Pressure Caps

Ever open a bottle of bubbly, not finish it and wonder how to close it up again? The cork that came out of the bottle usually mushrooms out and can’t be used again. If you put a regular wine cork in the bottle, the pressure within spits it out after a bit. What you need is a “pressure cap”. Usually made of metal, it’s a specially designed closer that has a plastic or rubber plug and arms or clamps that come down the sides to grip the lip of bottle, preventing the plug from being spit back out. Simply pull up the arms or clamps to reopen. Available at most stores that sell wine gadgets, it’s the only way to reclose a bottle of sparkles. For some reason though, I don’t seem to need one at my house.

Wine for Red Meat

If you’re a lover of red meat like beef or lamb, you’ll need particular red wines to match them. This may sound weird but the reason red wine and red meat go so well together is because the blood or protein in the meat meshes nicely with tannin in red wine. So if you like grilled or roasted red meat more rare, you’ll want a red wine with more tannin. Varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Pinotage and Nebbiolo or styles like red Bordeaux and Meritage can provide the necessary tannin to work well. Often younger vintages do a better job. Well-done red meats and stewed versions possess less protein or tannin, so softer reds or older vintages are good choices. Enjoy.

Wine as an Investment

Considering investing in wine to make a profit? Probably NOT a good idea! Far too many variables like storage conditions, previous history, bottle variation, agibility, insurance and its evolution while in your possession, can affect it. You might pay less for wine when it’s younger but its intrinsic value may not necessarily increase with age. However, stocking up on wine and maturing it yourself, if applicable, is an exciting and convenient proposition as you always have a decent stash to draw from without having to run out to the store. If you’re a wine lover, there’s no finer pleasure than retrieving a special bottle from your own cellar to enhance a meal. Consider it an investment in good taste instead.

Virtual Wineries

Ever dreamed of owning a winery but couldn’t afford it? Well, you can. It’s called a virtual winery. You strike a deal renting space and equipment in an existing winery, and fund grape growing and winemaking instead. This way cash flow focuses on what really matters…the product. Legalities and government regulations are fewer as you operate under an existing winery’s licence and are viewed as another label under the winery's umbrella. You market and sell the wines yourself, via the Internet, phone or word of mouth. Far less risky and expensive, your product could have a pretty good reputation by the time you’re ready to go big time. Certainly something to think about over a glass of vino!