Home wine racks are specially designed for storing bottles of wines in a horizontal position, to help preserve the quality of the wine. Storing your bottles in a wine rack is a great way to prevent the corks from drying out. If this happens, the cork can shrink and let air in, resulting in oxidization, which will spoil the taste. Wine storage racks usually have separate compartments for holding individual bottles, allowing gaps between each one to allow air to circulate. Ideally, wines should be kept at a consistent temperature of around 55 degrees farenheit, with a relative humidity of 70%, away from light.



There are really no hard and fast rules when choosing the best wine for each occasion - especially when you consider the fact that people are partial to certain wines depending on their personal preference and taste. Here are a few 'soft' guidelines to help you choose the right wine for the right occasion. This will give you a good idea on how to complement an occasion - and certain dishe - with the right kind of wine.



1. White Wines - white wines, being lighter and drier than red wines are best served during the earlier part of the evening or before the main course. Chardonnay, having wide appeal among most wine connoisseurs, is also perfect for serving along with rich tasting courses, especially those that have creamy sauces. Sauvignon Blanc, while not as dry as Chardonnay, still makes excellent company with salads, shrimp, and fish due to its fruity nature.



White wines are perfect for starting off an evening on the right foot, and are also wonderful for toasts and special occasions. Champagne is a regular fixture at weddings and is indispensable at such occasions.



2. Red Wines - red wines are great for main courses and are typically served during the latter part of any occasion. Their full bodied nature makes them a great complement to hearty meals. If you are looking for the wine that is most certain to please the most people, go for Merlot. It has a balanced mix of body and lightness that make it the perfect choice for most dishes. It particularly does well with poultry, pork and lamb.



The scintillating aroma of plum, vanilla and blackberry make Pinot Noir an intriguing proposition during special occasions. It is not as heralded as Merlot or Cabernet, so many people may not recognize its unique blend. It goes well with creamy sauces.



For spicy foods, Shiraz is a fiery complement. It has a peppery taste that will greatly enhance the flavor in barbeques, roasts, and chili or spicy dishes.



For a hearty, full taste, look no further than Chianti. Chianti is the best wine to accompany tomato dishes and poultry. It is wonderfully versatile in having varied range in price and quality.



During some occasions you may want to prepare servings of both red and white wine, and have your guests sample which they would have for the rest of the evening. Most people choose their drinks early on and keep them until the end of the reception.

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Riedel Vinum Extreme Shiraz/Syrah Wine Glasses (Set of 4)


The Riedel Vinum Extreme Wine Glass series pushes the boundaries of glassware. Riedel combines a dazzling oversized bowl with a unique angular look and an extra-tall stem to create a wine glass that is as beautiful to look at as it is to drink from. Vinum Extreme is made of fine crystal and is designed in the incomparable Riedel style to emphasize and enhance the flavors of every wine you drink. Wines made from the Syrah grape typically exhibit intense aromas blackberries pepper as well as floral scents. The narrow rim of the Riedel Vinum Extreme Shiraz / Syrah wine glass directs the flow of wine to the mid-palate allowing you to experience the wine's silky texture and sensuous fruit flavors while the tannins flow to the back of the palate for a smooth finish. Recommended for: Amarone Barbera Rhone (red). 9 1/2' H. 22.24 oz. Attention California residents. Proposition 65 WARNING.


Price: 120.00 USD



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