Page 83 - Indulgence

Food Compatibility, Serving Temperature and Sparkling

The following is a combination of fact and opinion

16. At what temperature is most white wine best enjoyed?
55 degrees, refrigerator is around 38-45, too cold masks aroma and flavor

17. With what types of foods are dry white wines least compatible? Sweet?
Sugared sweets; Grilled meats

18. At what temperature is most red wine enjoyed?

65 degrees, cellar temperature; room temperature is 72 and up, too warm.
19. What is the mouth drying ingredient found in red wine?

Tannin, it comes from grape skins, seeds, stems and oak barrels
20. With what types of foods are red wines least compatible?

Citrus sauces; lemon, lime, orange, etc.

21. What dessert ingredient has a unique compatibility with red wine?
Chocolate

22. At what temperature is most sparkling wine enjoyed?
Ice cold, it does not mask the aroma & flavor, but enhances the “bubbles”

23. Are Champagnes sparkling wines? Are all French sparkling wines Champagne?

Yes; No, just the ones from the Champagne region of France
24. What is the best process used to make sparkling wine/Champagne?

Champagne method; two fermentations, one occurring in the bottle

25. What three grapes are used to make quality sparkling wine/Champagne?
Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir (most used) and Chardonnay

26. To what does Blanc de Blanc refer? Blanc de Noir?

White juice of white grape; White juice of black grape
27. What popular Italian sparkling wine is considered semi-sweet?

Asti Spumante

28. Which is dryer, “Extra Dry” or “Brut”?
Brut; most dry

29. In what is most quality sparkling wine/Champagne fermented?
Stainless steel

30. What are the two best styles of glassware to serve sparkling wine/Champagne?

Tulip & Flute; Worst: Marie Antoinette (wide mouthed wedding glass)