Sunday - About Wine
What is corked wine?
Keeping a wine bottle-sealed is probably the most important factor when it comes to maintaining a good wine...
Keeping a wine bottle-sealed is probably the most important factor when it comes to maintaining a good wine. A cork is essential, as it keeps oxygen out of the wine bottle. If a bottle of wine is not airtight then it may become oxidized and undrinkable.
Different types of cork
Traditionally, the only corks worth considering were those actually made of cork. Recently, however, many wine experts have recognized that cork may actually cause more problems than it solves.
Cork, due to its malleable nature may have imperfections; these can result in the seal of the bottle not being as airtight as it could be and the wine being spoilt. In an attempt to avoid this problem, modern cork manufacturers may treat the cork with a chemical called TVA. Unfortunately, this chemical can cause the wine to taste and smell a little damp and musty.
Having said this, cork is able to expand to fully fill the neck of the bottle, which therefore, still makes it the preferred option for special wines that need to be stored, over a long period of time.
Plastic corks are becoming increasing popular, of late. One of the main problems associated with traditional corks is that the wine becomes 'corked'. Plastic corks prevent this occurring. Great! I hear you say. However, there can be minor irritations with plastic corks. A plastic cork can sometimes be difficult to extract from the bottle and virtually impossible to fit back into a half drunk bottle.
Another recent development is the widespread use of screw-top bottles. Until recently, this type of seal was used for only the cheapest of wines. Wine producers across the globe are now recognizing the benefits that screw tops provide. This type of seal ensures that wine is kept fresh; there is no chance of the wine becoming 'corked' and the bottle can be easily resealed. In reality, the only reason that screw tops are not more popular is because of the ingrained snobbery associated with this method of sealing a bottle.
Dealing with cork problems
No matter which type of cork you choose, it is important that you are able to recognize whether the wine has been properly sealed or not. A useful test is to see whether the top of the cork is level with the top of the bottle; if it isn't, then that particular bottle of wine is probably best avoided.
If a traditional cork breaks when you are removing it - don't panic! Use a corkscrew to attempt to 'dig out' the remaining cork. If this fails, simply push the remains of the cork down into the bottle. Contrary to popular belief, this will not destroy the wine's flavor. You may have to fish out a few bits of cork, but the taste of the wine should remain unaffected. However, you'd be wise to finish the whole bottle, under these circumstances!
When choosing your wine
, base your decision on the wine itself and not the type of cork. Resist the temptation to be a cork snob; a screw top bottle may just give you a pleasant surprise
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Since Neil Best first investigated the history of wine he's been recording his findings at Good Glug. This article is part of the free Good Glug Wine Appreciation Mini Course. Visit now and get your copy
A synopsis on About Wine.
What is corked wine?
Keeping a wine bottle-sealed is probably the most important factor when it comes to maintaining a good wine...
Keepin...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
About Wine Products we recommend
The FTD Bit of Sunshine Bouquet - Standard
Vivid yellows and pinks are featured in this pretty bouquet. Yellow and pink roses are encircled by pink freesia, yellow yarrow, yellow carnations and more. Tightly arranged in a glass vase, this bouquet is a sunny way to make their day. B19-3471S
Price: 62.99 USD
Headlines on About Wine
Angove Family Winemakers' Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc -- Back In The Market After Three-Year Hiatus
Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:01 -0800
Foggy Bridge Winery Offers New Wines & Idyllic Experience on the Bay
Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:42:36 -0800
Foggy Bridge Winery, a new urban winery in the Presidio of San Francisco, offers the seemingly perfect location to experience California’s wide range of wine varieties. Their venue: a former 1920’s airplane hangar and Army machine shop located on Crissy Field overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Foggy Bridge Winery hopes to open their tasting room, restaurant and working winery in late 2009. In the meantime, they have been busy gearing up for the recent releases in their
Jabberwock Cocktail
Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800
(c)2008 Underhill Lounge -- all rights reserved Jabberwock Cocktail* 2 Dashes Orange Bitters. 1/3 Dry Gin. 1/3 Dry Sherry. 1/3 Caperitif. Stir well and strain into cocktail glass. Squeeze lemon peel on top. * This will make you gyre and gamble in the wabe until brillig all right, all right. Right well, Vorpal Sword at ready, I tried this apparently Lewis Carrol inspired cocktail a couple ways. First using the cocktaildb suggested Caperitif substitution Lillet Blanc: 1 Dash Fee’s Oran
2009 Predictions and Changes at Glazer’s
Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:38:04 -0800
A lot of readers helped us come up with predictions for 2009, which we believe will be as full of changes (some unexpected) as last year. In 2010 we'll take a look back and see how we faired. Here is what we came up with, for what it's worth: Following in the spirit of craft breweries and small wineries, artisan distilleries will be the new hotness in 2009. We expect a significant increase in micro-distilleries because as one reader put it: "The past 30 years of consolidation has paved the way
Sweet Wine
Wine Writer
Stemware Rack
Labels: Sweet Sherries
0 Comments:
<< Home