As English Wine Week approaches, there’s a growing appetite for exploring the incredible array of wines now being produced across the UK, from refined sparkling varieties in Sussex to aromatic whites from Kent and beyond.
But while interest in English wine continues to rise, many wine lovers remain uncertain about how best to serve, store, and enjoy these wines at their full potential.
To help elevate your at-home wine experience this summer, ASKO, the premium Scandinavian appliance brand, has partnered with Andreas Larrson, Best Sommelier of the World (ASI, 2007) to share his expert advice on how to enjoy your wine the right way- just in time for celebrating the best of British vintages.
- Select the right glassware
“Choosing the right glassware is extremely important, as a fine wine can easily be spoiled by the wrong glassware,” Andreas explains. “For wine enthusiasts, it’s well worth investing in a variety of glassware suited to different wine styles, such as sparkling crisp white wines, fuller-bodied whites, or Pinot-Noir reds. I’d recommend using a flute styled glass for Champagne and other sparkling wines as they will help preserve the bubbles and keep those aromas locked in. Smaller U-shaped glasses are a great choice for crisp white wines as they help maintain their cooler temperature, while fuller-bodied white wines like Chardonnay will benefit from a slightly larger glass that allows more aeration.”
- Consider the serving temperature
“For me, red wines are best served at around 16C, though this can be adjusted based on personal preference and the style. Fortified wines with higher alcohol content are better at cellar temperature, which is roughly around 12-14C as this softens the alcohol impression.” Andreas adds “Ultimately, personal preference should lead, but in general, white wines are served best between 8-12C.”
- Avoid light exposure and high heat
“Exposure to light is one of the most damaging factors to wine, followed closely by warm storage conditions. Serving red wine at standard room temperature is another habit that continues to surprise me – it simply doesn’t do the wine justice!”
- Preserve bottles once opened
“White wines can last 2-3 days if properly stored, but lighter reds may fade within 24 hours. For longer enjoyment, I’d recommend using a wine preservation system or keeping open bottles in a temperature-controlled wine cabinet.”
- Be curious and explore new varieties
“English Wine Week is the perfect time to explore new producers and varietals. There’s a wealth of content online, but I personally believe that books are the most effective way to learn –The World of Atlas Wine remains a timeless reference. I also encourage people to try unfamiliar wines regularly, taste them with friends, and pair different styles with meals to understand how wine complements food. Visiting wine bars is another great way to stay informed and discover current wine trends.”
Andreas continues: “I’d recommend investing in a wine cabinet that protects your bottle collection from light and heat while keeping them at optimal temperature, such as ASKO’s Wine Climate Cabinet. I love its integrated serving area which lets you maintain the right environment for glasses and accessories, plus its ability to customise lighting, colour and warmth allows it to seamlessly complement any interior.”
ASKO’s Wine Climate Cabinet is the perfect addition to help you store your wine as it contains three temperature zones for different types of wine, each of which can be meticulously controlled. Not only does it chill drinks perfectly, but it also features a Virtual Sommelier feature – allowing you to learn more about your wine’s provenance and tasting notes, so you always have an Andreas Larsson at hand to share top tips.
Looking for something a little smaller? ASKO’s Under-Counter Wine Cooler offers a secure home for your precious wine collection and stores the bottles in the best possible conditions.
For more information about ASKO, or to view their full product portfolio, please visit https://uk.asko.com/.