Wine is surrounded by tradition, history and... a lot of preconceived ideas! Some of these beliefs have been passed down through the generations, but are they still true? Today, we're breaking the mould and demystifying these famous wine myths.
"Red wine is only with red meat" 🥩❌
Wrong! While tannic red wines go well with a fine entrecote steak, lighter reds can accompany fish or even grilled vegetables. A Pinot Noir with salmon? An unexpected but delicious combination!
Tip Dare to think outside the box and experiment with arrangements that appeal to you, without following strict rules.
"The older the wine, the better it is" 🍇⏳
Not necessarily. Not all wines are made to age! Many wines, especially fresh whites and light reds, are designed to be enjoyed young. The quality of a wine depends above all on its grape variety, terroir and winemaking method.
What you need to know If you have a bottle collecting dust, find out if it is still at its peak or if it is past its best.
"Expensive wine is always better" 💸🍷❌
Not at all! The price of a bottle can depend on many factors: rarity, reputation of the estate, vintage, etc. But an expensive wine is no guarantee that it will please your palate. A well-made local wine can be just as (or even more) tasty than a prestigious cru.
Tip Trust your taste! A bottle at CHF 15 can be a real coup de coeur.
"Rosé is just red wine mixed with white wine" 🌸
No, no and no! Visit rosé is obtained by letting the skins of the red grapes macerate with the juice for a short time, which gives it its colour. It's not a blend!
Fun fact : In Europe, mixing red and white to make rosé is prohibited, with certain exceptions such as rosé champagne.
"White wines don't keep" 🥂❌
It's a common misconception! Some white wines, although often enjoyed young, can age magnificently and develop complex aromas over time.
Let's take the example of a Petite Arvine Young, it seduces with its fresh citrus and rhubarb notes. But let it age for a few years, and you'll discover richer aromas and nuances of candied fruit and honey, while retaining a lovely minerality.
The Board If you wish to age your bottles, make sure you keep them away from light, at a stable temperature and ideally in a cool cellar.
"Wine should always be served at room temperature" 🌡️🍷
It depends on the wine! The powerful reds need to be slightly chilled to bring out their full flavour, whereas the light redslike a Gamay, can be served chilled. Whites and rosés are best served chilled, but take care not to over-chill them so as not to mask their flavours.
"The cork is always better than the capsule" 🧵
The cork stopper is traditional, but screw caps have nothing to envy it. They preserve the wine perfectly, especially for bottles intended to be drunk young.
What you need to know More and more prestigious estates are opting for capsules for their practicality and reliability.
And what preconceived ideas did you have?
The world of wine is rich and varied, so feel free to explore, ask questions and make up your own mind. At the Cave Renaissance, we love to debunk these myths and share our knowledge to help you enjoy wine with ease.
Let's toast to the end of clichés! 🥂
