Wine Myths can be harmful to wine drinkers, and cause a drinker to miss out on experiences!

Wine Myths Top 10 dp

Did you know some of the information you consider wine facts are wine myths? Even though the myths are not harmful, they create a barrier to your exploration of wine.

Therefore, to get the most pleasure from wine, check out the following wine facts demystifying common wine myths.

Top 10 Wine Myths

All Wine Gets Better With Age, and Aged Wine Is Better Than Young Wine

Certainly, you’ve heard the statement, “like a fine wine, you get better with age.”  This statement has helped promote these misleading wine myths.

Although there are wines that get better with age, most wines do not require aging. In fact, according to wine experts, consumers should drink wine within the first one to five years after production. Mainly, because winemakers today are producing young, fresh wines, ready to drink immediately.

Varietal Wines Are Superior To Blended Wines

The insatiable desire for single variety wines by Oenophiles has helped increase the popularity of this myth. However, knowing your wine’s grape name only informs you of its flavor profile and does not guarantee a superior wine. Undeniably, there are blended wines in the market that taste better than varietal wines. In fact, according to wine experts, the quality of varietal wines ranges from ordinary to excellent, just like blended wines.

Serve White Wine Cold And Red Wine At Room Temperature

Even though these wine facts are not necessarily wrong, people often interpret them wrongly. On account of this myth, people serve very cold white wine and very warm red wine. As a result, the serving temperature compromises the flavors and complexity of the wine.  To avoid compromising the wine and to ensure you get the most out of it, serve it at the right temperature. So, chill the red wine in the fridge for 5-15 minutes and white wine for 20-30 minutes.

Learn about The Strangest Wine Laws In The World!

Sophisticated wine experts enjoy sweet wines as much as heavier tannic wines, so this is a myth.

Sulfites In Wine Cause Headaches And Hangovers

Sulfites in wine or other food products only affect a small percentage of people, mainly those who have Asthma. Headaches and hangovers result from the dehydration caused by alcohol, so next time you suffer from them blame the alcohol.

This myth relates to other wine myths like organic wines do not have sulfites. All wines contain sulfites because it’s a by-product of fermentation. The other myth related to sulfites is red wines contain more sulfite than white wine. However, red grape skins contain natural preservatives, so winemakers add very little amounts of sulfites to red wine.

Corked Wines Are Better Than Screw Top Wines

The “Pop!” sound when a cork slides free from a bottle of wine, image and aesthetics help promote this myth. However, research findings show that most wineries are using screw tops on quality wines. The popularity of screw tops has grown since their benefits outweigh those of using corks. In particular, screw tops guarantee consistent quality and well-preserved wine, because they eliminate the risks of cork taint, oxidation, and leakage.

Expensive Wine Is Better Than Cheap Wines

The price of wine does not determine its quality and price is dependent on several factors. These factors include the price of packaging, region, type of grapes used, winery or winemaker reputation and winemaking process. Also, the economics of supply and demand influence the price of wine. However, just because a bottle is rare and expensive does not mean its quality. Besides, wines from less popular grapes, locations, and producers can offer high quality at a lower price.

Pair White Wine with White Meat and Red Wine With Red Meat

Although this may be true sometimes, it’s a guideline and not a rule. Mainly, because you can find a red wine that pairs wonderfully with white meat and vice-versa. For example, grilled salmon works superbly with a Pinot Noir, while a smoky Chardonnay from Bordeaux is perfect with steak.

The facts that demystify this myth include food and wine pairing depends a lot on how you prepare the meal. Also, what grows together goes together, so pair food with wine from the region.

Always Follow the Wine Expert’s Advice, They Know What’s Best for You

Most times you may find yourself buying wine after reading reviews from top critics. Sometimes the wine turns out great and other times it doesn’t. Therefore, do not place too much faith in the “superior” palates of professional judges.

Sweet Wines Are For the Uneducated Palate

Sophisticated wine experts enjoy sweet wines as much as heavier tannic wines, so this is a myth. Undoubtedly, sweet wines like Château d’Yquem and Rieslings though sweet are among the most revered and prized wines in the world. Therefore, don’t limit your palate because of other people’s opinions and preferences.

Red Wine Goes Best With Cheese

A myth because of two reasons, tannins in full-bodied red wines are not compatible with the protein in cheese. Also, some white wines pair beautifully with cheeses, so always pair cheese with wine that has good acidity.

Wine myths exist because personal preferences and opinions influence them. Therefore, do not believe everything you hear or read about wine. Instead, follow your palate and preference, this way you will enjoy your wine experience.