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MAKE AT HOME THIS MONTH’S WINNING WINES
Are wine bottles the same standard 750ml size all over the world or do di erent countries adopt their own
standards? Because so much wine is traded internationally, bottle sizes of most table wines are usually accepted as containing 750ml. Chianti (Italian wine) however is traditionally sold in onelitre or 500ml asks and Champagne in 800ml bottles. (Remember Champagne bottles need to be made of thicker glass to withstand the pressure.) Traditionally wines from the Rhine are sold in slightly smaller (700ml) bottles. Airlines that serve wine with their in- ight meals usually provide miniature bottles, assuming each passenger will order and consume only one ‘glass’ of wine with their food.
According to English history, the Duke of Clarence was put to death in 1478 by being drowned in a “butt of Malmsey”. I’ve always wondered what Malmsey was. I assume it was a wine. Is it still made and if so where?
Malmsey is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world and probably originated in Greece. It is one of the grapes traditionally used to make Madeira wine, a sweet forti ed wine made in the solera system. Because the solera is a continuous process, Madeira does not usually have a vintage year on the label. One might say the Duke of Clarence came to a sticky end.
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I have been told that when serving wine I should ll glasses only to about the
three-quarter level. Is this the socially correct way to serve wine? at depends on the occasion and the guests. If you’re hob mobbing with the rich and famous by all means pour them three-quarter glasses, probably implying that your butler will be around to keep up the level. If you’re entertaining regular friends, who cares? Fill their glasses and leave the bottle on the table. When you order a glass of wine in a bar you’re entitled to expect a full glass. A er all, you’re paying for it. Wine should never be a source of embarrassment. Feel free to say, “Come on, pal. Top it up,” if you think your host is being less than generous. ere’s far too much pompous tension surrounding wine. Relax. It must be fun.
