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No matter the time or place, wine is and always will be deeply loved and appreciated.

Wine is one of the oldest tipples in the world, with evidence of it tracing back to 8 000 years ago, and in 2022 alone, worldwide wine production topped a whopping 258 million hectoliters. That’s a staggering amount of wine and enough to fill a 25.8 million cubic metre bottle.

Surprisingly, despite its popularity, there are still several common mistakes that many people make when it comes to drinking the good stuff.

When you crack open an expensive bottle of wine from your favourite spot in the Franschhoek Winelands, you want to be able to linger in its fineness and get as much bang for your buck.

A bottle of Anthonij Rupert Cabernet Franc 2016 Magnum vintage, with a seductive bouquet of berry compote and a gentle herb and violet sheen backed by a subtle earthy note, worth a solid R1 340 per bottle, needs to be treated like the gem of a wine that it is.

In that case, here are some of the common blunders that you can learn about to avoid making them in the future, and ensure you’re doing the utmost to enjoy every sip for all its worth.

1. Incorrect storing

The Daily Meal notes that one of the biggest wine-drinking mistakes happens before the wine even hits your glass.

While not everyone can afford the luxury of a kitted-out wine cellar, if you are storing wine for any significant amount of time, the bottles should be stored correctly, and by that, we mean on the side.

This is especially important for cork-topped bottles as the corks can dry out if stored vertically, causing the seal on the bottle to break and the wine to age.

Secondly, wine should be stored at a relatively cool temperature, with the average being just 12 degrees Celcius, in order to prolong the quality and taste of your wine.

Consider the Anthonij Rupert Blend 2015 – with its harmonious, graceful, and richly textured oak platform, and long, impactful, and memorable flavour – which will benefit from more ageing to reveal its full complexity.

2. Drinking wine that has been open for a long time

A truly fine bottle of wine shouldn’t make it past the night, but if it does, you need to consider that it will typically not last past a week or so on the counter before it starts to go bad.

“As soon as that bottle of wine is open, you are allowing everything the seal kept out to get in. This can be bacteria, but even things like oxygen will have an effect on the wine. Think of it like a bag of chips. As long as the bag is sealed, the chips will stay crispy and flavorful, but the clock starts ticking as soon as the bag is open.”

Most wines last between three and six days once open, though sparkling wines are only good for a day or two. I’ve heard putting a spoon in place of the cork can also keep it bubbly for longer.

You can store the wine in the fridge and hope for the best next time you reach for a glass, but the better bet is drinking what you have while you have it.

If it is as good as the everyday drinking wine by Anthonij Rupert, the Protea range, then you won’t need to refrigerate it nor will you want to wait for later:

 

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The Protea range includes all the usual white wines, like a chenin blanc, a chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Pinot Grigio, a rosé, as well as a merlot, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz on the red side. Each bottle goes for R85, which is a steal for such quality and calibre.

3. Not letting red wine breathe

Then again, sometimes, good things do come to those who wait. When it comes to truly enjoying all that a good wine can provide, you’ll want to give it a moment to breathe.

Letting wine breathe simply means exposing it to air to oxidise. While over-oxidised wine can be a problem, there is a happy medium to be found here. When you let the wine breathe — especially young red wines — it can have a softening effect on the flavour and aroma. Pour your wine, and give it a few swirls to help encourage the oxidation process.

 

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There are some wines that do not benefit from breathing, including many white wines and vintage wines – for those, it is okay to pour and drink them right away.

4. Only drinking wine based on colour

Asking the question “red or white?” might make you look like a simp. That is because wine is so complex and nuanced that it ought not to be distilled down to a single colour choice. While it is okay to have preferences, only drinking one of one colour can lead to a less fulfilling wine experience.

“There are variations in acidity, mouth feel, and sweetness within wine. Before asking yourself what colour you want your wine to be, ask yourself if you want a light and crisp wine or a rich and bold wine. Think about how sweet you like your wine and what tasting notes you are looking for.”