Banville & Jones Wine Co. recommends the Nuance Wine Finer to aerate your wine and filter out sediment for the perfect glass of wine.
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I want to buy a special bottle of wine for my husband to congratulate him on his new job. Can you suggest a wine that will age for 25 years( or however long it takes until retirement)?
– Rayna Vitt
Dear Rayna,
When considering wines that have aging longevity, always start with a good vintage. Other considerations are the producer, winemaking process, and grape varieties. A wine with that much aging potential and prestige will also come with a prestige price point, more than likely over $ 100.00.
A frontrunner, in my opinion, is Warre’ s 1994 Vintage Port($ 159.99). Even though this port is already 19 years into its aging, it could be put down for another 30.
Once you choose your wine, proper storage is crucial. If a wine( no matter its quality) is not stored properly, its aging potential will be compromised, and it could even harm the wine. Store the wine in a cool dark spot where temperature and humidity do not fluctuate, and try to keep it away from vibrating appliances like a fridge or freezer.
— Saralyn Mehta
Is aerating necessary for all wines?
— Kate Staniland
Dear Kate,
Accelerated wine aeration can involve funnels, aerators, decanters, vigorous swirling, shaking the bottle or glass, or even the use of a blender!
Aeration can dispel off-odours due to slight excesses of sulfur dioxide( an antioxidant-preservative added to wines), questionable winemaking, or the mustiness of some older wines. Aeration may also liberate the low levels of carbon dioxide entrained in many modern white wines to keep them fresh.
Aeration can make a wine more expressive by unmasking aromas and flavours and by softening harsh tannins. However, delicate wines, including older wines, can be stripped of aromas and flavours. So, the potential benefit of aeration depends on the wine. I often test a small sample of a wine by covering my glass with my hand and giving the wine a good shake: I check to see if I like it better, and if I do, I aerate the rest of the bottle. Certainly, a wine aerator is a handy and possibly less messy way to carry out this procedure.
— Gary Hewitt
I know that summertime means that most people switch to white, but I really prefer reds. Can you recommend some types of softer“ summer” reds to try?
— Stephen Link
Dear Stephen,
In warm summer months, many people like refreshing wines, whether white or red. White wine is often the choice because of its naturally higher acidity, and because it is usually served cold. Red wine has drying tannins and generally higher alcohol levels, which reduce that refreshing sensation( the alcohol adds heat as well). Additionally, we normally serve red wine at a higher temperature.
If you are looking for softer reds, there are a few qualities to consider. Reds that have slightly lower alcohol( 13.5 % or less, for example) are good bets; you can also ask for lowertannin reds that have a smoother feel on the palate. Finally, when the temperature rises on the patio, put your red on ice( yes, on ice) or in the refrigerator for long enough to bring the temperature down to about 16 – 18 ° C. It will make a huge difference!
A few that are summer winners for me include Col dei Venti 2011 Barbera($ 16.99), Zuccardi 2011 Serie A Bonarda($ 16.99), and Clos de la Roilette 2011 Beaujolais($ 26.99). Enjoy!
— Sylvia Jansen
Banville & Jones Wine Co. recommends the Nuance Wine Finer to aerate your wine and filter out sediment for the perfect glass of wine.
If you have a question for our Sommeliers, visit us at www. banvilleandjones. com / cellardoor. php
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