To experience full pleasure of wine, it is important that you serve them at correct temperature. Below are basic temperature guidelines:

Temperature per Wine Types 37-43°F --- White Sweet Wines 41-45°F --- Champagne and Sparkling Wines 46-50°F --- White Dry Young Wines 48-54°F --- White Aged and Pink Wines 52-59°F --- Red Young Wines 54-63°F --- Port and Sherry 58-63°F --- Red Full-body Wines 59-65°F --- Red Aged Wines

Serving Considerations There are important factors to consider when pouring wine at a Wine Tasting Party.

1. Fill glasses only one-third full. This will prevent anyone from swirling wine on your tablecloth or carpeting. 2. Expect to serve about eight to twelve samples from each 750 ml bottle. 3. As a rule, serve white wines before red wines and dry wines before sweet. 4. Blush wines are served as you would serve a rose, in-between white and reds. 5. The serving order is more common sense than etiquette. 6. Sweet wines have a tendency to over power taste buds giving a sensation of bitterness to dry wines.

Sights The first step in tasting process is to examine wine and take note of color, clarity, and transparency of wine. Young wines are typically very clear. Older blends may be expected to have a little sediment. There is a lot to this and it takes a bit of experience to understand which hues are right for each type.

Smell The second step is in pleasure of smelling wine. Swirl wine around in glass which awakens its aromas or bouquets. It is important to take a good sniff of bouquet and try to detect unique fragrances. If are new at this, don´t fret, you will get better over time.

Taste Now fun part of actually tasting wine. Take a sip and roll wine over your tongue. Different parts of tongue will register different tastes so be sure to roll wine around in your mouth. Try to focus on characteristics of wine, such as body, sweetness, tartness, bitterness, and fruitiness. You should also take notice subtleties of wine´s aftertaste.

Descriptive Flavors

• Apple
• Pineapple
• Coconut
• Pear
• Peach
• Honey
• Yeast
• Vanilla
• Butter
• Toast
• Roasted almond or hazelnut

Keep It or Drink It Chardonnay is ready to serve when it is sold. Many of top Chardonnays from California, France, and Australia will continue to improve for up to five years from time it is bottled. Check label or producer's web site for specific recommendations.

Food Combinations The beauty of Chardonnay is that its high acids and full-bodied nature provide it great food matching versatility. It will go very well with most any recipies you serve. It is wonderful with fish, especially salmon.