Chapter 9
WINE MYTOLOGY Myth: Old wine is better. Reality: Much of the time, that’s simply not true, since most wines are made to be consumed within a year or two of their release. The rare exceptions come with a lot of responsibilities attached, beginning with proper storage and a group of knowledgeable and appreciative friends to drink them with when the time comes. Myth: “Legs” are evidence of a high-quality wine Reality: Legs, or tears, as the streaks that run down the glass are called, are simply an indication of viscosity, which is largely attributable to a wine’s alcohol content. The higher the alcohol, the fatter the legs. Myth: Dessert should be paired with a dessert wine. Reality: Almost all sweet desserts will overwhelm even the most intensely sweet wine and end up killing the fruit, resulting in a wine that seems like it’s all acidity. If you insist on drinking wine with dessert, try our Jepun Sparkling Rosé or Alexandria; they are not terribly sweet, with lots of bright, juicy flavours. Myth: Only leftover white wine should be refrigerated. Reality: Cold acts as a preservative as much for red as it does for white, though you’ll have to warm up the red a bit at room temperature before drinking it. If you can’t drink the remainder of a bottle within a few days, put it in the freezer. It will be nearly as good as it was the first night. Myth: Is red wine healthier than white? Reality: Yes, experts say, but not all grapes are created equal. White wine contains resveratrol but not as much as red. On top of lowering bad cholesterol, reserveatrol also helps to prevent damage to blood vessels and prevent blood clots which can lead to heart disease.
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