Common Myths About Wine

For those unfamiliar with the world of wine, it can feel intensely intimidating and complex, especially if you have heard a wine sommelier speak about wines using technical jargon. Fortunately, learning about wine isn’t nearly as daunting as it may seem.

Before delving into the specifics of wine types and flavor profiles, begin by learning some common myths about wine. These myths about wine are widespread, and you likely have heard them yourself.

Myth Number 1: Always Pair Seafood with White Wine and Meat with Red Wine

Wines vary drastically from one type to the next, and it can be challenging to learn which wines pair well with which foods. To simplify the process, tips such as this one have been given to beginners for years. Unfortunately, this leads many wine drinkers to believe there are no red wines that pair with seafood and no white wines that work with meat.

This simply isn’t true. There are plenty of exceptions to this “beginners rule” for meat and wine pairing that many have heard and still follow years later. For example, red wine such as Sweet Oaks Zinfandel can pair seamlessly with tuna or salmon if a tomato-based marinade is used. 

As you explore more wines and further expand your wine knowledge, you’ll learn the exceptions to this rule on your own. As you become more familiar with the flavors, acidity levels, and overall feel of different wines, you’ll also develop your preferences for which wines you prefer to pair with certain dishes.

Myth Number 2: The Older the Wine, the Better It Tastes

You’ve probably heard the adage “aging like a fine wine.” These days, only a small percentage of fine wines are expected to be aged for multiple years, and they’re typically red wines with astringent tannins that soften over time. 

Many decades and even centuries ago, wines were created using different processes than those used today. Likewise, they were intended to be kept in a wine cellar where they would likely sit for months or years before being enjoyed. 

Today, wine manufacturers bottle wine when it’s already at its peak and ready to be served, eliminating the need for the wine to be aged once it reaches the consumer. Unfortunately, some wines, including many whites, don’t keep well and lose flavor as they sit. 

If you’re interested in purchasing wine that ages well, consider Redneck Vineyards Trumped Merlot, a Cabernet Sauvignon, or a Riesling.

Myth Number 3: White Wines Should Be Served Cold and Reds at Room Temperature

If you’ve ever asked someone how to chill or serve wine, you probably heard one of the most common myths about wine. Even those who regularly enjoy wine often believe white wines should be served ice cold, while red wines are better when stored or served at room temperature.

It’s best to forget this common wine myth. The ideal temperature for most wines is between ice cold and room temperature. However, most wines are forgiving and do well anywhere between 40-66 degrees Fahrenheit. Light, dry wines and sparkling wines do best between 40-50 degrees, while ports and full-bodied red wines are better when served between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The most important factor when considering the temperature to store your wine is consistency. You want the temperature to remain steady each day. Likewise, you should never allow your wine to be exposed to temperatures above 76 degrees, which can quickly ruin the wine. We recommend storing your wine in a wine cooler for best results.

Myth Number 4: Wines with Corks Are Better than Wines with Screw Caps

There are a lot of myths about wine that have no factual basis. For example, wine bottles that use a cork are often viewed as more expensive, higher quality wines than those that use screw caps. This is likely because corks are more traditional and cost manufacturers more.  

Regardless of the cost, some wines simply fare better with a screw cap. Typically, screw caps are used for white wines to preserve them and retain a crisper taste. However, red wines intended to be aged often work better with a cork.

Some winemakers choose a screw cap to make it easier for you to reseal the bottle without excess oxygen getting inside.

If you’d like to test this and other common wine myths for yourself, try Sol De Luz Gold Digger or Sweet Oaks Brosé which both feature a screw cap instead of a cork.

Explore the Sweet Oaks Wine Collection 

While you can take our word for it, the best way to bust these longstanding myths about wine is to test them yourself. If you’re interested in pairing red wine with seafood, serving white wine at room temperature, or investing in a screw-cap wine, explore the many options available at Redneck Vineyards here.