Debunking Myths About Wine

I’m sure you’ve many of these “known facts” about wine, given as an absolute truth. Have you heard before that “red wine can only be served at room temperature” or that “blended wines are inferior in quality”?
If yes, you were served the myths and not the facts. From beliefs about storage and serving temperature to the supposed health benefits of certain wines, it’s easy to fall prey to these widely circulated myths.

In this blog post, we’ll debunk some of the most common wine myths, separating fact from fiction and empowering you to navigate the world of wine with confidence. So, grab your favorite glass and prepare to have your preconceived notions challenged as we embark on a journey of vinous truth-seeking!

Myth #1: Expensive Wines Are Always Better

Price can influence quality, but it’s not an absolute guarantee. Explore different regions, grape varieties, and reputable producers to find value wines that suit your taste. Remember, personal preference plays a significant role in what you enjoy.

Myth #2: “Legs” Indicate High-Quality Wine

You might have heard this one: “If the glass has legs, that the wine is good”. Despite what you might have heard, this is another myth about wine to debunk since wine legs are no indication to the quality of the wine.
Wine “legs” or “tears” are the streaks or droplets of water you observe inside a glass when swirling the wine and are the result of alcohol and sugar content affecting evaporation rate: the higher is the alcohol content, higher is the density of droplets in the glass.
So…no, this phenomenon (also known as the Marangoni effect) offers no indication of the wine’s quality or taste. You should rather focus on the actual aromas and flavors in the glass for a more accurate assessment.

Myth #3: Red Wine Should Be Served At Room Temperature

This is probably one of the most common and persisting myths about wine. While “room temperature” is the traditional advice, it’s often misleading. There is an element of truth here: tannins, especially high in red wine, are exacerbated in cold temperatures and overshadow the wine’s aroma and taste. However, wine with lesser tannins greatly benefit from being chilled, especially lighter-bodied , fruit-forward reds.
Ideally, red wines benefit from slightly cooler temperatures (around 55-65°F or 12-18°C) depending on the specific style. Many light-bodied reds are great served around 14-17°C (57-62°F). That is particularly recommended during the summer as serving them too warm can mask their delicate aromas and flavors. Put the wine in the fridge for about half and hour before opening.
Some red wines that benefit from chilling are Merlot, Pinot Noir, Lambrusco, Beaujolais/Gamay, Grenache/Syrah or Valpolicella.
Experiment with different serving temperatures to discover your preference, and remember, it’s better to err on the side of slightly cooler for reds.

Myth #4: Screw Caps Indicate Inferior Quality

Screw caps are becoming increasingly popular due to their effectiveness in preventing cork taint and ensuring a consistent seal. They don’t necessarily reflect the quality of the wine. In fact, some high-quality wines are now using screw caps, offering an additional benefit to consumers.
In the 70s, screwcaps became popular in New World wines as producers were facing issues with traditional cork caps. Some argue that screw caps are far better than cork as they are easier to open, cost-effective for the producer, assure better quality control and consistency as flaws in cork might affect the wine’s integrity and aromas, and maintain freshness and better storage.
So, don’t believe this myth and next time you see a screw cap bottle, don’t immediately assume it’s bad.
Some wines to try:
– River Road Chardonnay Russian River Valley Reserve (California)
– Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
– La Vieille Ferme Rosé (France)
– A to Z Pinot Noir (Oregon)
– Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio (Italy)

Myth #5: Once Opened, Wine Goes Bad Immediately

While it is true that wine does oxidize and loses freshness over time, it doesn’t necessarily spoil instantly. Properly storing an opened bottle with a cork or wine stopper in the refrigerator can preserve it for several days, depending on the type of wine. Lighter-bodied white and rosé wines typically have a shorter shelf life after opening compared to bold reds or fortified wines.
To make your life easier, you can recork a bottle of wine with a rubber stopper or a vacuum pump.

Myth #6: Blended Wines Are Of Inferior Quality

This wine myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Some of the most sought-after and expensive wines are blended wines. Blended wines, which combine multiple grape varieties, can offer a complex and enjoyable experience, often exceeding the potential of single-varietal wines. They shouldn’t be automatically considered inferior and can showcase unique flavor profiles and characteristics.
Some of the most famous blends are:
– Red Bordeaux Blends (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec) which includes prestigious wines such as Château Margaux, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Haut-Brion or Petrus.
– Rhône Blend or GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
– The Super Tuscan (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese) with wines such as Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Tignanello among others.
– Champagne is also the result of a blend made of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

While these are expensive and luxurious wines, there are also affordable, quality blended wines, so explore different blends to discover what you enjoy.

Myth #7: Sparkling Wine Always Gives You A Headache

While individual sensitivities to sulfites or other components in wine can contribute to headaches, sparkling wine itself doesn’t inherently cause headaches for everyone. Factors like dehydration, alcohol content, and individual tolerance play a larger role.

Myth #8: Wine Gives The Worse Hangovers

Let’s debunk this last myth. Does wine give worse hangovers than other alcoholic drinks? No, alcohol (and excess of it) causes bad hangovers, not wine itself. So, drink with moderation.

You will spare yourself a painful morning.

Anything we have forgotten? Leave a note in the comments!