5 tips to enhance your wine drinking experience at home

Wine is a sensory experience appreciated by both beginners and experienced drinkers. However, extracting the best from the drink at home can be more challenging than in a restaurant – where you can count on the help of a sommelier. For this, it is advisable to follow some tips – such as paying attention to temperature, choosing the right glass, and properly pairing – that will help elevate (and greatly!) the drinking experience at home.

"The idea is for the consumer to drink using all their senses", explains Dormovil Ferreira, founder of Ferreira winery, a Brazilian brand located in the Serra da Mantiqueira that has stood out in the mission to educate consumers to drink better. With dozens of awards in international competitions, the winery hosts guided tastings at its restaurant, presenting the experience of drinking well from start to finish. "Every bottle of good wine is the result of the work of dozens of people, over months, or even years." To enjoy your next bottle to the fullest, the expert offers five golden tips:

1. Store correctly

Storing wine well is essential to maintain its quality. It should be kept at a constant temperature, between 12°C and 16°C, away from direct light. The ideal humidity varies between 60% and 70% to prevent corks from drying out. Additionally, bottles should be stored horizontally, ensuring that the wine remains in contact with the cork, preventing it from drying out and allowing air to enter. This care is especially important for bottles that will be kept for long periods.

2. Drink at the right temperature

The temperature when serving wine is crucial to enhance its aromas and flavors. Red wines should be served between 15°C (for lighter wines, such as Pinot Noir and Merlot) and 18°C (for fuller-bodied wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Tannat). This helps to soften the tannins and highlight the complex flavors. Meanwhile, white and rosé wines are best appreciated between 8°C and 12°C, preserving their acidity and freshness. Sparkling and sweet wines, such as dessert wines, should be served even colder, between 6°C and 10°C, to enhance their refreshing and sweet characteristics.

3. Choose the right glass

The choice of glass can significantly impact the tasting experience. For red wines, prefer glasses with a larger bowl, allowing the wine to breathe and release its aromas. White wines should be served in smaller, narrower glasses, helping to preserve their acidity and freshness. For sparkling wines, use flute glasses, which maintain effervescence and concentrate aromas.

4. Decant if necessary

Decanting wine can make all the difference, especially for more robust and aged reds. The decanting process helps oxygenate the wine, softening tannins and releasing more complex aromas. For younger and lighter wines, decanting may not be necessary, but it's always worthwhile to research before deciding.

5. Pair intelligently

The combination of wine and food can elevate the experience of both. As a general rule, red wines pair well with red meats and more intense dishes, while white wines are ideal for seafood, poultry, and lighter dishes. Rosés are extremely versatile and can accompany a wide variety of dishes, from salads to grilled meats. Pairing intelligently, just as restaurants do, also makes all the difference when drinking at home.