Hmmm...it's time for some wine spree!!

Ooh...it's paycheck time, or perhaps you just wanna do some shopping to reward yourself after the hard work you had, so how about going on a short wine shoppalicious with me? Here's a humble invite for the day as I bring you through some tips and technical knowledge about wine. So if you would allow me please...

You've probably passed by that wine shop or the wine section in that neighborhood supermarket that you so frequently visit, but only to let your footsteps pass by it insensitively despite the cling of your longing eyes on that bottle of delicious wine. Well, it wouldn't kill if you just stop by to take a look will you? *laughs*

But so happens you do stop by and the craving in you comes rushing into your veins, don't shut your senses off! With some additional tips tagging along your sleeves, you should be quite sure this time round your hands are under control in making a better choice. Here's some helping tips you might find useful, or at least I hope...*blink*

1) Look for wine at sale time. And hey who says sales item are just loads of unwanted stuff? You never know what the Summer sales and New Year sales can bring you. You've probably wanted to widen your wine knowledge so much so often but only to find yourself restricted by the high price tags attached to the precious bottles. These are in fact great opportunities to find uncommercial oddities that can satisfy your hunger for some new wine knowledge!

2) If you happen to find a good quality, cheap wine (be it red or white), and if you can afford it, go on a crazy shopping spree then. And sorry folks, this is definitely not my crazy woman crave for wasting money. Rather, this tip is gonna help save your time and money in the future because you can be assured that you've got yourself some favs and not another bottle of feared disappointment.

3) Yep don't hesitate to ask the wine merchants about the wines if you happen to be buying in a wine shop. Questions like how long does the wine need to breathe. and if the wine needs decanting, as well as what is the temperature that is best for serving the wine are definitely indispensable.

4) Saw a wine that's window displayed that you really love but "Sorry that's the last bottle we have left" says the wine merchant? Don't buy it! In fact, not only should you forbid your desire to get that what-seems-delicious bottle from the window display, you should also do the same thing for those near bright shop lights as they tend not to be in top condition. It's always better to pay and choose for wines in the shade. Afterall, if you're paying for enjoyment, why settle for something that is not going to satisfy you. Agree?

5) Finally, avoid wines that are too ullaged. The ullage is the space between the top of the wine and the bottom of the cork. As a general gauge, in wines of less then ten years old, there should be no more then a 2cm gap. However, if it is greater that that, then there could be a potential leak or the wine could possibly be oxidised.
However, for a more detailed understanding of the ullage and the many different descriptions for the fill level, here's a website I came across that I find rather informative :
http://www.winebid.com/buy_wine/wine_terms/ullage.aspx


Well, so are you ready for some fulfilling wine shoppalicious now? You bet I'm definitely in the mood for one at this instant! Care to join me? Hesitate no more for you're always my honored guest! *booze up time* =)

P.S The above information is gathered and obtained from the following:
- "The Wine Book - Change the way you think about wine" by Matthew Jukes
- "http://www.principedipiemonte.com/eng/food-relax-wine-cellar.php" for the picture used

Dress up Ur Vino!

Don't have a big glass to keep your wine cool? Is there a better way??

Well, have you ever tried putting ice cubes into your glass of vino and then only to realise that after a couple of minutes, instead of enhancing your enjoyment, the ice cubes are ruining your beloved drink? You see, I totally understand the frustration that one can get when you just simply love to drink the wine chilled but yet you do still want to capture the beautiful essence in that glass of wine. Here's something you might like to try!

Try putting some frozen grapes into your glass of white wine. Hmm, you're probably thinking why not red wine. Well, if you prefer it that way, grant yourself the wish according to your desires but just some knowledge might help to explain here. The norm for serving wines have been such that white wine is to be served chilled while the red wine is to be served at room temperature. However, this is usually used as just a starting point of reference. This is because while it is easy to understand when we say white wine should be served chilled, the serving of red wine shouldn't really be taken from the exact definition of room temperature. In fact, the ideal serving temperature for many fine red wines is perhaps 14ºC to 18ºC. So, adding frozen grapes might not be as suitable for red wine. (^^) Guess this should solve your little penny thoughts there!Now let's go back to our chilling tip!

Well, so what's so great about this tip. Firstly, you can finally enjoy your vino without seeing it getting diluted now and this definitely means you will get what you really paid for! Secondly, this frozen grapes are perfectly in theme with your vino and it will surely help beautify that drink you're holding in your hands. Remember appreciating wine is a wonderful thing! It'll be a terrific thing if you do not restrict your indulgence to just your tongue! Besides, a nice presentation is always welcomed! *cheers*

P.S. the above information is gathered from:
- "thewinedoctor.com" on the topic "Wine serving temperature"
- "The Downtown Girl's Guide to Wine" by Megan Buckley and Sheree Bykofsky