You've been holding wine glasses wrong - expert says white and red vinos differ

03 December 2023 , 19:00

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The etiquette for drinking red and white is not always the same (Stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/Westend61)

Experts have spilled the details on the correct way to hold your merlot or chardonnay this Christmas - without ruining its taste.

While many of us are happy to sip our way through a bottle of wine without thinking about how we're handling the glass- two experts have set the record straight. British etiquette ace Jo Bryant says the more 'practical and elegant' way of nursing your wine is to hold the glass by its stem.

She says it also keeps white wines chilled and prevents any unsightly fingerprints marring the bowl of the glass. However, when it comes to red, this rule can be broken.

Wine ace David Gill says holding the glass by the bowl can help warm up a Malbec or other red that's slightly too cold or has been over-chilled. He argues this helps 'release those all important aromas into the glass'.

"But when it comes to tasting the wine, hold by the stem and swirl the glass," he added. "Again, you'll release the aromas and unlock the flavours. But remember to do this gently to ensure you don't spill your wine onto your clothes or people standing by."

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The pros also pointed out that bigger red wine glasses are suited to reds, as once again they allow the 'aromas to breathe'. Smaller white wine glasses are suitable for whites. "However, we don't all have those to hand," Bryant added. "So, just make sure your glassware is clean, chip-free and sparkling, whether it's a stemmed glass or a continental-style tumbler."

If you've nailed the wine etiquette, but always end up leaving half a bottle to spoil, you may be storing it wrong too. Wine Educator Warner Boin from the States took to TikTok to explain how keep your leftovers fresh for a week after opening.

Boin does not reccomened the norm of simply shoving the cork back into the bottle, or even using a wine stopper. Instead, the social media user suggests decanting the alcohol into a Mason jar, or any other type of air-tight container.

"I swear by this. It will make your wine still taste fresh even a couple of days after you've opened it, whereas a day after I open a bottle of wine and put the cork back on, I can tell the difference," she added. In a separate comment, Boin said you could make your wine last 'a week, maybe more' by doing this method.

What is your etiquette pet-peeve? Email [email protected]

Liam Gilliver