In the Glass
By Andrew Satkowski, Sommelier/ Asst Manager at Lampy's
The Mythological Seven
In no particular order here are some of the more common wine myths I run into on a regular
basis:
1. "Wine gets better with age". Wine gets different with age might be more accurate. As a wine
matures it certainly does start to taste like something else. Some people like that taste, others do
not. Also, some wines which are not meant to age start to taste awful as they mature.
2. "Wine has to be expensive to be good". LOL! Certain wines are expensive due to the process
involved in the making of that wine. However, there are hundreds if not thousands of wines that
are almost as good at a fraction of the price. Some pricey stuff is overrated.
3. "Red wine with beef, white wine with fish". I usually suggest or pair a red wine with a beef item. The intensity of flavor, tannins, and flavor profile of reds seem to complement beef.
However, fish is a different matter. The type of fish, preparation, and seasoning are critical
factors. Grilling fish ramps up the flavor, pepper or Cajun spice can, too. Salmon DEMANDS
Pinot Noir. It all depends on the dish.
4. "Sniffing the cork will tell you if the wine is good or bad". Nope! The reason the cork is
placed by the person who ordered the wine is so they may examine the cork for authenticity. Ya,
there is fake wine out there! Labels are (were) easy to fake. Corks are NOT! Smelling a cork
will not tell you the quality of the wine. Examining a cork for leakage, moisture, or authenticity
is another matter.
5. "'Legs' on a wine are indicative of quality". The "legs" or "ropes" that flow down a wineglass
are merely demonstrative of alcohol content, nothing more. Granted it does look cool to swirl a
glass and watch the wine sheet down the glass. Pinky flair optional.
6. "White wine should be consumed ice cold". Nope! Chilled "yes" but icy, "no". When whites
get too cold they lose so much flavor and bouquet. Try resting the wine on top of the ice in the
ice bucket, which allows a slight chill. A wine bucket filled with ice water is going to make the
wine way too cold.
7. "Opening a wine and letting it sit for a while is the best way to let a wine breathe". Red wine
does need to breathe for optimal aroma, bouquet, and flavor. Letting it sit in a bottle could take
HOURS for the wine to open up. Decanting works, pouring it in the glass works, fancy wine
carburetors work so much faster. I say just get it in the glass and you are good to go.
