introduction
Wine is a complex and fascinating beverage that has been enjoyed for thousands of years. Yet, despite its long history, many myths and misconceptions surrounding wine persist. In this blog post, we take a look at some of the most common wine myths and debunk them with facts.
1. Myth: New wine is always best
Fact: The age of a wine says nothing about its quality. Not all wines improve with age, and many are best enjoyed young. Especially with white wines and light red wines, the fresh, fruity flavor is often desired and is lost over time.
2. Myth: Good wine must be expensive
Fact: Price is not a reliable indicator of a wine's quality. There are excellent wines in all price ranges. Marketing and prestige often play a major role in pricing, not necessarily the actual quality of the wine.
3. Myth: Red wine should be served at room temperature
Fact: The ideal serving temperature for red wine is often below typical room temperature. Many red wines develop their aromas best at 16-18°C. Temperatures that are too warm can mask the aromas and negatively affect the taste.
4. Myth: Wine gets better with age
Fact: Not all wines are suitable for ageing. Many wines, especially white wines, are intended for immediate consumption and can lose quality if stored for too long. Only certain high-quality red wines and special white wines like Riesling have the potential to age for years.
5. Myth: White wine with white meat, red wine with red meat
Fact: Wine and food pairing depends more on the intensity of the flavors than on the color. A full-bodied white wine can pair well with red meat, while a light red wine can be suitable for fish. It's all about the balance of flavors, not rigid rules.
6. Myth: Red wine is made from red grapes, white wine from white
Fact: White wine can be made from all red grape varieties, as the inside of red grapes and their juice are white. The red color comes from the grape skins, which are fermented during red wine production. By quickly pressing the skins, white wine can also be made from red grapes.
7. Myth: Two glasses of wine a day keep you young and healthy
Fact: Although wine contains some health-promoting compounds, the negative effects of alcohol outweigh them. Experts recommend abstaining from alcohol at least two days a week and keeping consumption in moderation.
8. Myth: Organic wine is always natural wine
Fact: Not all organic wines are natural wines. Many organic wines, especially those produced exclusively according to the EU Organic Regulation, differ from natural wines in their production process. Natural wines often follow stricter production standards and do not contain additives.
9. Myth: Overseas wines are more often produced industrially than European wines
Fact: Industrially produced and artisanal wines exist both overseas and in Europe. In many overseas countries, a large movement of artisanal wineries has developed that focuses on quality and traditional methods.
Conclusion
These facts demonstrate that many common assumptions about wine are not true. A deeper understanding of wine often requires going beyond these myths and delving into its true characteristics and production methods. Whether it's about proper storage, the right price, or the best food pairings, educate yourself and enjoy your wine more consciously.