is bad and then returns it for a fresh bottle. After you have found the first sniff okay swirl the wine slightly and take a long deep smell. You can now close your eyes and try to decipher the smells. Do you smell berry, oak, rose? With a little practice you will be able to soon decipher the smells and tell what kind of wine you have.<br /><br />The next step is to sip. This may sound easy but be sure to take your time. Take a slow sip but don't swallow yet! Slowly swish the wine around your mouth so all four taste buds on you tongue get a taste. Is it sweet, bitter, fruity? As you swallow part your lips and take a small breath in through your mouth. This allows you to taste what you smell! Is it dry or wet, sweet? As you swallow wait for the aftertaste. The longer the aftertaste the better the wine, is the aftertaste smooth and long lasting?<br /><br />At last stop and savor! Think about the flavor, was it fruity, woodsy, or sweet. Did the flavor linger or go away quickly? Was the smelly smooth or dry? Was the wine worth the money you paid for it?<br /><br />Now that you can taste wine properly there is only one more thing to know. Wine taste is about a matter of opinion. How do you know if the wine was good or bad? <br /><br />If you liked it then its good, if you didn't it's bad! Enjoy you're new talent!</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Stemware and Dinnerware at <a href="http://www.dinnerwareandstemware.com/">http://www.dinnerwareandstemware.com</a></p> 2006-09-09T18:55-04:00 http://articles.dinnerwareandstemware.com/?a=35697 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>As the next special occasion or holiday approaches why not give the gift of wine? Wine can make an excellent gift any time of the year. It is inexpensive yet has a sophistication and appeal which will be well received by the recipient. There are many ways to present wine as a gift and plenty of accessories that can be intertwined with your gift. <br /><br />A unique way to let that special someone knows you care is to personalize the bottle of wine. You can custom design labels, names and even messages to be printed on the wine bottle that will be a cherished gift for years to come. Even if your loved one is not a wine drinker the personal message label will make an excellent decoration and conversation piece in any home. With a bit of creativity in your message and design the bottle alone will be cherished. <br /><br />A great accessory to give with your bottle of wine is a corkscrew. There are elaborate designs available that will tell the person you give it to that you put a lot of thought and care into choosing their gift.<br /><br />For someone who is a bit of a wine connoisseur, there is the pocket vineyard. This glossary of wines includes vintage wine charts, and suggestions and ideas for pairing wine with food. It is a small handheld electronic device easily fitting in a pocket or purse. For the wine lover in your life it would be an unexpected and unique treat.<br /><br />Many local stores carry fine wines that make excellent gifts. You could have a pair of wine glasses etched with a special message and give it along with the bottle of wine. Even etching the names of your friends on their glasses would be a great gift for the couple you know who has everything.<br /><br />Wine is also a great gift for an employee to show you appreciate the time and effort they put into their work. A small basket of cheeses and chocolates will pair nicely with the gift.<br /><br />There are many places where you can get ideas on the proper wine to buy, from local stores to specialty shops. Even online there are plenty of sites where the gift of fine wine can be purchased. You can look online to find the best wine for a certain meal and put the ingredients with a recipe card in a basket to accompany the gift of wine. It is another unique way to present your gift.<br /><br />As the next holiday nears don't forget that special person in your life, impress them with a gift of wine. With so many ways to give a simple bottle of wine you can find the one that fits your style of giving best.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Stemware and Dinnerware at <a href="http://www.dinnerwareandstemware.com/">http://www.dinnerwareandstemware.com</a></p> 2006-09-09T18:52-04:00