Shital Kakkar Mehra of Soft Skills International, Mumbai-based specialists in Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol, tells you the right way to hold a glass of wine: "During wine-tasting sessions, the most common blunder committed is holding the wine glass by the bowl like it's a cup of tea. While it may look snobbish to some, there are three very good reasons for holding the glass by the stem:
1. Visual: Color and clarity play a critical role in wine appreciation, which are tested by holding a clear glass against light. Does the wine allow light to pass through it partially or is it almost opaque? Is it a young bright red or an old rich mahogany? Is it a young pale white or an old deep gold? Does it have pronounced 'wine legs'? Is there a sediment? While reputed wine glasses offer superb clarity, grubby fingers or fingers wrapped around the bowl of the glass block the view either partially or completely.
2. Temperature: This creates a big impact on the taste of the wine. Whites and Champagnes are served chilled while reds are served at 'room temperature' (18 degrees Centigrade). By holding the bowl, you risk warming the wine, thereby altering its taste.
3. Style Quotient: Good wine glasses are designed with long stems, which look extremely elegant when held the right way. If you are one of those who enjoys holding the bowl, drink your wine from a paper tumbler instead! So go ahead, pinch the stem between the thumb and your fingers and lift the glass gracefully. Some wine veterans and professional wine-tasters prefer to grip the base of the glass besides the stem, which facilitates swirling which in turn releases the flavors trapped in the wine. Slainte.
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