Dr. David Muhleman

The-Wine-Educator    WINE & SPIRITS EDUCATION AND CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE CONSUMER AND THE PROFESSIONAL

Dr. Dave’s Wine Rules (21 Rules to drink wine by)

Rule #1. There is an exception to every Rule, including Rule #1.

Rule #2. Facts change. (The world is not flat).

Rule #3. All wines are good wines, some are more appropriate in a given situation than others.

Rule #4. The term “Wine” means “grapes;” specifically vitis vinifera (wine grapes). Not dandelions or other fruit.

Rule #5. Size matters. The glass you use changes the taste of the wine (both size and shape).

Rule #6. Temperature matters. Whether drinking wine, or cellaring wine, temperature matters. At 80 degrees wine dies.

Rule #7. If a wine glass has a stem, use it. The glass maker put it there for a reason.

Rule #8. There are 3 styles of wine: sparkling, still, and fortified.

Rule #9. Anyone claiming to be a wine expert; isn’t.

Rule #10. All wine gets better with age. Some reach their peak in 4 weeks and some in 4 decades.

Rule #11 Drink the cheapest wine you enjoy; for that time and that place.

Rule #12 No one wine goes with all occasions; neither does any one food.

Rule #13 Beware of wine advisors who work on commission. Their tastes change with the profits. Not every wine is “killer”.

Rule #14 Most wine is ruined each year by aging TOO long. All wine eventually goes bad; the question is when.

Rule #15 Pair heavy wines with heavy foods and light wines with light foods; regardless of color.

Rule #16 The best wine comes from hillside grapes, either mountain sides or valley sides; not the valley floor or river bottom.

Rule #17 No wine tastes exactly the same the second time; because you have changed and the wine has changed.

Rule #18 It is appropriate to drink Champagne out of any container; from a crystal flute to a lady’s shoe (even a can).

Rule #19 Most people do not know how to spit wine properly. Unless you taste a LOT of wine; sip and swallow.

Rule #20 Beauty is in the eye (nose, and palate) of the beholder.

Rule #21 Don’t judge a wine by its label!!!!! (or it’s price tag).