Over the years, many have spent countless nights, visiting the great wine bars in New York City. During this time, at these New York City wine bars, people have recounted numerous stories and facts, about wine. In this article, we'll discuss, the top 7 factoids any wine enthusiast should know. From the history of wine to a few of the common misconceptions surrounding wine, we'll cover a little bit of everything.
1. Not All Wine Ages Well With Time
One of, the biggest misconceptions, about wine, is that, all wine ages well with time. The truth is, most wines made, are immediately ready for drinking, and don't have a lot of potential for aging. There are only a handful of wines that will last past a decade.
2. Is There Proper Etiquette For Holding A Wine Glass?
Many people don't realize this, but there is a correct way and an incorrect way to hold your wine glass. A wine glass needs to be held at the stem and not at the bowl. The reason for this, is due to the fact, that heat from your hand will actually increase the temperature of wine in your glass.
3. Is Wine Good For You?
In the past few years, more and more scientific data suggests, that drinking wine moderately, on a normal basis, can lead to less risk of heart disease, stroke, gum disease, and Alzheimer's.
4. Did Wine Lead to Ancient Rome's Downfall?
Ancient Romans, made the discovery, that by adding lead into their wine, not only did it help keep it preserved, but it also made it taster sweeter, and gave it a better texture. One of the things, noted by many, as one of the causes, in the Roman's decline, was chronic lead poisoning.
5. Which Wine Goes With Which Food?
This is one people often get confused. Just remember, rich, heavy foods normally go well with rich, heavy wine; light food calls for lighter wine. Another tip to remember, red wines are normally paired with red meat and white wines are normally served with fish and white meats. Lastly, sweet wines go well with desserts.
6. Even King Tut Liked To Drink Wine
When King Tut's tomb was finally explored in 1922, they found wine jars buried alongside of him. Each of the jars had labels with the year, name of the person making the wine, and even comments on how the wine tasted. These labels were so specific, they would even meet the wine label laws, of many countries today.
7. Should Wine Be Stored Standing Up Or Sitting Down?
The answer is both...but it depends. Normally, wine is not stored in the upright position, Laying the wine on its side keeps the wine contacted with the cork. This prevents the cork from getting dried out, shrinking, or letting in air. If you're using an artificial cork, those previous reasons are no longer a concern and wine can safely be stored standing up.
Hopefully, this article on the top seven factoids any wine enthusiast should know, has taught you a few things when it comes to the subject of wine. Now go out, and have some wine tasting adventures of your own.
1. Not All Wine Ages Well With Time
One of, the biggest misconceptions, about wine, is that, all wine ages well with time. The truth is, most wines made, are immediately ready for drinking, and don't have a lot of potential for aging. There are only a handful of wines that will last past a decade.
2. Is There Proper Etiquette For Holding A Wine Glass?
Many people don't realize this, but there is a correct way and an incorrect way to hold your wine glass. A wine glass needs to be held at the stem and not at the bowl. The reason for this, is due to the fact, that heat from your hand will actually increase the temperature of wine in your glass.
3. Is Wine Good For You?
In the past few years, more and more scientific data suggests, that drinking wine moderately, on a normal basis, can lead to less risk of heart disease, stroke, gum disease, and Alzheimer's.
4. Did Wine Lead to Ancient Rome's Downfall?
Ancient Romans, made the discovery, that by adding lead into their wine, not only did it help keep it preserved, but it also made it taster sweeter, and gave it a better texture. One of the things, noted by many, as one of the causes, in the Roman's decline, was chronic lead poisoning.
5. Which Wine Goes With Which Food?
This is one people often get confused. Just remember, rich, heavy foods normally go well with rich, heavy wine; light food calls for lighter wine. Another tip to remember, red wines are normally paired with red meat and white wines are normally served with fish and white meats. Lastly, sweet wines go well with desserts.
6. Even King Tut Liked To Drink Wine
When King Tut's tomb was finally explored in 1922, they found wine jars buried alongside of him. Each of the jars had labels with the year, name of the person making the wine, and even comments on how the wine tasted. These labels were so specific, they would even meet the wine label laws, of many countries today.
7. Should Wine Be Stored Standing Up Or Sitting Down?
The answer is both...but it depends. Normally, wine is not stored in the upright position, Laying the wine on its side keeps the wine contacted with the cork. This prevents the cork from getting dried out, shrinking, or letting in air. If you're using an artificial cork, those previous reasons are no longer a concern and wine can safely be stored standing up.
Hopefully, this article on the top seven factoids any wine enthusiast should know, has taught you a few things when it comes to the subject of wine. Now go out, and have some wine tasting adventures of your own.
About the Author:
Jeffrey F. Myers has been interested in NYC wine bars for many years. He has written many articles about this topic. For more information about New York City wine bars be sure to visit http://nycwinebars.org.