Fact or Fiction: 5 Wine Myths Busted
Don’t buy wine with a screw-on cap—they’re no good! (Wrong!)
A lighter rosé is the best choice. (Wrong!)
So many mysteries to unfold!
So much misinformation about wine gets passed around that it’s sometimes hard to know what’s true and what’s not. It could be an incorrect statement repeated so much that people think it’s true. Other times it’s the result of someone trying to impress you with their knowledge – that is actually a lack of knowledge. Where do you even begin sorting truth from fiction regarding the topic of wines? Keep reading as we bust some wine myths and help get you on track.
Myth #1: Only low-quality wines have screw-on caps.
Truth: This might have been true at one time, but we can now put closure on that myth. First, wine ages and develops just as nicely in a bottle with a screw-on cap as inside a corked one. And the screw-on cap not only makes the bottle easier to open and protects the wine from any off-flavors a cork can create. So don’t worry. Unscrew that myth and enjoy an excellent no-corkscrew-needed wine.
Myth #2: The best rosés are very light and pale in color.
Truth: The color of rosé doesn’t offer the consumer any information about the quality. The color is actually the result of the pigmentation of the grape itself as well as how much of this color gets transferred into the wine. A sure way to tell the best rosé is to taste it and see if you like it.
Is this how you use this?
Myth #3: Varietal wines are the best quality wines.
Truth: Varietal wines are those named for the grape used in making the wine, such as Chardonnay or Cabernet. These wines can taste amazing, and they can also taste quite ordinary. Many varietal wines don’t consist of only that grape variety, so you never truly know the quality you’re getting until you taste it.
Myth #4: The older the year, the better the wine.
Truth: Even though some aged wines are auctioned off for lots of money, not all older bottles are good. In fact, really good, really old wines are pretty rare. Many factors come into play when preserving wine, including how it’s been stored for all those years. In truth, wine is meant to be enjoyed within the first five years of fermentation, so grab a bottle on the shelves today, and enjoy!
It looks pretty expensive to me!
Myth #5: Choosing more expensive wines is a good idea.
Truth: Oh, please! Yes, it’s true that many good wines are up there in price, but what should you choose? You choose a wine that you like. And just like wearing an evening gown to the beach isn’t the best choice, a $100 bottle of wine isn’t necessary for a backyard cookout. There’s nothing wrong with a $15 bottle of wine for a dinner party or picnic. It’s what’s appropriate for the occasion and always comes back to what you like.
Find out other wine myths vs. facts and learn more about wine at one of Boston Winery’s wine tastings!
