| | | | | decanter that has a wide rim for extra impact |
| There are a number of very decent red wines | | | | and that ‘wow’ factor on the dining table |
| available on the supermarket shelves for less than | | | | or sideboard. |
| $10 a bottle. It is recommended however, to | | | | The Right Glass |
| steer clear of the majority of French wines at | | | | Use large round goblet glasses with extra wide |
| this price, and instead to opt for a new world | | | | rims. These feel special and add even more to |
| variety such as a Chilean Merlot or Shiraz | | | | the psychological impact of the red wine to |
| (Casillero Del Diablo Carmenere is a reliable | | | | come. The wide rims also help to release even |
| favorite that is full of dark berry and chocolate | | | | more of the aromas and flavours of the wine, |
| flavours). Aregentinian Malbec or a well rounded | | | | allowing them to burst in your mouth as soon as |
| Australian Cabernet/Shiraz blend are also | | | | they touch your lips. |
| dependable choices and if it’s Californian that | | | | Warming the Glasses |
| you’re after then nothing beats Carmenet | | | | Warm the glasses slightly if they feel cold. As |
| Cabernet Sauvignon for well rounded jammy | | | | with your red wine, glasses should be room |
| notes and a peppery finish that belies it’s $7 | | | | temperature or slightly above to fully accentuate |
| price tag. | | | | the wine within them. |
| Decanting your Wine | | | | Choosing H'orderves |
| Now that you have your wine, the next thing to | | | | Provide a side order of salty ham slivers, mature |
| do to release its potential is to decant it several | | | | cheeses and crackers if you’re serving the |
| hours before you intend to serve it and then | | | | red wine before a meal, or without food, to |
| leave it in a room temperature location (ideally | | | | compliment the rich fruitiness of the grapes and |
| between 62°F to 65°F). If you’re | | | | to enhance any subtle notes within your chosen |
| worried about leaving it uncovered then by all | | | | variety. |
| means lay a piece of muslin or netting over the | | | | The above advice can make all the difference in |
| opening. This will still allow it to breath and to | | | | fooling your guests taste buds into believing that |
| begin to release all of its wonderful flavours as it | | | | your $6 bargain bottle is in fact a $100 gem of a |
| rests in it’s new glass home. Choose a | | | | vintage. |