Vendange wines are sealed with synthetic corks to protect against leaking and spoilage. Synthetic corks are clean, convenient and are not subject to cork taint, which can cause off-flavors in wines.

To open your bottle of Vendange wine:

• With the small knife on your good corkscrew, cut the capsule cleanly beneath the lip of the bottle. (Rotate the bottle as you cut.)
• Hold the bottle by the neck and insert the tip of the corkscrew at an angle and slightly off center. (This helps to prevent cork breakage.) Turn the corkscrew until it is fully into the cork.
• Hook the lever of the corkscrew onto the rim of the bottle. Hold the lever in place with the thumb of the hand that is holding the bottle. Lift up the corkscrew in one firm slow motion until the cork is fully extracted.
• If you prefer, you can remove the cork in two moves. After inserting the tip, turn the corkscrew just until the lever will sit on the rim of the bottle.
• Holding the lever in place, lift up the corkscrew until the cork is halfway or more out of the bottle. Turn the corkscrew the final turns it takes for it to be fully inserted, place the lever, and lift the cork out.

The temperature you choose for serving wine is a matter of personal preference and often depends on the temperature outside. Here are some guidelines:

• White wines are traditionally chilled to around 45-55°F to preserve their lighter aromas, with the richer, fuller-bodied whites like Chardonnay at the warm end of this range and the delicate, lighter-bodied varietals like Pinot Grigio served cooler.
• Red wines are usually served at cool room temperature, about 55-65°F. In winter you’ll probably be comfortable serving them a little warmer, closer to room temperature. Let your own taste and experience be your guide.
• To chill a bottle, place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour, or in an ice bucket (or clean sink) filled with water and ice for about 20 minutes, immersing the bottle up to the neck in cold water.
• Traditional wineglasses have stems to protect wine from the warmth of your hand, and they’re clear so you can appreciate the wine’s color and clarity. That said, you can serve wine in any kind of glass. All glasses need to be washed and rinsed thoroughly to avoid any lingering smell of detergent.
• When pouring wine, fill a standard 4-6 ounce wine glass 1/2 to 2/3 full. This leaves room to appreciate the bouquet and for swirling. A 750ml wine bottle serves 3-4 people, and the 1.5 liter bottle serves 6-8. Plan for 1-2 glasses per person at a meal.

Wine is extremely susceptible to extremes of heat and light. Here are some tips for keeping your wine fresh and delicious:

• Store your unopened bottles of wine in a dark, cool place until ready to serve. Optimum storage temperature is 53-59°F.
• In warm climates, wines may be stored in a refrigerator for a few months, but it’s best not to keep them permanently chilled.

Have an opened bottle or two left over? Here are some guidelines:

• Opened Vendange wines may be recorked and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to enjoy as desired.
• Prior to serving, remove the wine from the refrigerator and bring to the temperature you prefer.
• Leftover wine, both red and white, can also be a great addition to home cooking in soups, sauces and marinades.