Sonal C Holland, Master of Wine’s Post

Swirling wine: Just fancy or immensely useful 🍷 You might have seen wine connoisseurs swirl wine in their glass, but they don't do so just because it looks fancy. Swirling wine in your glass helps it open up, unlocking its bouquet of wonderful and delicious aromas. But how does that happen? When you swirl wine, it comes into contact with the oxygen in the air which releases hundreds of aromatic compounds present in the beverage. These aromatic compounds will linger in the bowl of your glass and reach your nose when you lift and tilt it to taste the wine. In the case of red wines, this process also helps soften the tannins, giving them a mellower and well-rounded structure. So, it's just like tossing the ingredients of your dish in a pan and stirring them with a ladle to bring all the flavours together and release all its fragrances. Do you swirl wine? Tell us in the comments section 💬 and share this video with your wine enthusiast friends and help them learn something new and interesting. Cheers! 🥂 #sonalholland #masterofwine #winetips #wineexpert #learnwine

Known for its richly spiced flavor and comforting, warm feel, mulled wine is a classic, festive beverage often served across Europe in holiday markets. With origins dating back to the 2nd century, mulled wine was first created in the Roman Empire as Romans added honey, spices, and dates to boiled wine for a fragrant, hot drink, perfect for cold winter days. As the Empire continued to spread throughout the European region, so did the tradition of mulled or spiced wine, evolving into the many different recipes and variants found around the world today. Celebrate the season by mixing up your own batch of mulled wine, from our recipe below: INGREDIENTS: 1 Bottle of Inexpensive Red Wine 1 Orange, Sliced ¼ Cup of Brandy ¼ Cup of Honey 8-10 Whole Cloves 2 Cinnamon Sticks 2 Star Anise 1-2 Oranges, Zested   DIRECTIONS: 1.   Pour the red wine into a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. 2.   Add the rest of the ingredients, gently stirring to combine. 3.   Heat the mixture until it is just below boiling, 170-180˚F. Be careful not to bring to a full boil. 4.   Once heated, reduce the heat and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. 5.   Strain the mulled wine and serve in mugs or glasses. 6.   Garnish with extra orange slices and cinnamon sticks.   #HolidayHistory #MulledWine #Flavor #Fragrance

When evaluating wine like an expert, there are some key steps you need to take. This is the second in a series looking at the steps pros use when evaluating a glass of 🍷 wine. 👃 Smell: Once you’ve looked at your wine and made some mental notes, now it’s time to take in the aroma. Give your glass a swirl and hover your nose above it, taking a few quick, short sniffs. The aromas will help you with the following characteristics: Your wine should smell like 🍇 fresh fruit unless it is very old, very sweet, or very cold. You may pick up on some citrus, floral, or herbal scents as well. Some wines have an earthy scent, others pick up the scent of the barrel, translating to vanilla, chocolate, or espresso. Secondary aromas may include a 🍯 honey or caramel scent. Very young white wines may even smell a little bit of yeast. Your wine is probably spoiled if it smells like a musty attic, vinegar, or a sweaty saddle. Enjoy a guided tasting here at Barrel Oak and awaken your senses with our fine wines! https://buff.ly/3GuYBw1 #barreloak #localwinery #premiumwine

The thicker the tears the better the quality of wine, is this true? Wine tears are the streaks that form on the inside of a glass when you swirl it. When you swirl the wine in your glass, the alcohol in it starts evaporating and the remaining liquid collects on the inner surface of the glass to form droplets that slide down to create a streak. Many people associate legs and tears in a wine with its quality, but this is not correct. Wine legs are simply indicative of the alcohol and sugar content of the beverage. The more the alcohol and sugar in the drink, the thicker the tears will be. Since all wines have a certain amount of sugar and alcohol, they are bound to have some legs. Besides, it is impossible to discern the percentage of sugar and alcohol in your wine by simply looking at the tears. So instead of ogling at its legs, enjoy the wine's taste. If you have a friend who thinks good quality wines have thicker legs, tag them in the comments section and don't forget to hit that follow button. #sonalholland #masterofwine #winetips #qualitywine #winestagram

A balanced wine should have its basic flavor components in good proportion. Our taste buds detect sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Sweet (residual sugar) and sour (acidity) are obviously important components of wine. Saltiness is rarely encountered and bitterness should be more a feeling of astringency (from tannins) than actual bitter flavors. Most dry wines will display a mix of flavors derived from the aromas, along with the tastes of the acids, tannins and alcohol, which cannot generally be detected simply by smell.There is no single formula for all wines, but there should always be balance between the flavors. If a wine is too sour, too sugary, too astringent, too hot (alcoholic), too bitter, or too flabby (lack of acid) then it is not a well-balanced wine. If it is young, it is not likely to age well; if it is old, it may be falling apart or perhaps completely gone. #tastingtuesday #bionicbottles #bionic #winemakers #newyork #wine #femaleownedbusiness #koreanownedbusiness #winemakerslife #newyorkcity #newyorklife #newyorknewyork #winelover #drinkwine #winemoments #welovewine #wineinstagram #winesofinstagram

