WINE GUIDE

Description:

• Serve young wines before old (older wines are more robust).
• Serve white wines before red wines.
• Serve light-bodied wines before full-bodied ones.
• Serve dry wines before sweet, as a dry wine following a sweet one tends to taste sour.
• White table wines should be served at about 55°F/13°C, so count on storing it for approximately 2 hours in the fridge.
• Let fine red wines breathe for several hours before serving. The older the wine, the less time it needs to breathe; the younger, the more time it needs.  Red wines should be served at cool room temperature (65° F/18°C), so if it’s warm in the room, simply put it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.

Much of the pleasure you get from a good glass of wine is in the aroma, so before you taste it, swirl the wine around your glass to reveal its bouquet, then breathe in its fragrance. (To ensure you've got enough room to get a good swirl, never fill your wine glasses more than half full!)  Depending on the type of wine you are drinking, you may discover hints of familiar smells such as vanilla, citrus, apples, flowers, plums, wood, and even chocolate.

Once you are ready to taste, take a small sip, roll it around in your mouth to expose it to all your taste buds, and breathe in a little air to once again release the aroma as you are tasting. Notice the taste and the "texture”— is it light and refreshing, or full and robust? Remember, you don't have to be a "connoisseur" to enjoy wine…all you need to know is what you like!

Wines are best paired with foods that complement their flavor.  For help, check out our handy wine pairing guide.  link is below

http://www.rosetto.com/wine_pairing.php

the above link is a helpful, informative little article on wine and wine pairing.

source :  Rosetto Pasta Site

This is enjoyable:

How to make a proper toast 

• When making a toast never bang on a glass; simply stand, holding your glass in the air. (can we lightly tap on it?)

• After you have the attention of the group, set your glass down, make the toast, then raise your glass again and ask the group to do the same as you say your closing words.

• Guests should respond by taking a sip of their drink. The person being toasted does not drink until the toast is completed.

simple toasts to commit to memory...

May you both live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.

May your troubles be less
And your blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door.

May misfortune follow you the rest of your life, but never catch up.

"Living well is the best revenge"  (my personal favourite)

There are good ships,
And there are wood ships,
the ships that sail the sea
but the best ships
are friendhips
and may they always be.

 To the Land we Love, and the Love we Land!

"Eat, drink and be Merry, for tommorrow you may be in ......(fill in blanks)