Storing and serving Cannonau wine, like any fine wine, is crucial to maintaining its quality and enhancing the overall tasting experience. Cannonau, renowned for its robust flavors and deep aromas, deserves special attention to ensure that every bottle reaches its full potential. Here’s a guide on how to properly store and serve Cannonau wine.
Storing Cannonau Wine
- Ideal Temperature:
– Storage Temperature: Cannonau should be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C). Temperatures that are too high can spoil the wine, while too cold can hinder its development.
– Serving Temperature: Cannonau is best served slightly below room temperature, at around 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C). This allows the complex flavors to be fully expressed.
- Humidity Control:
– The ideal humidity level for wine storage is between 50% and 70%. Too little humidity can dry out corks, allowing air to enter the bottle, while too much humidity can promote mold growth.
– Humidity can be controlled using a dedicated wine fridge or by placing a water bowl or wet sponge in your storage area.
- Dark Environment:
– Store Cannonau away from direct sunlight and fluorescent lights, which can degrade the wine. If you’re using a wine cabinet, choose one with UV-filtering glass.
- Bottle Position:
– Horizontal Storage: Keep bottles horizontal to ensure the cork remains moist, which keeps the seal tight and prevents air from entering the bottle.
– If you’re using a vertical position, ensure that the bottles are sealed tightly.
- Vibration Minimization:
– Store wine in a low-vibration area. Frequent movement can disturb the sediment and affect the wine’s flavor.
Serving Cannonau Wine
- Decanting:
– Consider decanting older or richer varieties of Cannonau to allow the wine to breathe. This enhances aromas and softens tannins. Decanting for 30 minutes to an hour is usually sufficient.
– For younger wines, particularly those that are fruit-forward, decanting may not be necessary but can still enhance the tasting experience.
- Glassware:
– Use a light and elegant glass with a wide bowl to allow the wine to aerate and release its complex aromas. A standard red wine glass works well.
– Avoid using stemless glasses as they can affect the wine’s temperature and make it more challenging to enjoy the aromatic profile.
- Pouring Technique:
– Pour about one-third of the glass for optimal aeration, allowing room for aromas to develop and be enjoyed. Tilt the glass slightly while pouring to control the flow and minimize disturbance.
- Food Pairing:
– Cannonau pairs well with a variety of dishes, enhancing the dining experience. It complements hearty meats, game, roasts, and rich pasta dishes, as well as aged cheeses.
– Consider serving Cannonau with traditional Sardinian dishes, such as porceddu (roast suckling pig) or pasta with meat sauce, to create a harmonious pairing.
- Serving Technique:
– Serve Cannonau in a moderately cool state for optimal flavor. Before serving, let the bottle sit upright for a few days leading up to the dinner, allowing any sediment to settle.
– If serving older wines, gently pour to minimize sediment disturbance. For younger, fruit-forward wines, a stronger pour can be fine.
- Leftover Cannonau:
– If you do not finish a bottle, store it upright in a cool, dark space, and consume it within a few days. Using a vacuum pump to remove air can help preserve the wine for an extra day or two.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines for storing and serving Cannonau wine, you can enhance the quality and enjoyment of this delicious Sardinian wine. From the right temperature to proper glassware, every detail contributes to bringing out the unique characteristics of Cannonau, ensuring a delightful tasting experience.