- Use a wine glass with a large enough bowl to be able to swirl a 1.5 ounce taste of wine.  - Take short breaths through your nose and breathe out through your mouth to capture the most aroma. The first sip of wine will give you the most information, so pay attention before your taste buds get fatigued.  - Don’t forget to spit rather than swallow your tastes if you want to keep your senses sharp.  When tasting wine, take note of how the wine impacts each of your senses. How does it look? How does it smell? How does it taste? What is the texture of the wine in your mouth? What is your overall impression of the wine? If you are using a graded scale, assign numeric values for each of these categories, then add them up for your final score. #tastingtuesday #bionicbottles #bionic #winemakers #newyork #wine #femaleownedbusiness #koreanownedbusiness #winemakerslife #newyorkcity #newyorklife #newyorknewyork #winelover #drinkwine #winemoments #welovewine #wineinstagram #winesofinstagram

Debunking the Myth: Red Wine and Chocolate Pairing Is red wine and chocolate a match made in heaven? Contrary to popular belief, pairing dry red wine with chocolate can actually lead to a less enjoyable taste experience. Let's explore why this pairing might not work and what alternatives can enhance your chocolate indulgence. 1️⃣ Chocolate contains flavonoids and bitter compounds, similar to the tannins found in red wine. When combined, these elements can amplify bitterness, leaving your palate feeling dry and acidic, with the fruitiness of the wine being overshadowed. 2️⃣ The natural sweetness of chocolate requires a wine that is equally or sweeter. Dry red wines fall short in this regard, often making the chocolate taste muted and flavorless. Instead, opt for sweet wines like Moscato, Sauternes, or a sweet Riesling to elevate milk chocolate's flavors. 3️⃣ For both milk and dark chocolate, sweet and fiery port wines like Ruby Port, Tony Port, or Vintage Port provide an excellent match. Their sweetness can withstand and complement the chocolate's richness, enhancing the overall pairing experience. While red wine and chocolate may seem like an ideal pairing, the reality is that the combination can result in a bitter and flavorless experience. By choosing sweeter wines, you can better complement and enhance the flavors of your chocolate treats. Are there other food and wine pairings you're curious about? Let me know in the comments below, and I'll share more insights from the wine world. Cheers! 🥂 #sonalholland #masterofwine #WinePairing #ChocolateAndWine #WineLovers #FoodAndWine #SweetWine #WineTruths

Single Malt Similar To Wine? If you love wine, you'll be surprised at the similarities it shares with single malt whisky. Here are three compelling reasons why wine enthusiasts should explore the world of single malt whisky. 1️⃣ While wine is crafted from grapes and single malt whisky from barley, both offer a remarkable diversity and complexity in their flavors. 2️⃣ Both beverages are usually aged in oak barrels in order to provide flavor and allow the ingredients time to integrate for balance. 3️⃣ Many whiskies today are matured in sherry casks, imparting fruit-forward notes and an elegant finish on the palate. This similarity allows wine lovers to easily connect with these whiskies. The PaulJohnWhisky Oloroso Select Cask is perfect for wine lovers, with sherry-influenced flavors and a sophisticated finish. It pairs beautifully with rich dishes like roasted duck, aged cheeses, or dark chocolate desserts. Share this video with other wine and single malt enthusiasts so that they can add a dash of fun, adventure and variety to their drinking experience. Cheers 🥂 #sonalholland #masterofwine #whisky #whiskylover #wineenthusiasts

Wine 101: The Five S's of Tasting: Wine tasting is an art that engages all your senses. The Five S's of Tasting are the keys to unlocking the full experience: See: The color of a wine provides subtle hints about its age and grape variety. For red wines, observe if it leans towards a youthful purple or a mature brick-red. Whites can range from a pale straw to a deeper golden hue. Swirl: Gently agitating the wine in your glass isn't just for show. It's a technique that aerates the wine, releasing its complex aromas. Take note of the "legs" or the streaks that form on the side of the glass. These can offer insights into the wine's viscosity and alcohol content. Sniff: The aromas of a wine are a tapestry of scents waiting to be discovered. Inhale deeply and let your olfactory senses guide you. From fruity notes like berries or citrus to floral hints and even the subtle embrace of oak, each whiff reveals a layer of the wine's personality. Sip: Take a small sip, allowing the wine to coat your palate. Pay attention to the primary flavors. Is it fruit-forward, marked by tannins, or does it dance on the spectrum between sweet and dry? The initial sip sets the stage for the evolving experience. Savor: The final act is to savor the wine's finish. How long do the flavors linger after you've swallowed? A short finish may leave you wanting more, while a long finish can be a symphony of aftertastes. It's the conclusion to a sensory journey.🍷✨ #winebottle #winetravel #winemoments #winetips #winestories #winetourist