Hidden delights

Wine is not complicated— we just tend to make it so. With today’s explosion of interest in wine, we tend to over-analyze the glass in front of us, instead of succumbing to the hidden delights that await within the glass. Last week, we outlined some simple steps for detecting flaws in a wine that apply, not only to restaurant service, but also to family dinner selections. This week, we discuss a simple process to improve a wine’s presentation.

“Decanting” means gently pouring the contents of a wine bottle into a glass container. This exercise allows the wine to open up and better display the characteristics of the blend or varietal. In some cases, removal of the cork (so wine might breathe) will suffice. Decanting, however, will always allow any wine show to its best.

Some wines demand to be decanted a few hours ahead of the meal, in order to manifest their charms. Perhaps the most notable example is a Brunello, which always requires contact with oxygen in order to shine. Firstgrowth Bordeaux are also perfect examples of wines that require decanting some time prior to consumption. There is a misconception that only red wines should be decanted, but certain whites sparkle if decanted prior to enjoyment. These include: Chardonnays (if allowed contact with oak), Alsatian Pinot Gris, Semillon and Roussanne from Bordeaux, along with Marsanne and Viognier from the northern Rhône. All this being said, it is always advantageous to the wine if you decant prior to service, be it in a formal restaurant setting or simply at home with friends.

Not all wines require decanting, of course. Winemakers now construct their wines to be more readily approachable. Many restaurants use glasses designed around the characteristics of grape varietals so that the wine can be enjoyed to the utmost.

But the simple exercise of decanting a still wine, however, will improve a wine while also creating a buzz around your dinner table.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
We are now on the cusp of an explosion of new vintage releases from County wineries.

In the meantime, we see movement from local breweries: this year’s Sugar Shack Ale is now at Barleys Days Brewery, and the sublime Belgian White Beer from County Road Beer has arrived. With the promise of more microbreweries just about to produce exceptional beer, we have yet another attraction for this hidden treasure that is Prince Edward County.